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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