November 6, 2021 Press ReleaseWASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today after a bipartisan coalition in the House passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act last night: "Today is a great day for Marylanders. Now that the House has passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Marylanders can look forward to much-needed investments to modernize our roads, bridges, and ports while creating jobs and spurring economic growth. This legislation will repair and rebuild deteriorating roads and bridges across our state, putting the safety and reliability of our commuters first. With over 237 bridges and 2,201 miles of highway in subpar condition right here in Maryland, this bill is expected to provide $4.1 billion for highway aid and $409 million for bridge replacement and repairs over the next five years while also delivering significant economic growth to our local communities. "Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Maryland's public transit will receive an estimated $1.7 billion over the next five years to help revitalize the 23% of transit vehicles that are past their useful life. Importantly, the legislation secures robust federal investment in our region's transportation, with over $150 million to WMATA over the next eight years to improve safety and repair."I remain focused on addressing the climate crisis, so I'm pleased that this bill will provide $238 million for the health and restoration of our Chesapeake Bay. It will also establish the first-ever national network of Electric Vehicle chargers in the United States, providing Maryland with $63 million to support the expansion of our own charging network and investing heavily in the future of electric vehicles as we move toward a clean energy future."This pandemic has exposed the need for reliable high-speed internet. I've spoken extensively with leaders in Maryland's Fifth District about the urgent need for high-speed internet, and I am very glad to announce that this legislation will also provide our state with a minimum of $200 million for broadband coverage. For the hundreds of thousands of Marylanders who currently do not have access to high-speed broadband, including low-income and rural households, this expansion is especially critical. "This legislation will help Maryland meet the needs of our people with investments that give communities the tools they need to build back better. I was proud to bring this bill to the Floor and ensure its passage, sending it to the President's desk to be signed into law. For far too long our infrastructure has been allowed to fall into disrepair, posing harm to the communities that rely on it. Now, with this historic legislation – one of two pieces of the President's larger Build Back Better Agenda – we can have an infrastructure system that is more competitive, more revitalized, and more climate-conscious, for the future of all Marylanders."