WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Sen.
Sherrod Brown (D-OH) hosted a virtual roundtable today with the Northeast Ohio
Mayors and Managers Association to discuss with local leaders and answer
questions on how to spend federal infrastructure and American Rescue Plan funds.
Both
passed in 2021, the bipartisan infrastructure law and the American Rescue Plan
included record investments for state and local governments.
“Much
of my focus over the coming months will be ensuring Ohio communities get their
fair share of these federal investments,” said Brown. “Not only will the infrastructure
investment create jobs doing the construction projects – it’ll create jobs
throughout the supply chain. And we made sure the aid we passed in the American
Rescue Plan had as much flexibility built in as possible, so mayors and county
commissioners have the flexibility they need to spend this aid, and enough time
to make those investments wisely. Ohioans know best what their communities
need.”
The
bipartisan infrastructure law includes key provisions like Brown’s
Bridge
Investment Act, which will provide $12.5 billion in funding to
repair and replace the 3,200 bridges across Ohio in need of repairs and
updates, including the Brent Spence Bridge. The package will also mean Ohio
receives $9.8 billion of formula funding to repair, replace, and upgrade roads
and bridges throughout the state. The infrastructure investment will also mean
nearly $1.3 billion for Ohio public transit agencies. The American Rescue Plan,
also passed in 2021, included $350 billion in state and local aid - $195
billion for states, and $132 billion for counties, cities and towns.
“It is
critical that as a nation we are at last addressing unattended infrastructure
needs. Sen Brown has been a leader in trying to reverse this trend and to bring
needed infrastructure funds to our region,” said Pepper Pike Mayor Richard Bain. “The federal
money will not only help improve failing infrastructure but provide jobs and
help the economy.”
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