ATLANTA — Last week, President Joe Biden signed a massive infrastructure bill into law that promises to improve American infrastructure.
But what does that actually mean for Georgians?
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On Thursday, the U.S. Dept. of Transportation released fact sheets that detail what each state stands to gain from the law.
The historic legislation aims to repair the nation’s roads and bridges, improve transportation options, upgrade airports and ports and create a national network of electric vehicle charging stations.
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Here’s what the law is expected to do in Georgia:
1. Repair and rebuild roads and bridges:
In Georgia there are 374 bridges and over 2,260 miles of highway in poor condition. Since 2011, commute times have increased by 10.8% in Georgia, and on average, each driver pays $375 per year in costs due to driving on roads in need of repair.
Georgia will get around $9.2 billion over 5 years to fund highways and bridges. The state will also get around $240 million to improve the transportation system and another $211 million to reduce emissions.
2. Improve safety on the roads
The state will get around $58 million to fund highway safety traffic programs and another $86.8 million to bolster commercial motor vehicle safety. Georgia will also be eligible to compete for $6 billion in funding for a new Safe Streets for All program, which aims to reduce crashes and fatalities especially for cyclists and pedestrians.
3. Improve and expand public transportation
Georgia will receive around $1.5 billion to improve public transportation options across the state. Some of that money will go to replace out-of-date train cars and buses.
The law will also allocate billions of dollars nationwide to improve and modernize passenger rail and high-speed rail systems.
4. Expand electric vehicle charging network
You may have already noticed new charging stations being installed at your local grocery story.
Georgia will get about $135 million to support the expansion of an electric vehicle charging network across the state.
5. Improve the state’s airports
The state will get around $619 million to fund improvements at airports in Georgia, including improving runways, improving access and safety.
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