Rep. Payne, Jr. Votes to Improve America’s Roads, Rail and Bridges            

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. voted for the Moving Forward Act today.  The $1.5 trillion bill (H.R. 2) would repair and build roads, bridges and other infrastructure throughout the country.  The bill would allocate almost $12 billion for New Jersey’s highway and transit improvements as well as at least $7.6 billion for rail projects along the Northeast Corridor, such as the Hudson River Tunnel.  Also, it could help pay to replace Newark’s water distribution system because it contains an amendment to provide $22.5 billion for lead pipe replacement with a focus on low-income, minority communities.

“We need this bill to become law because the current Hudson River Tunnel needs to be repaired and work on a new tunnel needs to start immediately,” said Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr.  “Everyone knows our roads and bridges are falling apart.  Once we have reopened safely, thousands of commuters are going to need a modern and safe New Jersey transit system.  In addition, this bill would create thousands of new jobs for Americans to improve our nation and make funding available to replace lead service lines in Newark’s water system.  Once again, I am proud of my Democratic colleagues for taking action to address our country’s needs.”

The bill would include money to improve several aspects of American infrastructure.  It would provide $300 billion to fix existing roads and bridges; $100 billion to add more environmentally-friendly public transportation to American cities; $29 billion to expand and upgrade Amtrak, the country’s public rail service; $130 billion to improve the health and safety of thousands of high-poverty schools; $100 billion to improve or create affordable housing; $100 billion to help deliver broadband Internet access nationwide; $25 billion to ensure communities have safe drinking water; and $70 billion to transform the nation’s electric grid to accommodate more renewable energy.

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