Pete Buttigieg Secretary of Transportation | Facebook Website
Last week, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced $1.8 billion in awards from the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) discretionary grant program for 148 projects across the country. The funding is divided equally between urban and rural areas, with a significant portion supporting historically overlooked or underinvested regions.
RAISE is a central program of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, aimed at rebuilding critical infrastructure using American-made materials and stimulating private sector investment nationwide. This initiative seeks to grow the economy by lowering costs for families and creating well-paying union jobs within local communities.
The RAISE program is one of several competitive grant programs providing funding to communities under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. To date, more than $450 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding has been allocated to over 57,000 projects across all 50 states, D.C., and U.S. territories.
Leaders from various regions praised the announcement:
Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell commented on the Limaburg Road Complete Streets Project: "I was proud to work with community leaders in Boone County to secure this RAISE grant and to help the Boone County Fiscal Court upgrade Limaburg Road, a key corridor adjoining CVG that promises to spur new economic opportunities throughout the region."
Mayfield Mayor Kathy O’Nan expressed gratitude for the Rebuild Downtown Mayfield Project: "Two and a half years ago the people of Mayfield were told by President Biden that we would not be forgotten by the federal government in our quest to rebuild after the tornado of December 10, 2021, destroyed so much in the heart of our community."
Maine Senator Angus King and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree highlighted improvements from the East Deering: Pathways to Bridge the Gap Project: "East Deering is an iconic Portland neighborhood that boasts historic residences and beautiful coastline views."
Cleveland Mayor Justin M. Bibb spoke on the Cuhyahoga Greenways: East Side Trails Project: "These trail projects connect residents in underserved areas to a multitude of resources while advancing planning initiatives like Complete & Green Streets."
Colorado Senator John Hickenlooper discussed nearly $63 million for state infrastructure projects: "From Akron to Towaoc to Greeley, our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is delivering the funding our communities need to update infrastructure that’s key to economic growth."
Timothy J. Greene Sr., Chairman of the Makah Tribe, commented on funding for Neah Bay Multi-Use Barge Loading Facility Project: "One of the greatest transportation challenges faced by the Makah Tribe is supply chain interruption caused by frequent closures of SR112."
Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman emphasized benefits from Reconnecting Allegheny Riverfront to Economic Opportunity Project: "This federal funding is a massive win for the people of Sharpsburg."
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens addressed Westside Park Multimodal Access Project's impact: "We are enthusiastic about what this means for one of our fastest-growing neighborhoods."
California Senator Alex Padilla remarked on over $65 million allocated for state infrastructure projects: "From Sacramento County to San Diego, this critical funding up and down the state will make our roadways safer."
New Jersey Congressman Frank Pallone Jr. spoke on Intermodal Transportation Building Project's significance: "This new facility will bolster economic opportunities in Carteret and surrounding areas."
Kevin Mills, Vice President of Policy for Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, noted RAISE grants' impact: "With each round of federal infrastructure grants, we continue to see an influx of projects that close gaps in trail and active transportation systems."
Alabama Congresswoman Terri Sewell highlighted Moving Fairfield Forward Project & RAISE York Study's importance: "Today marks a major step forward in our fight to eliminate blocked railroad crossings."
Jessica Mefford-Miller, CEO of Valley Metro Arizona, discussed Valley Metro Rio East-Dobson Streetcar Extension Project's advancement: "Valley Metro...is thrilled to continue having USDOT at our side as we expand streetcar into East Valley with 2024 RAISE grant.”
Florida Congresswoman Kathy Castor emphasized Pathways to Palmetto Complete Streets Project's role in improving safety and resilience against flooding.
Greeley Mayor John Gates thanked USDOT for Mobility Enhancements for Regional Growth and Equity Project funding.
Washington Congressman Rick Larsen acknowledged Interstate 5 Corridor Improvements' significance due to Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
