Larsen: Bold, FDR-like investment in nation’s infrastructure will create jobs, fight climate change

||| FROM THE OFFICE OF REP. RICK LARSEN |||

EVERETT, WA – Today, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) released a comprehensive report highlighting local transportation infrastructure needs in Washington’s Second Congressional District and calling for aggressive and progressive federal investment in the nation’s transportation network. A senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Larsen released the report in advance of Thursday’s full Committee hearing with DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

“The nation needs a bold, FDR-like investment in the U.S. transportation network to create jobs, drive economic recovery, ensure the safety of the traveling public and foster cleaner and greener innovation,” said Larsen. “Local leaders and stakeholders in my district have showed me how federal funding will help complete long-standing projects and keep people and the economy moving. I am committed to strengthening federal investment in Washington’s transportation and infrastructure to put people back to work and combat climate change.”

Larsen’s Priorities for Long-Term Infrastructure Package

In the report, Larsen lays out a comprehensive plan to address the needs of local communities, create well-paying jobs, ensure the safety of the traveling public and advance innovation to help the nation achieve long-term economic recovery. His priorities include:

• Providing more grant opportunities for small and medium-sized cities like Mountlake Terrace and Oak Harbor that are unable to compete for funding with higher impact areas
• Improving access to STEM-based apprenticeships and career and technical education programs to diversify and grow the transportation workforce
• Expanding fleets of electric buses and low/no emission ferries to reduce pollution and improve transit options
• Improving bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure to promote safety, increase mobility options, and reduce traffic congestion and pollution
• Replacing or repairing aging bridges to ensure safety of traveling public
• Investing in Puget Sound recovery to protect endangered wildlife populations and help coastal communities threatened by climate change
• Implementing environmental justice policies and dismantling systemic barriers communities face
• Boosting research on and expand use of resilient, cutting-edge materials in infrastructure projects to improve safety, promote resiliency, reduce emissions and support local jobs

Background

In Washington state, transportation means jobs and is key to economic recovery. Since 2019, Larsen has toured 38 transportation projects across the Second District that local leaders identified as critical to the movement of people and goods in their communities. Last year, he supported a comprehensive, long-term transportation package that would have invested nearly $7 billion over five years in Washington’s transportation network, including nearly $5 billion in highways and more than $2 billion in transit. Larsen recently met with Secretary Buttigieg to outline his priorities for a long-term infrastructure package. The Association of Washington Business estimates Washington state’s total infrastructure needs to be more than $222 billion, including $146 billion for highways and local roads.

Resources

For Larsen’s transportation report, click here.

For Larsen’s priorities for a long-term infrastructure package, click here.