In House-Passed INVEST in America Act, Pingree Secures Additional $19.8 Million in Local Infrastructure Project Funding for Maine

Bill authorizes transformational investments in our roads, bridges, transit, rail, and wastewater and drinking water infrastructure, including assistance to water systems with PFAS contamination

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) today voted for the INVEST in America Act, legislation that would infuse $715 billion dollars into essential surface transportation and water infrastructure programs nationwide, laying the groundwork for President Biden’s broader infrastructure goals. The bill, which passed the House 221 to 201, would also authorize historic levels of federal assistance for America’s water infrastructure to replace lead service lines and better protect public health from PFAS and other emerging contaminants.

“With Maine’s infrastructure receiving a C- last year

from the American Society of Civil Engineers, the passage of the INVEST Act could not come at a more critical time. A shocking 12.7% of our state’s bridges are in poor condition and funding from this bill will ensure we can fund these critical repairs,” said Congresswoman Pingree. “The worsening impacts of climate change add to the urgency of this vote, and I am proud to support a bill that embraces solutions needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, which account for 54% of Maine’s annual emissions, the most of any sector.” 

Due to a historic lack of targeted funding, America’s infrastructure currently ranks 13th in the world, threatening our status as a global leader. The INVEST in America Act will not only help to repair existing roads, bridges, ports it will bring American infrastructure into the 21st century through:

• Investments in electric vehicle charging infrastructure
• Targeted investments in rural communities and rural transit 
• Triple the funding for Amtrak
• Expansion of alternative transportation to support pedestrians and cyclists 
• Funding for wildlife crossing programs 
• Grants for zero- or reduced-emission passenger ferries 

House Members were eligible to submit member designated projects in their districts. If signed into law, projects funded through the surface transportation reauthorization would be funded directly from the Highway Trust Fund, and they do not require a separate or subsequent appropriation. More information about project eligibility and transparency requirements areavailable here.

 

Every member designated project requested by Congresswoman Pingree was included in the INVEST in America Act passed by the House today. More details are available below:

• Casco Bay Lines Replacement Ferry: $7.5 million 
  • Casco Bay Island Transit District; Portland, ME 
• Maine State Ferry Replacement Vessel: $7.5 million
  • Maine Department of Transportation; Rockland, ME
• Sanford US Route 202/State Route 4A: $3.6 million
  • Maine Department of Transportation; Sanford, ME 
• Sanford SRTS Multi-Use Trail: $400,000
  • Maine Department of Transportation; Sanford, ME
• Berwick Route 9 – Intersection Improvements: $800,000
  • Kittery Area Comprehensive Transportation System; Berwick, ME

“I’m particularly proud that this infrastructure package sets aside nearly $20 million in targeted funding for local projects in my district, infusing our roads, trails, and public transit with targeted resources,” Pingree said of the member designated projects she secured in the INVEST Act.

 

The INVEST in America Act will fix existing roads and bridges and making record investments in passenger rail, public transit, cycling and walking infrastructure, and zero-emission options, while creating safer, more connected communities. The work will be fueled by American workers, manufacturing, and ingenuity, with targeted investments in rural and underserved communities. More information about the infrastructure provisions is available here.

 

In addition, the bill would authorize historic levels of federal assistance to states and communities for wastewater infrastructure through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and make improvements to prioritize replacing lead service lines; improve water quality in schools; better protect public health from PFAS; and create a new program for debt forgiveness and rate assistance to low-income water customers. More information about the water-related provisions in the bill is available here and here.