Regina Romero, mayor of Tucson, was one of many local leaders at the 92nd annual U.S. Conference of Mayors meeting, which wrapped up this weekend.
Romero said federal investments have allowed "visionary initiatives" to become reality in Tucson. She cited an urban forestry grant to help Tucson plant more than 1 million trees by 2030 and another federal grant to purchase low-emission and electric buses.
Romero pointed out the city is now talking with the administration about more transit improvements, like a rapid bus transit system.
"We have had the opportunity to have conversations with the FTA (Federal Transit Administration) about it," Romero explained. "'This is our dream, this is what we are bringing up to you next,' and we continue to make sure that we advocate for Tucsonans."
Romero noted the conference is a way for local leaders to make sure cities get what she called "their fair share of federal dollars." More than 200 mayors attended the four-day conference in Kansas City, Missouri.
Southwestern cities face water shortage challenges, and Romero believes the current administration understands the critical need for water security and safety investments, especially as cities like Tucson continue to grow. She stressed the need to keep meeting with high-ranking government officials, and to keep their communities informed.
"It's important in an election year that we pay attention to these issues and that we find common ground," Romero emphasized. "But also that the decisions that we're going to make as voters of this country are going to be long-lasting."
Romero added because of the American Rescue Plan, Tucson was able to institute a policy known as "Housing First," a plan to end homelessness by buying properties like hotels to provide shelter to the unhoused, along with wraparound services to help people get back on their feet.
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Massachusetts will receive close to $1 billion in federal funding to replace the Cape Cod bridges.
Lawmakers said it is the largest single bridge funding grant in U.S. history and the biggest federal grant ever awarded to the Commonwealth.
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healy called it game-changing for the state's economy.
"It is a turning point truly in terms of sustained investments in an infrastructure whose benefits will be felt for generations," Healy emphasized. "It's a victory that we celebrate today."
The nearly 90-year-old Sagamore and Bourne bridges provide the only routes on and off the Cape and are considered "functionally obsolete" despite carrying more than 30 million vehicles each year. Healy explained plans are to focus first on replacing the Sagamore Bridge before turning to the Bourne.
The Biden Administration's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which established the Bridge Investment Program, invests a total of $40 billion over five years to help ensure the nation's most important bridges remain safe and operational. Already, the law has funded more than 7,000 bridge projects nationwide.
Sen. Edward Markey, D-Mass., said it feels like "Christmas in July," with the bridge project set to create some 9,000 construction jobs.
"We're going to do this with union labor," Markey pointed out. "It is going to be one of the largest union projects in Massachusetts history."
Markey noted an additional $700 million dollar state investment will allow construction on the Sagamore Bridge to begin. It is projected to be completed sometime in 2034 with the Bourne Bridge replacement completed more than a year later. The new bridges would be built next to the old ones to avoid traffic disruptions during construction.
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Last week, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee heard testimony on the state and federal response to the collapse of the Key Bridge. In addition to a recap of the cleanup efforts, testimony turned to bridge replacement and who is paying for it.
Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., and Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., introduced the Baltimore Bridge Response Invests and Delivers Global Economic Relief Act, in which the federal government would fund 100% of the replacement of the bridge and its approaches. Cardin said the money is needed immediately.
"We are asking for the 100%, because that's what we've done in the past and we need it now," Cardin emphasized. "Because we are lending contracts to start the construction now. We don't want to delay this. Every month it's delayed is additional loss to our communities, and frustration among drivers, not only those that are directly impacted by the port, but those that are using our streets."
The legislation requires any funds recovered from insurance proceeds or as compensation for damages be used to reduce the federal government outlay. The current estimate to replace the bridge is $1.7 billion.
The Maryland Transportation Authority is evaluating proposals from design-build teams and expects to have a team chosen by mid- to late summer. Senators in the committee focused on safety upgrades to protect bridge piers against collisions from Neo-Panamax size ships such as the container ship Dali.
Paul J. Wiedefeld, Maryland transportation secretary, said designers will ensure pier protection.
"Whether it's through islands or actually moving the piers further apart," Wiedefeld explained. "If you put these piers much further apart, obviously, that's a natural protection. That'll be played out through the design as a high priority."
The bridge rebuild completion target is fall 2028.
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Federal officials have opened up a new round of funding under one of the many grant programs tied to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
As the multiyear initiative unfolds, North Dakota cities are getting an education on how to apply for funds. Since the law's passage, North Dakota has been awarded more than $3 billion, with investments in roads and bridges, water systems and high-speed internet.
Matt Gardner, executive director of the North Dakota League of Cities, said what is great about the package is towns and cities have more direct access to funds, instead of most of it being distributed by the states. It also means there is stiff competition.
"One thing to consider is, of the 355 cities in North Dakota, 306 of those are under a thousand people in population," Gardner pointed out.
He suggested smaller communities might lack the capacity to examine the dozens of programs and figure out compliance needs for grants. The National League of Cities is hosting "bootcamps" for local governments to help them become more savvy in applying. The latest funding announcement was for a pilot effort to help reconnect areas cut off from opportunity by past transportation projects.
Gardner acknowledged the Biden administration is trying to make the application process easier with free technical assistance but noted municipalities may need a few more tips on not wasting time in seeking grants that would not fit their needs. And they need to know if they can cover matching funds.
"This money isn't free. I mean, it comes with strings," Gardner emphasized. "If a city is applying directly, in general, it's going to be those local funds (that are also needed)."
He added several towns can work together on a single application with hopes of the state covering matching funds, potentially boosting approval chances. Gardner agreed with elected officials who said the infrastructure law will help communities thrive, creating temporary jobs along the way. His only caution was a potential spike in project costs if the investments collectively drive up demand for supplies.
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