Cortez Masto: Transportation and Infrastructure Funding in Spending Agreement Will Help Drive Nevada’s Economy

Las Vegas, Nev. – U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) released the following statement highlighting the infrastructure priorities she fought for in the omnibus spending agreement:

“Nevada is leading the way in technology innovation that will help propel us towards a smarter, cleaner future. The federal government plays a crucial role in fostering this 21^st century economy and the appropriations bill restores much needed funding to important transportation and infrastructure programs. It is a priority of mine to ensure that agencies like the Federal Highway Administration and important programs like the Department of Transportation’s TIGER grant have the funds they need to help stimulate growth in Nevada, and across the country. The omnibus’s recommitment to infrastructure spending will help Nevada improve our highways and roads, spearhead new sustainability projects and ensure that underserved communities are not left behind as the Silver State continues to grow.”

“I will continue to work in the Senate to keep funding infrastructure formula and grant programs, foster investments, and work with state and local leaders to ensure underserved communities are central to the conversation. Additionally, through my Innovation State Initiative, I will continue to be a vocal advocate to improve Nevada’s technology infrastructure, help develop workforce education and training programs, and bring broadband to rural communities across the state. I hope to see continued investments like those included in this funding agreement so that we can ensure Nevada stays on the cutting edge.”

BACKGROUND

The legislation passed two weeks ago in the Senate:

• Delivers $10 billion in new infrastructure funding and reverses President Trump’s proposed cuts to transportation programs.
• Includes $600 million to develop high-speed broadband infrastructure aimed at expanding access to remote unserved and under-served rural areas.
• Triples the amount of funding for U.S. Department of Transportation’s TIGER grants program to $1.5 billion, a $1 billion increase over last year’s level.
• Increases funding for the Federal Highway Administration by $2.55 billion and includes $1 billion for new rail and transit funding.
• Increases funding for federal water and waste water programs by $1.2 billion.
• Expands funding for Capital Investment Grants, which fund light rail, heavy rail, commuter rail, streetcar, and bus rapid transit projects.

As part of her Innovation State Initiative, Senator Cortez Masto has introduced and sponsored four critical pieces of legislation in Congress to strengthen Nevada’s pioneering leadership in technology.

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