Philly Leader

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf met with a group of officials to celebrate the federal investments made possible through the Biden Infrastructure Law that are to be used for infrastructure improvements around the state.

Wolf was joined by White House Infrastructure Coordinator Mitch Landrieu, Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan, PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian, Coatesville City Council President Linda Lavender-Norris, and stakeholder group For Our Future; a recent press release from the governor’s office said. Wolf noted that improvements in infrastructure affect where people work and live, how they visit friends and family, and what they eat and drink as far as water is concerned.

“An investment in infrastructure is an investment in our communities and the people who live there,” Wolf said in the release. “The Biden Administration has made historic investments in infrastructure, including here in Pennsylvania, and we will continue to capitalize on this historic opportunity by working with local communities to identify needs and build solutions that work for our people.”

Gramian commented that the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is “a game-changer for Pennsylvania’s transportation.”

“An investment in a safe and reliable transportation network is an investment in ourselves and in each other, and we’re grateful for what these new federal funds will bring to our commonwealth,” Gramian said in the release.

Based on data from historic formula funding, Pennsylvania is expected to receive several types of infrastructure improvements through federal funding. This includes the repair and rebuilding of roads and bridges with a focus on mitigating climate change; as well as resilience, equity and safety for all users, including cyclists and pedestrians. It is expected that Pennsylvania will receive $11.3 billion for federal-aid highway-apportioned programs and $1.6 billion for bridge repairs and replacements. 

Another improvement is in public transportation through $2.8 billion over five years. Additionally, Pennsylvania expects to receive $171 million over five years to expand EV charging networks statewide.

Pennsylvania is also expected to receive a minimum of $100 million for broadband coverage, which will provide access to at least 394,000 people who currently lack coverage. 

Other projects include delivering clean drinking water to Pennsylvanians through $1.4 billion over five years, and improving the commonwealth’s airports through $355 million over five years for infrastructure improvements. Additional projects will be the funding of $49 million over five years to protect against wildfires, $26 million for cyber attacks and $3.5 billion in weatherization to reduce energy costs.