Chamber applauds massive local funding included in infrastructure bill

PLATTSBURGH | The North Country Chamber of Commerce is welcoming the strong inclusion of several priorities it has been advocating for in the tentative federal Infrastructure Bill, agreed to in the Senate and subject to finalization. "A major infrastructure bill has been talked about for more than three years, and we have consistently been highlighting to our Washington representatives the importance of robust funding for transit equipment, both rail and buses, along with further investment in our airports and major new federal support for the closure of remaining broadband gaps," North Country Chamber of Commerce President Garry Douglas said July 29. "The focus for months has been on the Senate where a compromise has been reached that includes the priorities we have been regularly discussing with Sen. Schumer and his Washington staff. This includes $39 billion for public transit and specifically $5.25 billion for no or low emission buses like the electric and hybrid buses now being produced in Plattsburgh by Nova Bus and its area suppliers. Plus $66 billion for rail. That means major new contract opportunities for our region's transportation equipment cluster." Douglas said "There is also $25 billion for airports including $7.6 million for capital work at Plattsburgh International and a much-needed commitment of $60 billion nationally for broadband, which we are hopeful can finally close many of the remaining gaps in our region, especially in the Adirondacks. We are looking forward to more details soon on the federal broadband commitment and on other elements of the bill." Douglas thanked Sen. Charles Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand "for their commitment to the priorities we and our partners spotlighted as the bill was constructed. Sen. Schumer sought our input all along the way, including during his recent visit as our guest." Schumer said the bipartisan deal delivers record billions to advance critical New York projects, including the most the upstate region has seen in decades for airport, rail, bridge and road upgrades. "The bipartisan infrastructure deal will be a building and jobs boon for critical New York needs from Plattsburgh to Jamestown, and everywhere in between," Sen. Schumer said in announcing the deal July 29. "Whether it's critical bridge or highway repairs, safety improvements at our airports or for water systems, this deal represents massive investments that will rebuild and revive the Empire State's infrastructure. From clean drinking water to upgraded sewer to repairing bridges and highways, there is more work to be done, but billions are on the way to move on it and create good jobs while advancing critical projects."

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Chamber applauds massive local funding included in infrastructure bill

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