WASHINGTON — Following the passage of President Joe Biden's infrastructure package by the House late Friday, hundreds of projects across the region could receive funding as part of the plan to improve the nation's roads, bridges, and highways.
In total, the $1 trillion infrastructure plan would provide $110 billion to repair roads and $39 billion to improve public transportation across the country.
According to data released by the Biden administration, 45,000 bridges are currently in poor condition while 173,000 miles of American highways and major roads are in need of repair.
"That's remarkable and I want to commend them for doing that. They're already targets in their own party," said Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) about the thirteen GOP House members who voted in favor of the infrastructure bill. "They did the right thing for their constituents and this country."
After Congress finally approved the measure, leaders described how the plan would impact the region.
VIRGINIA
Congresswoman Wexton, who represents northern Virginia, told WUSA 9 that the state is expected to receive $7 billion for highway programs, $537 million for bridge replacement and repairs, and $1.2 billion to improve public transportation.
Wexton added that "significant investment" will go towards modernizing Amtrak's Northeast Corridor, which will help support the Virginia Long Bridge and rail expansion projects.
According to a report released by the Biden administration earlier this year, Virginia currently has 577 bridges and 2,124 miles of highway in poor condition.
Since 2011, the report said commute times have increased by 7.7% in Virginia and on average, each driver pays $517 per year in costs due to driving on roads in need of repair.
Both Senator Tim Kaine and Senator Mark Warner said Virginia will receive at least $100 million to expand broadband, including providing access to around half a million Virginians who currently lack it.
The two senators added that the state will get over $100 million over five years to help expand the charging network for electric vehicles.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Rep. Wexton said the federal funding includes $150 million a year through 2030 for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA).
Other details of how many DC projects would be impacted by the package remained unknown as of Saturday evening.
The district received a C- grade from the Biden administration earlier this year in a report that outlined infrastructure needs around the country.
According to the report, eight bridges and 402 miles of highway are currently in poor condition.
As a result of the need for repairs, the report said commute times have increased by 2% in the District of Columbia since 2011 and on average, each driver pays $1,100 per year in costs due to driving on roads in need of repair.
MARYLAND
Governor Larry Hogan released a statement early Saturday morning that noted how Maryland will receive $6 billion as part of the infrastructure package.
Multiple leaders told WUSA 9 that the infrastructure package includes $238 million for Chesapeake Bay restoration and conservation.
According to an information sheet provided to WUSA 9 by Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland), the state will get $4.1 billion for highway programs and over $400 million for bridge replacement and repairs.
The data also showed that Maryland will receive $1.7 billion over five years to improve public transportation and $63 million to expand the network of car charging stations for electric vehicles.
Under the infrastructure plan, the state will receive at least $100 million to expand broadband coverage. The effort will help provide access to at least 148,000 Marylanders who currently lack broadband coverage.
The massive package includes funding for climate change, cyberattack security, and extreme weather events.
Maryland is set to receive $7.9 million over five years to protect against wildfires and $15.9 million to protect against cyberattacks.
The Maryland Democratic Party later added that the state will receive $158 million over five years to improve its airports.
The state received a C grade in the report that the Biden administration released detailing infrastructure needs around the country.
According to the report, the state has 273 bridges and 2,201 miles of highway currently in poor condition.
The report noted how Maryland drivers pay an average of $637 per year due to driving on the roads in need of repair.
After President Biden's speech on Saturday, Montgomery County Council President Tom Hucker said the federal funding "was long overdue" for the area and would help cut down on traffic congestion.
In particular, Hucker told WUSA 9 that the infrastructure package could help fund projects like the Corridor Cities Transitway to the upper part of Montgomery County, expansion of the Red Line to Frederick, and possible expansion of the MARC commuter rail from Frederick to the future Amazon headquarters at National Landing.
"Instead of just focusing on road widening, we need sustainable and multi-generational improvements in transit, including federal investment in our bus rapid transit network," he said. "Getting that federal funding for those lines would unlock tens of millions in economic development, create lots of sustainable jobs and help people get out of their cars and have an option to get to work without filling up highways.”
Next up for Congress is President Biden's 'Build Back Better' social infrastructure bill. Rep. Wexton says she's waiting on a financial analysis from the non-partisan congressional budget office and a few other details before offering full support for the BBB legislation.
However, she offered support for one of the bill's main components.
"I think there are a lot of important things in there that are going to benefit especially women and families," Rep Wexton said. "We've had a 'she-cession' and many women have had to leave the workforce. So it's very important to me we give women and families the option to re-enter the workforce."
Rep. Wexton specifically mentioned pre-K programs and paid family leave as key elements she supports.
Congress is in recess for the next week with members scheduled to return to Washington next Monday the 15th.