By Lynn L. Bergeson

On January 29, 2020, Congressman Paul D. Tonko (D-NY) and other House Democrats unveiled a five-year, $760 billion investment framework to repair and upgrade the U.S. infrastructure to create jobs while reducing carbon pollution, improving safety, and supporting economic activity. Called the “Moving Forward Framework for the People,” the plan includes measures to increase climate resiliency and put the United States on a path toward zero carbon pollution from transportation. The House Democratic proposal outlines a number of major investments, which include repairs and upgrades to surface transportation, rail and transit systems, airports, ports and harbors, wastewater and drinking water infrastructure, brownfields, and broadband. According to Congressman Tonko’s press release, the proposed infrastructure framework would:

• Bring existing infrastructure into a state of good repair and enable the completion of critical projects through long-term, sustainable funding;

• Set a path toward zero carbon pollution from the transportation sector, creating jobs, protecting our natural resources, promoting environmental justice, and increasing resiliency to climate change;

• Ensure a transportation system that is green, affordable, reliable, and efficient and provide access to jobs;

• Provide safe, clean, and affordable water and wastewater services;

• Prioritize the safety of the traveling public;

• Help combat climate change by creating well-paying jobs in clean energy, investing in energy efficiency, and reducing GHG pollution;

• Expand broadband Internet access, including adoption for unserved and underserved rural, suburban, and urban communities;

• Modernize 9-1-1 public safety networks;

• Create family-wage jobs using the Davis-Bacon Act and other strong worker protections; and

• Support U.S. industries, including steel and manufacturing, through strong Buy America protections.