Senate Democrats’ Infrastructure Plan is a Move in the Right Direction

Washington, DC—Today, Senate Democrats released an infrastructure plan that would establish robust funding for our nation’s infrastructure, including funding to fix, maintain or upgrade existing systems, as well as real investment in rail, transit, and water infrastructure which will benefit the Southeast.  

“This plan is a vast improvement on the Trump administration’s infrastructure proposal. The plan released today offers a more realistic and meaningful way forward to improve upon our roads, invest in rail and transit, and help ensure adequate wastewater and drinking water infrastructure—without gutting environmental protection,” said Trip Pollard, senior attorney and leader of the Southern Environmental Law Center’s Land and Community Program. “The $10 billion proposed for the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) program is a good example of funding for smart projects. Here in Virginia, Richmond’s Broad Street Bus Rapid Transit and rehabilitating I-64 bridges in Rockbridge County are just two of the projects that have benefitted from this important program.”

“It’s great to see the Democrats take a forward-thinking approach with investments in transit and rail which provide essential transportation options for the growing population in the Southeast. We are also excited to see funding set aside for non-traditional items like electric car recharging stations. Electrification of our infrastructure will allow us to grow in a much more sustainable way” said SELC attorney Kym Hunter. “Equally important, is promised investment in local and main street improvements. We’ve seen firsthand in North Carolina how investments in bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure can create strong, vibrant downtowns and spur economic development- both in our large cities and in our smaller rural towns. ”

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For more than 30 years, the Southern Environmental Law Center has used the power of the law to champion the environment of the Southeast. With over 70 attorneys and nine offices across the region, SELC is widely recognized as the Southeast’s foremost environmental organization and regional leader. SELC works on a full range of environmental issues to protect our natural resources and the health and well-being of all the people in our region.www.SouthernEnvironment.org