Secretary Pete Buttigieg has highlighted the significant investments made by the Biden administration in upgrading and revitalizing infrastructure across the United States as he nears the conclusion of his role as the nation’s chief transportation official.
During a recent event in Pittsburgh, which occurred 10 days before the Trump administration began, Buttigieg engaged with local leaders and key stakeholders to discuss projects aimed at enhancing both passenger and commercial mobility. On January 10, the U.S. Department of Transportation unveiled the last series of infrastructure grants from the Biden era, designed to ensure sustainable economic growth and enhanced mobility.
“The benefits of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 will be felt for many years,” Buttigieg told attendees in Pittsburgh. “We are significantly improving the state of American infrastructure, and even though this administration’s term is ending, the initiatives we’ve started will continue to create valuable jobs and positive outcomes well into the future,” he added.
Buttigieg expressed his commitment to continuing advocacy for infrastructure development, regardless of his future professional role, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the momentum achieved during his tenure.
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This month, the Department of Transportation announced the allocation of nearly $5 billion in grants for over 560 transportation projects under the bipartisan infrastructure law, which totals $1.2 trillion. This legislation, a cornerstone of the “Bidenomics” platform, has so far disbursed nearly $600 billion to support approximately 72,000 projects.
The funding has supported thousands of miles of roads, numerous ports, waterways, railway enhancements, and supply chain improvements. Buttigieg, who has begun referring to the legislation as the “Big Deal,” noted that these funds also target reducing emissions, advancing electric vehicle technology, and promoting equity and environmental justice.
“When President Joe Biden assumed office, he was immediately confronted with some of the most severe transportation challenges in recent history. His administration enacted a historic investment in our infrastructure, reminiscent of the Eisenhower era, with bipartisan support from Congress,” Buttigieg stated during the grant announcement.
He continued, “As the Biden-Harris administration comes to an end, we are proud to announce another significant round of grants that will further enhance our transportation systems, expand the national electric vehicle charging network, and ensure that our transportation infrastructure fulfills its fundamental purpose of connecting more communities across the country. It’s a Big Deal.”
The White House has released details about the distribution of funds by state under the law, indicating that many more recipients will benefit in the near future as more funds are allocated through grants and as states and territories initiate projects with formula funds.
Former Rep. Sean Duffy (R-Wis.) is likely to succeed Buttigieg, with endorsements from the Republican-led Congress and several leading Democrats.
Members of the congressional transportation committees, particularly Democrats, have consistently lauded the bipartisan nature of the infrastructure law. On its third anniversary, November 15, members of the Commerce Committee showcased significant state-level projects funded by the law.
Senator Maria Cantwell from Washington highlighted her state’s infrastructure improvements, including a new passenger terminal at Spokane International Airport, an I-5 bridge replacement, energy grid enhancements, salmon habitat restoration, and investments in ports that bolster exports and local employment.
Senator Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin underscored the critical impact of the Blatnik Bridge project on both commercial freight and commuter traffic safety and efficiency in her state.
Senator Peter Welch from Vermont praised the upgrades to the Brattleboro Amtrak station, viewing it as part of a broader effort to improve passenger rail services across the nation.
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