ICYMI: Spanberger, McEachin Join Virginia Workers at “Thankful for Infrastructure” Press Conference, Tout Central Virginia Benefits of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

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HENRICO, V.A. —  U.S. Representatives Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-07) and A. Donald McEachin (D-VA-04) joined Virginia workers and labor leaders to highlight the job-creating benefits and Central Virginia-focused provisions in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act — which was signed into law earlier this month.

The bipartisan infrastructure law marks the largest investment in America’s physical infrastructure in generations. Among its provisions for Virginia, the legislation includes an estimated $7 billion for Virginia highways and more than $530 million for Virginia bridge replacement and repairs over five years. Additionally, Virginia is expected to receive a minimum of $100 million to support its ongoing efforts to expand high-speed broadband internet access throughout the Commonwealth, as well as an expected $738 million over five years to improve Virginia’s pipes and water infrastructure.

During the “Thankful for Infrastructure” event last week, Spanberger, McEachin, and Virginia members of the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) spoke about how they are thankful for the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act’s direct benefits for Virginia’s physical infrastructure — including billions for Virginia roads, bridges, rail, pipes, airports, public transit, and broadband internet.

“The Virginians who joined us to celebrate the bipartisan infrastructure law know what this legislation means for their job security — and they know what it means for their families. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is not just a generational investment in our roads, bridges, and rails — it is an investment in generations of Virginia workers,” said Spanberger. “The jobs created by this law are truly family-sustaining jobs. Getting this legislation to President Biden’s desk was one of my top priorities this year in Congress, because I know how much of a win it is for Virginia’s economy. With this bill now signed into law, we are making sure that thousands of Virginia workers and their families, like those represented by LIUNA, have greater peace of mind long into the future. This law is something for which we can truly be thankful — and we can now focus on guaranteeing this money gets to the Central Virginia communities that need it most.”

“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal will modernize our nation’s physical infrastructure and create millions of good-paying, family-sustaining union jobs,” said McEachin. “I was proud to support this legislation to deliver for Virginia and provide much-needed resources where they are needed most — rebuilding our roads and bridges, expanding our broadband infrastructure, delivering clean water, and taking important steps to transition to a clean-energy future. This legislation will make meaningful investments in our Commonwealth, bolster economic activity and job creation, and bring Virginia’s infrastructure into the 21st century.” 

“It is an honor to celebrate the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill with Representative Spanberger and Representative McEachin after their tireless support of the bill and Virginia’s working families,” said Dennis L. Martire, Vice President & Mid-Atlantic Regional Manager, Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA). “When Virginians get to work building and repairing our infrastructure, they will also have new roads to good union jobs with living wages and benefits.”

Click here for a White House fact sheet outlining the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act’s Virginia-focused provisions.

BACKGROUND

Earlier this month, several Virginia organizations representing Central Virginia workers and businesses — as well as the region’s agriculture, forestry, telecommunications, healthcare, transportation, and recreation sectors — praised the passage of the legislation in the U.S. House and spoke out in support of the bipartisan legislation’s historic investments in physical infrastructure projects in the Commonwealth and across the country.

And last month, Spanberger and Virginia Governor Ralph Northam joined representatives from several Virginia labor and business organization, including LIUNA, to highlight the transformational bipartisan infrastructure package that was then awaiting action in the U.S. House — and to call for its swift passage.

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