On Friday, November 12th, the House of Representatives approved bipartisan legislation, which will make future-focused investments in the nation’s public infrastructure. Now headed to President Biden’s desk for signature, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act also include a full five-year surface transportation reauthorization.
“Railroads appreciate the work of the Biden administration and members of the House and Senate who made the passage of this truly comprehensive infrastructure package possible,” said AAR President and CEO Ian Jefferies. “As we continue to navigate supply chain challenges, the need for the thoughtful funding and policy solutions over the long term that this bipartisan package delivers are even more clear. Thanks to the hard work of many, our nation will make the significant, long-overdue investments we need to modernize our public infrastructure, enhance safety and support future economic growth.”
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act includes nearly $845 million per year for highway-rail grade crossing safety and elimination projects and an average of $5.55 billion per year for discretionary infrastructure grant programs, including $1 billion per year for the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement (CRISI) grant program, which provides essential support to short line and passenger railroads as well as state departments of transportation. Finally, the bill includes significant funding for research, development, and demonstration projects that will play an important role in creating and further refining technologies that will help railroads to continue reducing their greenhouse gas emissions and further address climate change.
