WC Wisconsin News

WASHINGTON, DC – On September 13, Rep. Derrick Van Orden (WI-3) joined Reps. Brad Finstad (MN-1), Pete Stauber (MN-7), and Jared Golden (ME-2) in introducing the Protecting Infrastructure Investments for Rural America Act. This bill would remove barriers for rural communities to apply for and receive funding under the Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program, also known as the Rural Grant Program.

“Wisconsin farmers, workers, and families deserve to get from Point A to Point B safely,” said Van Orden. “Strong rural infrastructure is essential to strong communities in the Third District, and I am proud to join Reps. Finstad, Stauber, and Golden in this bipartisan effort to deliver results for America’s Heartland.”

Specifically, the Protecting Infrastructure Investments for Rural America Act would lower the definition of “rural area” from 200,000 in population to 20,000 to be in line with definitions used by the Small Business Administration and the USDA Office of Rural Development. This ensures rural communities are not forced to compete with big cities for infrastructure funding.

“America’s counties own and operate more roads and bridges than any other level of government, and the vast majority of our nation’s public road miles are located in rural counties,” said National Association of Counties Executive Director Matthew Chase. “The Protecting Infrastructure Investments for Rural America Act will build on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law by expanding access for counties to the Rural Surface Transportation Block Grant Program. We thank Representatives Finstad and Van Orden for their leadership and look forward to working with our bipartisan congressional partners to ensure passage of this important legislation.”

Find the bill text here

Original source can be found here.

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