The publication is reproduced in full below:
CBC SUPPORTS INVESTING IN INFRASTRUCTURE
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speech of
HON. DONALD M. PAYNE, JR.
of new jersey
in the house of representatives
Monday, June 28, 2021
Mr. PAYNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to discuss the importance of infrastructure to my district and the Nation. Right now, we are discussing two monumental transportation and infrastructure improvement proposals: the American Jobs Plan and the INVEST in America Act. Both proposals would repair and replace airports, bridges, buses, seaports, and thousands of miles of American highways.
These proposals would provide direct benefits to my constituents in New Jersey's 10th District. The greatest benefit would be the construction of the $13.4 billion Gateway Program. The program consists of two projects: a new Portal North Bridge and a new Hudson River Tunnel to go with repairs to the current tunnel. The existing bridge and tunnels are more than 110 years old. They have been here longer than the Empire State Building and they are an accident waiting to happen. Each facility carries 200,000 passengers in 450 trains every day to destinations in New Jersey, New York and across the country. A shut down of either facility would cost $100 million in lost economic output every day. Thankfully, officials will begin construction on the new Portal North Bridge this year. But we need funding for the Hudson River Tunnel project immediately.
The Gateway Program is not the only infrastructure project that would receive aid from these bills. A strong investment in our nation's infrastructure will help the City of East Orange improve their transit network and revitalize their downtown area. It will provide more advanced vehicle and pedestrian crossing signals to increase the speed and safety of traffic in Newark. It will replace sidewalks and streetscapes in South Orange. In addition, it will give the residents of Bloomfield a modern train station.
These projects are all critical to the economic health and prosperity of my residents. I know each Member of Congress has a similar list of projects that will bring similar benefits to their constituents. We cannot wait any longer. The longer we wait, the farther behind our national transportation system falls in relation to countries in Europe and Asia. We need to support these bills, repair our bridges, repave our roads, and make life better for all Americans. It is the job we were elected to do. Now, it is time to do it.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 113
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