The all Democratic New Hampshire congressional delegation talked Tueday about the benefits of the newly passed infrastructure bill that will send over $1 billion to te Granite State.

The $1 trillion bill was passed by the House on Friday with President Joe Biden planning to sign it into law this week. Over $1 billion is earmarked for New Hampshire including $1 billion to repair roads and bridges, more than $400 million to improve the state’s water infrastructure and a minimum of $100 million to build out high-speed internet access, according to Sen. Jeanne Shaheen.

"The benefits of the bipartisan infrastructure bill are going to make lasting changes in New Hampshire that will lift our cities and towns throughout the state. As a lead negotiator of this legislation, I’m proud to see Congress get it over the finish line and look forward to seeing the President swiftly sign it into law," Shaheen said.

The press conference was held in front of Manchester's Amoskeag Bridge which Shaheen said was a "red list bridge" meaning it is considered by the state Department of Transportation to be "structurally deficient."

Sen. Maggie Hassan said the funding will address many of the issues she hears the most about from constituents.

"This bill will help build out high-speed internet in rural communities, invest in clean energy infrastructure, repair our roads and bridges, address the effects of climate change on our Seacoast, protect our communities from cyberattacks, and make sure New Hampshire’s kids have safe drinking water, among so much more. The bill now heads to the President’s desk where I look forward to him quickly signing it.”

Rep. Chris Pappas said the issues addressed in the bill are not Democratic or Republican but rather "bipartisan, common senses solutions of local and national significance" that will create jobs.

"Funding will help New Hampshire complete critical road and bridge projects, expand transportation options, upgrade aging water systems, deliver broadband to homes and businesses without service, and spur economic development," Pappas said.

Among the New Hampshire initiatives and projects funded by the bill:

  • $1.1 billion for federal-aid highway apportioned programs and $225 million for bridge replacement and repairs over the next five years. New Hampshire will also be eligible to compete for the $12.5 billion Bridge Investment Program for economically significant bridges and nearly $16 billion of national funding in the legislation that is dedicated for major projects that will deliver robust economic benefits to communities.
  • $125 million over the next five years to improve public transportation options across the state.
  • At least $100 million to help provide high speed broadband coverage across the state, including providing access to the at least 42,800 people in New Hampshire who currently lack it.
  • $5.6 million over five years to protect against wildfires.
  • $418 million over five years to improve water infrastructure across the state
  • $45.6 million for infrastructure development for New Hampshire airports over five years.
  • $12.4 million to protect against cyberattacks.

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com or via Twitter @DanAlexanderNJ

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