Rep. Susie Lee Votes to Pass Bipartisan Infrastructure Legislation

WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Susie Lee released the following statement after she voted to pass the bipartisan infrastructure legislation, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Notably, the text of Rep. Lee's bill, H.R. 4099, the Large-Scale Water Recycling Project Investment Act, is included in the legislation, which is expected to be signed into law.

The legislation closely mirrors the Problem Solvers Caucus' "Building Bridges" proposal released in June, and Rep. Lee and her Problem Solver Caucus colleagues endorsed the bipartisan infrastructure framework in July.

"I am so happy that, after years of stalemate, Congress finally passed this once-in-a-generation investment in our nation's infrastructure, including at least $2.5 billion for Nevada's roads alone," said Rep. Lee. "Of course, with this investment in infrastructure comes good-paying jobs for Nevadans. As a member of the Problem Solvers Caucus – made up of equal numbers of Democrats and Republicans – I worked tirelessly to craft a deal that Democrats and Republicans alike could support, and I'm so proud that this historic legislation is heading to President Biden's desk to be signed into law. I'm especially proud that my water recycling legislation will become law through this bill. Southern Nevada – and the entire desert southwest – is facing an unprecedented drought that requires innovative solutions, and my bill, the Large-Scale Water Recycling Project Investment Act, will pave the way for increased investment in regional water recycling projects that will create reliable, virtually drought-proof water supplies."

More on how the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will Deliver for Nevadans:

Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will:

• Repair and rebuild Nevada roads and bridges with a focus on climate change mitigation, resilience, equity, and safety for all users, including cyclists and pedestrians. In Nevada there are 28 bridges and over 1,090 miles of highway in poor condition. Since 2011, commute times have increased by 7.7% in Nevada, and on average, each driver pays $558 per year in costs due to driving on roads in need of repair. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is the single largest dedicated bridge investment since the construction of the interstate highway system. Based on formula funding alone, Nevada would expect to receive $2.5 billion for federal-aid highway apportioned programs and $225 million for bridge replacement and repairs under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act over five years. Nevada can also compete for the $12.5 billion Bridge Investment Program for economically significant bridges and nearly $16 billion of national funding in the bill dedicated for major projects that will deliver substantial economic benefits to communities.

• Deliver clean drinking water to every American and eliminate the nation's lead service lines and pipes. Currently, up to 10 million American households and 400,000 schools and child care centers lack safe drinking water. Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, based on the traditional state revolving fund formula, Nevada will expect to receive $403 million over five years to improve water infrastructure across the state and ensure that clean, safe drinking water is a right in all communities.

• Improve our nation's airports. Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act airports in Nevada would receive approximately $293 million for infrastructure development for airports over five years.

• Improve healthy, sustainable transportation options for millions of Americans. Nevadans who take public transportation spend an extra 133.9% of their time commuting and non-White households are twice as more likely to commute via public transportation. 5% of transit vehicles in the state are past useful life. Based on formula funding alone, Nevada would expect to receive $459 million over five years under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to improve public transportation options across the state.

• Build a network of EV chargers to facilitate long-distance travel and provide convenient charging options. The bill invests $7.5 billion to build out the first-ever national network of EV chargers and will help to accelerate the adoption of EVs to address the climate crisis and support domestic manufacturing jobs. Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Nevada would expect to receive $38 million over five years to support the expansion of an EV charging network in the state. Nevada will also have the opportunity to apply for the $2.5 billion in grant funding dedicated to EV charging in the bill.

• Help connect every American to reliable high-speed internet. Broadband internet is necessary for Americans to do their jobs, to participate equally in school learning, health care, and to stay connected. Yet 14% of Nevada households do not have an internet subscription, and 4% of Nevadans live in areas where, under the FCC's benchmark, there is no broadband infrastructure. Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Nevada will receive a minimum allocation of $100 million to help provide broadband coverage across the state, including providing access to the at least 123,822 Nevadans who currently lack it. And, under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, 825,000 or 26% of people in Nevada will be eligible for the Affordability Connectivity Benefit, which will help low-income families afford internet access.

• Prepare more of our infrastructure for the impacts of climate change, cyber attacks, and extreme weather events. From 2010 to 2020, Nevada has experienced 12 extreme weather events, costing the state up to $1 billion in damages. Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, based on historical formula funding levels, Nevada will expect to receive $8.6 million over five years to protect against wildfires and $12 million to protect against cyberattacks. Nevadans will also benefit from the bill's historic $3.5 billion national investment in weatherization which will reduce energy costs for families.

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