Maryland’s Congressional delegation, Baltimore Mayor Brandon, and local leaders recently held a press conference to discuss the Reconnecting Communities Act.
The legislation, introduced in the U.S. Senate on April 19, would remove outdated and inequitable infrastructure and stop Interstate Highway System construction projects that divide neighborhoods and undermine economic opportunity.
Under the act, the U.S. Department of Transportation would create a grant program to help communities identify and either remove or retrofit highway infrastructure that creates obstacles to mobility and opportunity.
“For far too long, communities across the country – including many communities of color right here in Baltimore – have been locked out, left behind, and cast aside when it comes to American infrastructure,” U.S. Rep. John Sarbanes (D-MD) said. “Working closely with our state and local partners, my colleagues and I in the Maryland Congressional delegation will fight to advance efforts like the Reconnecting Communities Act and the American Jobs Plan, which would make critical investments in every community and strengthen our economy for all Americans.”
U.S. Sen. Tom Carper (D-DE), Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works chairman, introduced the bill with Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY), and U.S. Sens. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Chris Coons (D-DE) and Alex Padilla (D-CA).