Once the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is signed by President Biden, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) will receive more than $1 billion to address the state’s transportation infrastructure needs.
“We’re still analyzing the legislation to determine exactly how much funding ODOT will receive and where it will spend the money,” a statement from ODOT read. “Many projects are ready for construction, and others are in the final stages of planning, so we should be able to move quickly.”
The state’s infrastructure is rated C- grade, according to the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Overall, the legislation would provide Oregon with: $747 million over five years to improve public transportation options; $15 million to protect against cyberattacks; $39 million over five years to protect against wildfires; $52 million over five years to support the expansion of electric vehicle charging stations; $100 million minimum to help provide broadband coverage; $211 million to support airports’ infrastructure development; $268 million for bridge replacements and repairs; and $529 million over five years to improve water infrastructure.
Additionally, the legislation would provide $3.4 billion for federal-aid highway apportioned programs.
“The Oregon Transportation Commission and ODOT will direct these funds, combined with state funding from the Oregon Legislature, to make real progress on Oregon’s transportation priorities,” Bob Van Brocklin, Oregon Transportation Commission chairman, said. “Specifically, some $1.2 billion will be allocated to our state in the next five years for highway and bridge construction and maintenance, safety improvements, mass transit investments, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities, electric vehicle charging stations, and efforts to reduce carbon emissions from transportation sources.”