Larsen: Surface transportation bill key to infrastructure-based COVID-19 recovery

— from the Office of Rep. Rick Larsen —

EVERETT, WA – On Wednesday, June 17, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee will consider the INVEST in America Act, a comprehensive surface transportation bill that will invest nearly $7 billion over the next five years in Washington state’s transportation network. Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02), a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, released the below statement before Wednesday’s full Committee markup:

“Federal investment in Washington state’s infrastructure means jobs and is key to economic recovery in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The INVEST in America Act is part of a long-term vision to put people back to work, jumpstart the economy and make the transportation network smarter, safer, and greener.

“You cannot have a big-league economy with little league infrastructure. This bill invests nearly $7 billion in Washington state’s transportation systems to boost economic recovery and improve safety, efficiency and accessibility. Although the bill significantly increases surface transportation funding, it falls short in helping America’s medium-sized cities. I will continue to push for my legislation, the BUILD UP Act, to ensure medium-sized cities in Northwest Washington and across the country can access vital federal funding to address their infrastructure needs.

“The future of the U.S. transportation network must be greener and cleaner. The INVEST in America Act advances 21st-century clean transportation initiatives to build resiliency, foster clean fuel infrastructure, and promote zero-emission technologies and multi-modal transportation — including pedestrian and bicyclist infrastructure.

“Infrastructure investments also benefit the jobs of tomorrow. This bill improves workforce development programs and job training to better prepare the next generation of U.S transportation workers. It also includes a bipartisan provision I introduced to promote career opportunities and improve diversity in the transportation workforce.

“My top priority is creating jobs and investing in the foundation of long-term economic growth in the Pacific Northwest. I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance this bill and help the nation’s economy move forward.”

For a summary of the INVEST in America Act, click here.