Dear Neighbor,

Last week was one of the highlights of my year – it was Infrastructure Week here in Virginia’s 11th Congressional District! 

Over three days, I joined Northern Virginia leaders in holding a series of events to demonstrate how President Biden’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is already delivering critical investments across our region. 

On Tuesday, May 3, we convened a Roads and Bridges Roundtable with VA Senator Jennifer Boysko, Sully District Supervisor Kathy Smith, John Lynch of VDOT, and Tom Biesiadny of Fairfax County Department of Transportation. We heard from these local leaders that, thanks to this legislation, we are already rebuilding Virginia roads and bridges, expanding transit opportunities, and building out the infrastructure necessary for a 21st century electric vehicle fleet. 

For example, Virginia is set to receive:

• $7.7 billion in highway funding
• $535 million in new bridge funding, which will extend the life of over 500 bridges in Virginia
• $106 million for an electric vehicle charging network

Infrastructure is far more than just transportation – it's also about ensuring every community has safe drinking water. 

On Day Two, Prince William County Chair Ann Wheeler, Woodbridge Supervisor Margaret Franklin, and I met with Calvin Farr, the General Manager of the Prince William Service Authority, to learn about efforts underway to upgrade our water system and remove lead pipes. 

Nationally, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will provide $55 billion for clean water initiatives, the single largest investment in water infrastructure in American history. Nationwide, the legislation will provide:

• $23.4 billion for Drinking Water and Clean Water State Revolving Funds (SRF) to improve water infrastructure
• $15 billion to replace lead service lines
• $10 billion for states and utilities to treat perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and other emerging contaminants

Of that funding, Virginia will receive nearly $738 million over the next five years to improve our water infrastructure, including $126.4 million for Fiscal Year 2022 alone. 

These investments are in addition to the $350 billion in state and local relief funds that Congress included in the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which communities can use for water and wastewater infrastructure projects. In 2021, for example, Virginia announced plans to provide $411 million in ARPA funding to reduce water pollution and expand access to clean water across our Commonwealth.

On Day Three, we closed out our week with a Trains and Transit Roundtable. Fairfax County Chairman Jeff McKay, Braddock Supervisor James Walkinshaw, Northern Virginia Transportation Commission Chair Canek Aguirre, Virginia Railway Express (VRE) Chief of Staff Joe Swartz, Northern Virginia Regional Commission Chair Cydny Neville, and Georgia Graves of the Dulles Chamber of Commerce were on hand to discuss ways federal spending will revitalize Northern Virginia’s rail and transit systems, reduce congestion, and address climate change. 

For example, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provides: 

• $90 billion for transit including, including $1.2 billion for Virginia transit systems
• A $125 million increase in annual federal formula funding for Metro 
• $102 billion for Amtrak and commuter rail nationwide, including an annual funding increase of $10 million for VRE, bringing the total from $30 million to $40 million per year

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act also included my Metro Accountability and Investment Act, which reauthorized $150 million in additional annual federal funding for Metro. My legislation conditions federal funding on critical reforms to strengthen the WMATA Office of the Inspector General and enhance oversight of system safety and reliability. 

As you can see, whether you drive, bike, take Metro, or walk, our region will benefit from this legislation. Please continue to take care of yourselves and each other, and remember that my office is here to help. Be sure to visit my website for more information and resources. If you have any questions or concerns, or if you need assistance, please don't hesitate to call us at (703) 256-3071.