Mohamed Bughrara
According to a fact sheet distributed by the White House, over 950 bridges and 1,900 miles of highway need critical attention in Wisconsin. However, thanks to President Biden’s bipartisan infrastructure bill, our state will be able to improve and upgrade our systemic infrastructure. In addition, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will fund a variety of projects, such as establishing an accessible framework of Electric Vehicle chargers, decreasing infrastructural impacts from climate change, and accessible clean drinking water.
Wisconsin was given a C grade on the infrastructure report card by the American Society of Civil Engineers. The Badger state’s commuting times have increased 2.8 percent since 2011, and each driver pays an average of $547 per year in additional costs as a result of driving on damaged roads.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework will invest more than $312 billion to upgrade our nation’s transportation infrastructure, including $110 billion for roads, bridges, and large-scale projects. This makes the Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework the single largest devoted bridge investment since the National Highway System’s creation.
Wisconsin will receive $841 million over five years to improve water infrastructure across Wisconsin neighborhoods and ensure that clean, safe drinking water is a right in all neighborhoods, under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
Wisconsin will also receive $20 million over five years under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to defend against wildfires and $18 million to protect against cyberattacks, based on previous formula funding levels. The bill’s record $3.5 billion national investment in long-term and sustainable weatherization practices will also lower energy bills for families and young adults in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin expects to receive $79 million over five years to facilitate the establishment of the state’s EV charging network. Wisconsin will also be able to apply for a part of the bill’s $2.5 billion in grant funding for EV charging.
