President Biden traveled to Scranton this week to highlight the need for immediate upgrades to the nation’s infrastructure. The state where the President was born offers a fair representation of the state of U.S. infrastructure, and how the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act would help.
Here are five facts on infrastructure in the Keystone State and America as a whole:
- In Pennsylvania, there are 3,353 bridges and more than 7,500 miles of highway in poor condition.
Nationwide, more than 45,000 bridges are in poor condition, as are one out of every five miles of highways and major roads. The infrastructure bill includes $110 billion for roads, bridges, and major projects, and the single largest dedicated bridge investment since the construction of the Interstate Highway System.
- Pennsylvanians who use public transportation spend an extra 68% of their time commuting compared to those who do not.
The nation faces a huge transit infrastructure repair backlog, with more than 24,000 buses, 5,000 rail cars, and thousands of miles of track and power systems in need of replacement. The bill would provide funding for these repairs, as well as funding for the expansion of public transportation options.
- Nearly one out of every seven Pennsylvania households lacks a home Internet connection, and 3.1% of Pennsylvanians live in areas where there is no broadband infrastructure.
Nationwide, more than 30 million Americans live in areas where there is no broadband infrastructure. The bill would on broadband funding passed earlier this year to expand broadband and offer lower-cost plans.
- Over the past decade, Pennsylvania experienced 37 extreme weather events, costing the state up to $10 billion in damages.
Extreme weather events are becoming more common. In 2020 alone, the U.S. faced extreme weather and climate-related disaster events that exceeded $1 billion in losses each. The bill includes funds for protections from droughts, floods, and wildfires, as well as new weatherization investments.
- Voters in Pennsylvania swing districts support the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
A No Labels/HarrisX poll conducted in July found that 73% of voters in Pennsylvania’s First District, 68% of voters in the Ninth District, and 71% in the 17th District back the bill. These districts are represented by Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R), Dan Meuser (R), and Conor Lamb (D), respectively. Nationwide, 72% of swing district voters support the legislation.
No Labels is an organization of Democrats, Republicans, and independents working to bring American leaders together to solve problems.