The much anticipated trillion-dollar federal infrastructure bill has now been signed by President Biden. Under the bill, Washington and Oregon are projected to receive billions in funds:
Washington:
- $228 million for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, $16 million for Paine Field, and $6.8 million to King County International Airport-Boeing Field.
- $2.5 billion for Washington State Ferries.
- High-capacity transit should see increased funding, including an anticipated $381 million for Sound Transit and $559 million to King County Metro.
- $2.25 billion to the Port of Seattle for shore-side power for cargo ships and the electrification of cargo-handling equipment and trucks, making the Port more competitive to companies seeking carbon credits.
- $71 million for Washington to expand its electrical-vehicle charging network.
- $100 million for expansion of broadband internet, which is expected to help 240,000 Washingtonians who currently are without high-speed internet.
- Salmon restoration, forest thinning, prescribed burns, clean-up of contaminated drinking water, and other high priority items to be addressed.
Oregon:
- $1.2 billion in transportation funding with opportunities for restoration and repair for Oregon’s aging roads and bridges—many of which are beyond their 50-year lifespan. This includes the I-5 Bridge Project spanning the Columbia River connecting Oregon and Washington.
- $200 million is allocated to transit systems, with anticipated expansions to TriMet’s MAX Red Line extension and Bus Rapid Transit.
- ODOT anticipates $50 million for electric vehicle charging stations, $40 million on safety investments, and $30 million for bike and pedestrian improvements.
- Oregon’s statewide broadband connectivity will be expanded with a $100 million allocation, providing broadband for more than 130,000 Oregonians currently without.
- $162 million national Investment in U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service could include restoration of wildlife habitat in Klamath Basin.
How Miller Nash can help:
- Construction: With the passage of the bill, contractors, subcontractors, design professionals, and owners and developers will be very busy! Our construction team is nationally recognized and ready to give you a competitive edge with bidding on and navigating contracts for this work.
- Renewable Energy: Whether you build, generate, store, purchase and sell, or distribute renewable energy, we are here to assist you with the opportunities and issues that come with this power.
- Public Projects and Condemnation: With extensive experience advising clients with the power of eminent domain, no other firm is better equipped to handle acquisition planning and condemnation litigation. Let’s get your project built!
- Real Estate/Land Use: The PNW will become an even more competitive market with the anticipated infrastructure and renewable energy improvements. Our real estate development team can assist with all aspects of land development and land use needs.
