Nov 17, 2021 - News
Infrastructure bill to bring $35 billion to Texas
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Texas is set to receive $35 billion for bridges, roads and public transit improvement from the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill signed into law this week.
Why it matters: Texas infrastructure "has suffered from a systemic lack of investment," according to a White House report. The state received a C- from the American Society of Civil Engineers.
- No Texas Republican voted in favor of the bill, which got 13 House GOP votes and 19 Senate Republican votes.
Details: Most of the state’s money will go toward road and bridge construction and improvement.
- Commute times in Texas have increased by more than 11% since 2011, and each year drivers pay about $700 to driving on roads in need of repair.
By the numbers: Texas’ allotment over the next five years, according to the White House report:
- $26.9 billion for highways and $537 million for bridges.
- More than 19,400 miles of Texas highways and 818 bridges are in poor condition.
- $3.3 billion to improve public transit.
- $2.9 billion to improve drinking water.
- "Clean, safe drinking water is a right in all communities," the report says.
- $1.2 billion for airport development.
- $408 million to expand Texas’ electric car charging network.
- Texas can also apply for $2.5 billion in grants for the effort.
- $100 million for broadband coverage.
- More than 1 million Texans currently lack access.
- $53 million to protect against wildfires.
- $42 million to defend against cyber attacks.
Of note: One of the goals of the bill is to increase "climate resiliency.”
- Texas has seen 67 extreme weather events in the past decade, costing the state as much as $200 billion, the White House report says.