The big, bipartisan federal infrastructure package could help overcome a major development hurdle in some communities: water and sewer supply.
Another windfall of federal money is expected to start flowing into New Hampshire soon, after President Joe Biden signed the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act last week.
Here’s what we know about how those funds would help bolster infrastructure and clean energy in New Hampshire.
The bill would send an estimated $1.1 billion in federal aid to repair highways in the state, and another $225 million for bridge repair and replacement over five years. That would help to address the 215 bridges and nearly 700 miles of highway that are in “poor condition” in the state, according to a fact sheet from the White House.
Around $125 million would go toward improving public transportation options in New Hampshire. Communities of color are more likely to take public transportation than white households, the White House found, and commuters using public transportation spend twice as much time in transit compared to those who drive.
Seventeen million dollars is earmarked to build out a network of charging stations for electric vehicles in the state. Transportation is currently the state’s single largest source of carbon emissions that drive climate change.
The bill also includes $100 million to get broadband to New Hampshire households that still don’t have access.
Around $5.6 million will help protect the state from wildfires, and $12.4 million will go toward bolstering the state’s defense against cyberattacks.
New Hampshire would also get $418 million to improve water infrastructure, which would help address problems like lead pipes and contamination of drinking water.
Finally, the bill sets aside $45.6 million for infrastructure development at New Hampshire airports.
This article has been reprinted with permission from the New Hampshire Bulletin under a Creative Commons license.
