Investing in Central New York’s infrastructure is vital for economic development and improves our quality of life. The new federal infrastructure law includes key investments for our region’s transportation and broadband services and will help protect our natural resources for future generations. These historic infrastructure investments complement the victories I’ve helped secure at the state level so we can build back stronger than before.

Transportation systems can propel economic development and uplift communities, but, unfortunately, some past decisions have stifled formerly prospering areas. As part of a pilot program to correct these design choices, the federal law allocates $1 billion to help remove or reconstruct highways built through neighborhoods, dividing communities and creating barriers to economic development. The Amtrak National Network is slated to receive $16 billion to replace its railcars operating in upstate New York, and $8 billion is allocated to pay for new buses, bus rapid transit (BRT) and light rail projects nationwide. A couple of regional highlights include nearly $56 million for Syracuse’s Centro (Central New York Regional Transportation Authority) and more than $27 million for the Syracuse Hancock International Airport.

The federal infrastructure law is also taking strides to protect the environment, including our precious water sources. To help ensure our drinking water is safe and accessible for families, the legislation provides $20 billion for clean water infrastructure, $15 billion to replace lead service lines and $10 billion to tackle emerging contaminants, such as per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS). Funding is also provided to clean up brownfields and superfund sites, which will create new development opportunities. While addressing existing environmental issues is necessary, preparing our communities for disasters and emergencies protects our homes, businesses and infrastructure from costly repairs. Federal funds are also allocated for these issues, including flood mitigation efforts and building resilient infrastructure. Additionally, $1 billion is provided to protect, preserve and improve the Great Lakes and its waterways.

In the wake the COVID-19 pandemic, thousands of workers and students had to make the shift to remote work or virtual learning. We’ve seen in New York and across the country how the broadband and digital divide holds families and businesses back, so the federal infrastructure law’s nearly $42.5 billion broadband and digital literacy initiative to improve access nationwide is welcome news. Affordability is another hurdle, but the federal legislation allocates funds to make the Emergency Broadband Benefit permanent to ensure families can continue to afford internet access. Funding is also provided for digital literacy and digital skills education to low-income households and seniors.

Several state budget items that I supported will complement initiatives funded in the federal infrastructure law. To bolster transportation across the state, the budget included $3.6 billion to improve roads and bridges, an additional $350 million for the $12.7 billion Department of Transportation (DOT) capital plan, $20 million for electric buses and $5 million for upstate transit systems. Broadband initiatives were also included in the budget to expand access and increase affordability. To address environmental concerns, the state spending plan also provided $500 million for clean water infrastructure and fully funded the state’s Superfund program.

I’m always here to help if you have any questions or concerns about these or other community issues. Please don’t hesitate to contact me at 315-452-1115 or StirpeA@nyassembly.gov.