Lacey, WA – This month, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland visited several South Sound projects that are funded by the Infrastructure, Investment, and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). With dozens of projects either completed or under construction, these federal investments are making streets safer, fighting the climate crisis, expanding transportation options, and much more.
“One of my priorities in Congress is leveraging federal dollars to help our local communities,” said Strickland. “That means creating jobs, repairing roads and bridges, improving safety, expanding public transit to fight the climate crisis, and boosting our local economy. The bi-partisan Infrastructure, Investment, and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act do just that.”
Increasing Safety on Olympia’s Fones Road
Increasing safety for Olympia’s Fones Road has been 20 years in the works. Thanks to nearly $3,000,000 in additional funding from the IIJA, commuters will soon be able to use more accessible sidewalks, safer bike lanes, and improved trail crossings along this major corridor.
Increasing Access to Renewable Energy for the Nisqually Tribe
The Nisqually Indian Tribe is the recipient of a $5,000,000 Climate Pollution Reduction Grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This grant – authorized by the IRA – is supporting the installation of solar panels and electric heat pumps in Tribal buildings, reducing costs and the Tribe’s carbon footprint.
Investing in DuPont
Backed by $568,000 from the IIJA, DuPont residents are seeing a smoother, safer commute on Center Drive. With this funding, Center Drive is being repaved from I-5 to McNeil Street and adding accessibility features along the corridor.
Electrifying Pierce Transit’s Bus Fleet
Thanks to a nearly $15,000,000 award from the IIJA, Pierce Transit is leading the way in electric vehicle development. This month, Strickland attended Pierce Transit’s Business Summit to learn about new ways to continue strengthening public transportation in the South Sound.
Expanding Passenger Rail in Washington
Amtrak Cascades and the Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) are working hard to improve access to passenger rail in the Pacific Northwest. The recipients of two IIJA grants that total $1,000,000, Amtrak and WSDOT are providing safe and efficient transportation options throughout the region.
Both the Infrastructure, Investment, and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act continue to deliver economic opportunity for the South Sound and Washington state.
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