PENNSYLVANIA — Kenya Johns, mayor-elect of Beaver Falls, penned an op-ed yesterday highlighting President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law as a “huge win” for Beaver Falls. For too long, the opportunities and assets Western Pennsylvania has to offer have been out of reach for many Beaver Fall residents. “Thankfully, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law can change all of that.”
Beaver County Times: Kenya Johns: President Biden’s Infrastructure Law huge win for Beaver Falls
[…]As mayor-elect and a lifelong resident of Beaver Falls, I know all too well the stories of delayed transportation. I hear from local residents all the time about the time they missed picking up their kid when a bus did not arrive on time, or traffic was delayed on Route 65. Our current infrastructure has held back far too many of the residents who call this place home. The opportunities and unparalleled assets this region offers are out of reach for too many of our residents. Thankfully, President Joe Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal can change all of that.
The new bill, signed into law by Biden, presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build 21st-century infrastructure systems that will change our region for the better. At the local and municipal levels — we deeply understand the importance of this moment. We understand what value this offers to our area and all of the wonderful things that will emerge simply based on our geography. Our rich history and role we have played regarding transportation are unparalleled.
We know that our region can overcome the impossible when we work together. We understand the beauty that our location offers, the turnpike that quickly connects us to the other side of the state but also to other states quickly, but, we know that there is a need for us to lean on one another to help connect all residents and provide unprecedented access throughout the country. I recall my time in Europe riding the bullet train and being awed by the efficiency and wondering why we lacked this impressive resource here in the states. Thanks to Biden’s infrastructure bill, this dream can now be our reality.
With this bill, Pennsylvania can expect:
- $11.3 billion to improve highways and $1.6 billion for bridge replacement and repairs over five years.
- $2.8 billion over five years to improve public transportation options across the state.
- $171 over five years to support the expansion of an electric vehicle charging network in the state. Pennsylvania will also have the opportunity to apply for the $2.5 billion in grant funding dedicated to EV charging in the bill.
- A minimum of $100 million to help provide broadband coverage across the state, including providing access to the at least 394,000 Pennsylvanians who currently lack it. 2,917,000 or 23% of people in Pennsylvania will also be eligible for the Affordability Connectivity Benefit, which will help low-income families afford internet access.
These efforts are all already in our planning pipeline, but with the enactment of the Infrastructure Law and strong commitment from the region’s leaders, we can accelerate our progress, raise our collective expectations for what we can achieve in the next decade, and leave behind more equitable, accessible and sustainable infrastructure for our children.
It’s up to us now — our elected officials across the region in collaboration with business and public sector and community leaders — to seize this opportunity and turn this historic bipartisan deal into action. Beaver Falls is ready to build the workforce and infrastructure systems to make ours the most inclusive and globally competitive region in the country.
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