On 2-year anniversary, Lehigh Valley seeing Bipartisan Infrastructure Law benefits

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It’s been two years since the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act went into effect and the Lehigh Valley is just now starting to enjoy the benefits of the federal investment. 

Speaking on the anniversary of the law, U.S. Rep. Susan Wild, D-Lehigh, noted that the Lehigh Valley has received $395.73 million in funding from the fund, supporting 150 projects in her district. 

Wild said that the investment was a major accomplishment for congress, which for years had been neglecting the nation’s crumbling infrastructure, a problem she said that had become “a running joke.” 

“I’m extraordinarily happy and proud about helping to have delivered these critical Bipartisan Infrastructure Law investments in upgrading our physical infrastructure, which will also keep America’s supply chains moving and create good-paying jobs in our community,” said Wild.  

Among the beneficiaries of the federal investment was the Lehigh Valley International Airport, which was the first project in the country completed using the funds. 

“We couldn’t have gotten to the finish line without that Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the support that we received from Congresswoman Susan Wild in securing $5 million that went towards LVIA’s TSA expansion project,” said Colin Riccobon, director of public and government relations for the Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority. “This was not just a ‘nice to have’ project, in which we were trying to upgrade something. This was a critical project for the Airport Authority, for the expansion of air service, and the ability to serve the community.” 

The anniversary came on the day that the Lehigh Valley adopted its long-range transportation plan, where it will help fund many of the needed projects. 

“Just this morning, the Lehigh Valley Transportation Study adopted a new long-range transportation plan, and that looks out 25 years in how we can invest in everything from our road and bridge network, to walking, biking, and the transit system,” said Becky Bradley, executive director of the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission.  “None of that would be possible without the IIJA. The IIJA took our investment into the region…up from $2.4 billion to $4.388 billion. That’s the power of the IIJA.” 

Wild said that based on formula funding alone, Pennsylvania is expected to receive approximately $13.2 billion over five years in federal funding for highways and bridges. 

To date, she said $8.1 billion has been announced in Pennsylvania for roads, bridges, roadway safety, and major projects. 

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is also expected to add around 2 million jobs per year throughout the next decade. 

Fixing aging roadways and bridges is a major component of the IIJA. 

Among the investments is $22.5 million for fixing the Cementon Bridge, which at 90 years old and one of the 47 bridges in Lehigh County designated as being in poor condition by the Federal Highway Administration. 

It also includes $2.78 million to support the replacement of the Indian Trail Road Bridge over Hokendaqua Creek in Allen Township to replace the aging bridge. 

But the IIJA also covers other types of investments. 

Pennsylvania received $1.2 billion to connect everyone in the state to reliable, highspeed internet and Wild noted that 38,298 households in PA-07 are saving on their monthly internet bill due to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. 

The IIJA is also calling for an investment of $3.75 million into the Mid-Atlantic Center of Excellence at Lehigh University, which will expand the Industrial Research and Assessment Center network’s engagement with unions, trade schools, and community colleges, and develop new assessment methodologies to better serve small manufacturers.