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On Monday, Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03) was a part of a bipartisan group of lawmakers invited by President Joe Biden to join him for the signing of the bipartisan infrastructure bill that is projected to create more than 770,000 jobs by 2025 and bring more than $5,000,000,000 in infrastructure investments to Iowa.

Earlier this month, Rep. Axne voted with a bipartisan majority in the House to send the bill to the President’s desk.

“This new law represents a wide range of investments in Iowa: from expanding internet access, repairing crumbling bridges and roads, reducing supply chain disruptions, and keeping our communities safe — all without raising taxes on middle class Iowans,” said Rep. Axne. “I was proud to join my colleagues from both sides of the aisle today to see this landmark bill signed into law – and look forward to working with state and local partners to see the billions of dollars included in this bill for Iowa implemented as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) is projected to provide Iowa:

  • $3.4 billion in highway aid, to address the 403 miles of highway in Iowa that are in poor condition
    • The average Iowa driver spends $336 a year in costs due to driving on roads in need of repair
  • $432 million for bridge replacement and repairs
    • Iowa will also be able to fund bridge repairs through grants from a $12.5 billion Bridge Investment Program, and $16 billion dedicated for major revitalization projects
    • As a state, Iowa ranks worst in the nation for structurally deficient bridges — with more than 4,500 bridges with key elements in either poor or worse condition. Nearly 1 in every 5 bridges in Iowa is classified as structurally deficient
  • $638 million to improve water infrastructure
  • $305 million for public transportation in Iowa
    • 38% of trains and other transit vehicles in Iowa are beyond their lifespan
  • $120 million for airport infrastructure and upgrades
  • At least $100 million for expanded broadband internet coverage with additional funding determined by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) mapping unserved areas nationwide.
  • $15 million to protect against cyberattacks

The IIJA includes $65 billion to fund the expansion of reliable high-speed internet to areas that currently lack connectivity — the largest investment in rural broadband in U.S. history.

As a member of the House Rural Broadband Task Force, Rep. Axne has led to charge in Congress to secure robust investments in expanding access to high-speed internet in Iowa’s rural areas.

The IIJA reflects provisions advanced by Axne and the Task Force that require new internet construction provide faster speeds to meet the needs of the future and give more than a quarter of all Iowans up to $30 a month in subsidies to help cover the cost of broadband internet.

The IIJA also includes $7 billion for Army Corps of Engineers backlog to address storm resiliency and $3.5 billion for FEMA Flood Mitigation Assistance for flood risk.

More information on how the bill will invest in Iowa can be found here.

Author: Press Release

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