Washington, D.C.— Scott Saiki, president of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) and speaker of the Hawaii House of Representatives, discussed the importance of infrastructure in the states during an event with other state and local organizations.
Kicking off infrastructure week, Speaker Saiki touted the importance of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which is already transforming the nation’s transportation sector, water systems and broadband connectivity.
“As states fund and oversee much of the nation’s interconnected infrastructure systems, we know the importance of funding certainty for our country’s infrastructure,” he said. “State legislators are grateful for the partnership with the federal government and the large investment that the bipartisan infrastructure package represents.”
“The significant increase in federal aid highway program formula funds for states, combined with the new bridge formula program, will give states the certainty we need to make strategic and long-term investments that will help us build out 21st century transportation systems,” Saiki added.
“The $55 billion in new funding for water projects is a truly historic investment. As the largest single investment in water infrastructure in the nation’s history, state legislatures are looking forward to working with our executive branch agencies and our local governments to ensure we can fully utilize the amounts to fund much needed investments in our nation’s aging water infrastructure and spur water projects across the nation.”
“The massive investment in broadband infrastructure will help every state bring high-speed internet service to both unserved and underserved areas.”
NCSL is a bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staffs of the states, commonwealths and territories. It provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues and is an effective and respected advocate for the interests of the states in the American federal system.