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FLORIDA DEMOCRATIC PARTY CELEBRATES TWO YEARS OF BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE LAW
Chair Nikki Fried highlights historic investments made in Florida, criticizes Rick Scott and Ron DeSantis for attempting to stonewall infrastructure efforts
Today marks the second anniversary of President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. In response, the Florida Democratic Party has issued the following statement:
“President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has brought billions of our tax dollars back into the State of Florida, with even more still to come,” said FDP Chair Nikki Fried. “The numbers are eye popping: $13.3 billion towards Florida’s roads and bridges, $1.5 billion towards hurricane resiliency, and $1.1 billion towards rural broadband are just the start of President Biden’s historic investment in Florida’s future.
“Even though they’ve tried to take credit for the infrastructure funding, extremist Republicans like Rick Scott and Ron DeSantis want to keep these critical federal dollars out of the State of Florida; Ron even rejected $24 million dollars of funding for rural communities. When the extremist leaders of the GOP are given power, they side with billionaires and large corporations while leaving the working class behind — that’s why we have to re-elect President Biden next year to finish the job.”
Here’s how President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to deliver for Florida:
- ROADS AND BRIDGES: In Florida, there are 455 bridges and over 3,144 miles of highway in poor condition. Florida is expected to receive approximately $13.3 billion over five years in federal funding for highways and bridges.The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will rebuild Florida’s roads and includes the single largest dedicated bridge investment since the construction of the Interstate Highway System.
- INTERNET: Florida has received $1.2 billion through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program to provide access to high-speed internet to everyone in Florida. In addition, over 1.5 million Floridian households are enrolled in the Affordable Connectivity Program — meaning that many eligible households are receiving high speed internet without paying a dime.
- RESILIENCE: In the last decade, Florida has experienced 10 extreme weather events, costing the state up to $227 billion in damages. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law makes a historic investment to bolster our resilience against pressing challenges like impacts of the climate crisis, extreme weather events, and other hazards. To date, approximately $1.5 billion has been allocated to Florida for infrastructure resilience, including $51.5 million through the Army Corps of Engineers for flood mitigation.
- WATER: The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law represents the largest investment in water infrastructure in American history, including the first-ever dedicated federal funding to replace lead service lines and address dangerous PFAS chemicals. To date, $800 million has been announced to provide clean and safe water and improve water infrastructure across Florida.
- PUBLIC TRANSIT: The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law makes the largest investment in public transit in U.S. history. To date, Florida has been allocated $1.1 billion to improve public transportation options across the state.
- AIRPORTS: The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests $25 billion in airports to replace and modernize airport infrastructure, which helps the U.S. become more economically competitive globally, creates good jobs, and revitalizes and supports more efficient and enhanced traveler experience. To date, Florida has received approximately $644.6 million for airports.
- PORTS AND WATERWAYS: The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests $17 billion in port infrastructure to strengthen our supply chains, address maintenance backlogs, and reduce congestion and emissions near ports — ultimately helping our country move goods more quickly and at lower cost. To date, Florida has received roughly $146.6 million for ports and waterways.