Ahead of the White House’s anticipated release of an infrastructure plan, the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) released what it calls “essential components” of a successful strategy to rebuild and modernize the nation’s infrastructure on Friday.
It was reported over the weekend that the White House would release a $1.5 trillion plan to rebuild highways, bridges, railroads, airports, ports and water resources. But the plan will reportedly place much of the funding burden on state and local governments.
USCM called for local governments to have the most authority to allocate funding for projects. The group said that administering available resources through the community development block grant program is “a proven way to accomplish this outcome.”
“Leadership at all levels of government requires presenting bold ideas that are informed by the experts on the ground — in this case, the nation’s mayors,” New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, said. “Cities remain the country’s economic engine, and as such mayors of both parties are looking for a plan that benefits all Americans where they live and takes full advantage of any additional infrastructure investments to build more equity in our economy, create a more inclusive workforce and support financially distressed communities. No credible plan can ignore America’s cities.”
USCM called for increased funding for the state revolving fund to better support no-interest and low-interest loans, loan forgiveness, and technical assistance. Additionally, the bipartisan group called for stronger federal-local partnerships to expedite the transition to renewable energy systems.
“The number of Americans living in cities and towns is increasing every year and the optimal plan will make sure all of America benefits,” Landrieu said. “We look forward to reviewing the White House’s plan and engaging in productive, bipartisan conversations around legislation and funding priorities that cities can support with leaders in Washington.”
USCM also noted that 30 million Americans do not have access to broadband internet and called for local communities to be given more authority to operate public broadband networks.