Rebuilding National Infrastructure | Recovery Act | New York Rebuilds | Links

Rebuilding our National Infrastructure

Rep. Israel has been an advocate for rebuilding our nation’s crumbling infrastructure. U.S. spending on infrastructure, as a percentage of GDP, has declined by 50% since 1960. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, the current condition of the infrastructure in the US earns a grade point average of D and an estimated $2.2 trillion investment is needed over the next 5 years to meet adequate conditions.  

Rep. Israel is an original co-sponsor of the National Infrastructure Development Bank Act of 2011 (H.R. 402), which he also co-sponsored in the 111th (2009-2010) and 110th Congress (2007-2008). Like the war bond program, the National Infrastructure Development Bank would allow ordinary Americans to “invest in America” to help meet the infrastructure challenge and promote responsible citizenship. The Bank is aimed at making loans to joint public-private partnerships, creating jobs and improving infrastructure in local communities.

Recovery Act Rebuilding

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act made a $48 billion investment in our nation’s infrastructure, including:

• $8.4 billion for mass transit
• $27.5 billion for highways and bridges
• $9.3 billion for rail
• $1.3 billion for airport improvement projects
• $1.5 billion for discretionary surface transportation projects

New York Rebuilds

According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, New York roads and bridges are badly in need of repair. In New York State, 46 percent of major roads are in poor or mediocre condition and 42 percent of bridges are structurally deficient or functionally obsolete.

From the Recovery Act, New York is set to receive more than $1 billion for highways and bridges and $1.25 billion for mass transit.

Helpful Links

• U.S. Department of Transportation
• New York State Department of Transportation
• House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure