WASHINGTON: The White House on Thursday hailed “historic progress” on rebuilding US infrastructure since President Joe Biden — who is ramping up his 2024 reelection campaign — signed a major funding package into law two years ago.
Nearly $400 billion for over 40,000 projects has been announced so far under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) that Biden signed in November 2021, White House coordinator Mitch Landrieu told reporters.
The former New Orleans mayor said 21 million low-income households have also gained access to free or discounted high-speed internet under the law.
He also highlighted renovations either launched or planned to repair more than 135,000 miles (217,000 kilometers) of road, over 7,800 bridges, 445 ports and waterway projects, as well as 190 airport terminals.
In the rail sector alone, the law provides for $66 billion of funding.
A statement outlining the “historic progress by the numbers” also mentioned thousands of projects to build resilience against climate and cybersecurity threats as well as several clean energy initiatives.
“This has never happened in the history of this country,” Landrieu said. He estimated however that it would take a number of years for projects to reach completion, many not until after the November 2024 presidential election.
The US president nonetheless hopes that by beginning construction — and erecting signs bearing his name to projects financed by the law — that he will be able to sway American voters, many of whom face issues with crumbling infrastructure.
