The new infrastructure act costs $1 trillion is being promoted by the U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg during a trip to a Western state on Friday.
Appearing at an event, Buttigieg will announce the full federal funding for the state’s northwest extension for the light rail at the old Metrocenter Mall.
Infrastructure Law Focus on Planes, Trains and Automobiles
Buttigieg, as transportation secretary, is going to oversee billions of dollars in new spending on planes, trains, and automobiles. It would be for airports, mass transit, and highways.
In Arizona, the new infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will make the largest initial impact. This is regarding urgently needed cash, which is not concrete.
Thus, there are three things there are to know about the Arizona impact:
Infrastructure Act Includes Water for Tens of Millions Upfront
One of the co-authors of the infrastructure act, Arizona Senator Krysten Sinema, said one of her main priorities was to secure the state’s depleting water supply. In fact, this new law does that. Moreover, with $250 million to pay large water users. That is not to use the water from shrinking Lake Mead.
Sarah Porter, director of the Kyl Center for Water Policy, is the one that does require immediate action. It is really one of the many challenges that are facing Arizona’s water supply.
There is a long priority list for projects for the Arizona Department of Transportation. It would be on the Interstate of Maricopa and Pima Countries. There is I-17 which is here in the valley. Also roads statewide. Therefore, it’s the state’s call, not the feds or members of Congress, on what actually gets built.
Light Rail Does Take Time to build
Candidates for infrastructure cash are line extensions west to the state Capitol and Desert Sky Mall.
A former local mayor, Scott Smith, who is now the chief executive officer of local Metro, said the projects are like many others in the infrastructure act. Moreover, it will start with public planning and then take time to actually develop.
