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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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.
On Thursday, the U.S. Dept. of Transportation released fact sheets that detail what each state stands to gain from the law.
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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 Some of that money will go to replace out-of-date train cars and buses.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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