Rep. Houlahan urges infrastructure funding

U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) recently sent a letter to the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee urging for robust infrastructure funding for the state and her district to be included in this year’s surface transportation spending package.

The letter was addressed to Peter DeFazio (D-OR), committee chairman, and Sam Graves (R-MO), ranking member.

Houlahan stressed federal support was needed to repair infrastructure in her district, especially bridges, roads, and rail.

“Unfortunately, the Commonwealth and our nation have fallen behind in terms of needed transportation and infrastructure investments, which negatively impacts my community,” Houlahan said. “Recently, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) graded the United States a C- on its 2021 Infrastructure Report Card. The Commonwealth also received a grade of C- on ASCE’s most recent statewide report in 2018.”

Houlahan also emphasized that federal support will lead to more jobs in her district.

“I ask that the Committee prioritize Buy America provisions to ensure that American businesses, big and small, play a key role in manufacturing and construction,” Houlahan. said. “This will provide opportunities for workers in the commonwealth to gain access to good-paying jobs and workforce development training, which is crucial as we recover from the pandemic.”

Houlahan’s district includes Chester County and southern Berks County.