House Approves $20 Million for Seattle-Area Infrastructure Projects
Jayapal secures funding for the five transportation and infrastructure projects as part of the INVEST in America Act that passed today
WASHINGTON — The U.S. House of Representatives voted today to approve $20 million for five Seattle-area transportation and infrastructure projects. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) fought to secure the critical funding — which reflects the maximum amount that any Congressional District secured in the legislation — for these community priorities as part of the INVEST in America Act, which now moves to the Senate before going to President Joe Biden’s desk to be signed into law.
“I am proud that five key transportation and infrastructure priorities that I fought for on behalf of our region have been approved by the House of Representatives,” said Congresswoman Jayapal. “The robust INVEST in America Act is a critical step towards bolstering infrastructure across our district, supporting our state’s efforts to fight climate change at a pivotal moment, and authorizing investments in our roads, bridges, transit systems, waterways, and culverts. I look forward to moving this legislation forward and continuing to advocate for other necessary investments throughout our community.”
The $20 million that the House approved today is split between five regional priorities:
- $5.36 million for Sound Transit’s West Seattle and Ballard Link Extension
- $4.2 million for WSDOT’s Seattle Ferry Terminal Shoreside Electrification
- $2.34 million for SDOT’s East Marginal Way Corridor Improvements — Phase 1
- $3.1 million for Lake Forest Park’s Culvert Replacement Project
- $5 million for WSDOT’s I-5/Lake Washington Ship Canal Bridge Deck Overlay
The INVEST in America Act is a $547 billion transportation and infrastructure package that will send additional resources to Washington state. The legislation provides $343 billion for roads, bridges, and safety — a 54 percent increase to current levels. This includes $32 billion for bridge funding. The bill also invests $109 billion in transit systems and $95 billion in rail. Additionally, the proposal invests in workers and communities of all sizes while tackling the climate crisis head-on by providing $4 billion for electric vehicle charging infrastructure, $8.3 billion for reducing carbon pollution, $6.2 billion for climate mitigation and resiliency improvements, and a scaling up of zero-emission transit vehicles.
Today’s news follows an exciting announcement on Friday that Representative Jayapal had helped secure $11.2 million in federal funding for the West Seattle Bridge. The Department of Transportation awarded the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) Grant following months of continued advocacy by the Congresswoman that included meetings with Secretary Pete Buttigieg and other administrative officials.
In April, Representative Jayapal testified in front of the powerful House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. She championed key infrastructure priorities for Washington’s Seventh Congressional District and urged the Committee to invest in increased bridge funding while specifically advocating on behalf of the West Seattle Bridge.
###