RELEASE: Auchincloss Secures Funding for District Projects As Part of House Democrats’ INVEST in America Act
RELEASE: Auchincloss Secures Funding for District Projects As Part of House Democrats’ INVEST in America Act
The INVEST in America Act will create well-paying jobs by modernizing and rebuilding our roads, bridges, transit, rail, and drinking water and wastewater systems
Washington, DC — Today, Congressman Jake Auchincloss (D, MA-04), a member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, applauded House passage of the “Investing in a New Vision for the Environment and Surface Transportation in America (INVEST in America) Act,” which includes funding for Fourth District Projects. Auchincloss fought to ensure that six local projects were included in the INVEST in America Act, which makes transformational investments in America’s highways, roads, bridges, transit, rail, and water infrastructure to create jobs, modernize our infrastructure and reduce carbon pollution. This legislation puts some of the key pieces of President Biden’s infrastructure vision into legislative text.
Following a letter to Chairman Peter DeFazio, key Auchincloss policy priorities were also included in the INVEST in America Act, including programs to reduce transportation emissions, expand transit innovation, and build on Massachusetts’ Complete Streets model. An Auchincloss amendment that will empower municipalities to expand their transit service was also included in final passage. This significant policy provision will open doors for innovation, accessibility, and sustainability in transit. In addition, all of Auchincloss’ Member-Designated Transportation Projects were included in the final text of the INVEST in America Act, with half of them receiving full funding:
- Beacon Street Bridle Path — Fully funded at $2,000,000. Restores Frederick Law and John Charles Olmsted’s original design for a two-way multiuse path improving safety and accessibility for pedestrians, wheelchairs, cyclists and micromobility users along the 2.3-mile length of Beacon Street.
- Safety Improvements at Intersection of Walnut Street & Route 140 (Foxborough) — Funded at $2,000,000 ($3,505,000 requested). Supports the necessary signalization of this intersection to complete development of nearly 250 affordable housing units.
- West Street and Route 27 Intersection Improvements (Medfield) — Funded at $1,440,000 ($1,500,000 requested). Enables progression from design to construction of this high crash location to support vehicular and pedestrian safety and the construction of 72 new housing units.
- Christina Street Rail Bridge (Newton) — Funded at $1,600,000 ($2,000,000 requested). Supports reconstruction of an accessible, shared-use bicycle and pedestrian connection between Newton and Needham, with recreational value for residents and off-road connections for employees accessing nearby businesses.
- Regional Bike and Walking Trail (North Attleborough Branch) — Fully funded at $1,500,000. Creates a 2.5 mile off-road, multi-use pathway connecting to a regional pathway network planned in adjacent communities, the town’s WWI Park, the Industrial Park and community schools.
- Taunton River Trail — Fully funded at $4,800,000. Constructs a segment of a planned 22+ mile continuous network of off-road and on-road bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure to connect Taunton, Dighton and Somerset along the Taunton River.
“In delivering on a commitment to ensure clean water for our children, connection to jobs, and innovative mobility, Democrats are showing that we’re moving forward and not being hamstrung by obstructionism,” said Auchincloss. “This bill represents a mindset shift in Washington about clean energy, the future of transit, and job creation. The Senate now has the legislative framework it needs to make a sweeping bipartisan infrastructure plan a reality. Turning the INVEST Act into law will create 21st century jobs, provide families the security they deserve as we rebuild our economy, and make America competitive abroad. Bold investments in our nation's infrastructure will yield benefits for generations to come--let’s make them. ”
WATCH: Auchincloss INVEST Act Remarks on House Floor
The INVEST in America Act is the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure’s $547 billion surface transportation reauthorization bill that will create good-paying jobs to rebuild and re-imagine America’s surface transportation infrastructure. This package helps meet the president’s vision—as laid out in the American Jobs Plan—by investing in American workers and communities of all sizes, while tackling the climate crisis head-on. In addition to other funding, Massachusetts would receive an estimated $4.46 billion in federal-aid highway programs and $2.9 billion in public transportation funding under the act.
“The reconstruction of the Christina Street rail bridge is a testament to the innovative collaboration between Newton and Needham. This new infrastructure will have a lasting impact on recreation, transportation, and the local economy in our communities, as well as strengthen the connectivity between them,” said Massachusetts State Senator Becca Rausch. “The construction of new walking and biking trails will provide community members and neighbors a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty that North Attleborough has to offer. I am proud to partner with Congressman Auchincloss at the state level, advocating for similar outdoor recreation and community-building funds for the WWII Memorial Pool."
Read more on how the INVEST in America Act would:
· Create Jobs and Restore Our Global Competitiveness
· Invest in Underserved, Low-Income, and Rural Communities
· Increase Safety and Support Alternative Transportation
Additional Resources on the INVEST in America Act:
· FAQs
· Website: https://transportation.house.gov/invest-in-america
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