Puerto Rico and four U.S. territories will get more than $1 billion to fix their roads and bridges, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced recently.
The funding, totaling more than $1.14 billion, is provided through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also called the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, DOT reports in the Feb. 24 announcement. The funds will be dispersed over five years, with $219 available in Fiscal Year 2022, according to the announcement
“This funding will help Puerto Rico and the territories improve their highway networks, stimulate economic opportunity and increase highway safety,” Deputy Federal Highway Administrator Stephanie Pollack said in the announcement. “Today’s funding will help move forward major repairs to highways and bridges and improve transportation systems on these islands.”
Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands are eligible for the funding, DOT reports, with Puerto Rico designated to receive most of the funding. In FY2022, $173 million will go to Puerto Rico, with nearly $46 million to be divided between the other four; over the course of the five years, $900 million will go to Puerto Rico and $240 million to the others, DOT reports.
The $1.14 billion is a 14 percent increase over previous funding for the islands, the DOT reports.
"The historic legislation will improve life for residents in Puerto Rico and the territories and create good-paying jobs and economic growth," DOT states in the announcement. "Specifically, it will help repair and rebuild roads and bridges, allowing for funds to be applied to climate change mitigation, resilience, equity, and safety for all users, including cyclists and pedestrians."
