U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) and Virginia’s Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam joined representatives from labor and business organizations in that state to urge the House to pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) quickly.
Not only would the bill’s passage mean investments into infrastructure, Northam said, but would result in a boost to the economy.
“Infrastructure means jobs,” Northam said. “People are working in Virginia and our economy is stronger than most other states — thanks in large part to our own investments in broadband, mass transit and roads, clean energy and more. We all want to keep this momentum going and keep people on the job — so Congress needs to pass this federal infrastructure bill.”
During an event Wednesday on the Virginia Capital Steps in Richmond, Spanberger and Northam, along with representatives from the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) Mid-Atlantic Region, the Mid-Atlantic Pipe Trades Association, and the Iron Workers District Council of the Mid-Atlantic States, highlighted the billions in federal investments the bill would bring to the state.
As part of the IIJA, Virginia will receive an estimated $7 billion for highways and more than $530 million for bridge replacement and repairs over the next five years. Additionally, the state is expected to receive at least $100 million for broadband internet access, and $738 million to improve the state’s pipes and water infrastructure.
“Through conversations with both Democrats and Republicans, I know that physical infrastructure — as an issue — is one that unites Americans across the political spectrum. Our roads, our bridges, our electrical grid, and our water systems connect us. They bind us together, and they support good-paying jobs for Virginia workers and their families. With these investments, we will be investing in a stronger America for the next generation,” Spanberger said. “As we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, this bipartisan bill would be truly transformational for Virginia’s economy, as well as the long-term success of our Commonwealth’s workforce.”