Gonzalez: $2.3 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill is going to transform America

HARLINGEN, Texas – U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez believes the $2.3 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law signed into law by President Biden in November 2021 will transform America.

Gonzalez voted for the legislation.

Otherwise known as the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act, or HR 3684, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides new funding for infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and major projects; passenger and freight rail; highway and pedestrian safety; public transit; broadband; ports and waterways; airports; water infrastructure; power and grid reliability and resiliency.

It also includes funding for coastal resiliency, ecosystem restoration, and weatherization; clean school buses and ferries; electric vehicle charging; addressing legacy pollution by cleaning up Brownfield and Superfund sites and reclaiming abandoned mines; and Western Water Infrastructure.

Gonzalez spoke in glowing terms about the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law at a recent groundbreaking ceremony for a new air traffic control tower at Valley International Airport.

Giving the keynote address, Gonzalez said: “Today’s celebration would not be possible without a $2.3 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill that was passed. I was really happy to vote for it. And it’s going to transform America’s infrastructure.

“I know many of you have flown to Western Europe or some places in Asia. When you land back in the United States you just feel like, okay, we’re falling behind a little bit. And this is going to end that.

“That $2.3 trillion is going to transform airports, bridges, reservoirs, highways. $1.2 billion was sent to our congressional district. So there’s a lot more to come for airports, bridges, roads, and the drainage that we so much need in this region. We’re going to keep working till we see those things come to fruition.”

Speaking of VIA, Gonzalez said: “Valley International Airport is vital to connecting the Rio Grande Valley with the rest of the nation and strengthening our regional international connections as well. Last year alone, this airport serviced over a million passengers and over 5,000 outbound flights. That is amazing.”

Gonzalez said the new traffic control tower is a “significant milestone towards enhancing the airport’s ability to efficiently manage air traffic while ensuring the tower is ADA compliant, and structurally sound.”

Gonzalez added: “Investing in our control towers not only improves our airport safety and service capacity but reinforces our broader commitment to revitalizing our region’s infrastructure. And we all know that this airport not only is it the fastest growing it also has the most space to continue to grow and be a regional airport for the entire Rio Grande Valley in South Texas.”

Editor’s Note: The Rio Grande Guardian International News Service secured an interview with Congressman Gonzalez at the groundbreaking ceremony. Here it is:

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Senators Cornyn and Cruz support VIA

Whilst U.S. Sens. John Corny and Ted Cruz voted against the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, they do support funding from the bill going to VIA.

Sen. Cornyn could not be at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new air traffic control tower. However, he did send a letter of support. It read:

“Dear Friends:

“Congratulations to the City of Harlingen and Valley International Airport on today’s Air Traffic Control Tower groundbreaking. This important project will improve safety, order and efficiency for Valley International Airport passengers.

“I commend (Harlingen) Mayor Norma Sepulveda, the City Commission, and the Valley International Airport board members for their hard work and collaboration in making today possible. Thanks to their leadership, countless Texans and businesses in the region will have a greater access to safe and reliable air travel.

“I wish you continued success in the years to come. I look forward to seeing the further economic prosperity this project will bring to the Rio Grande Valley. May God continue to bless the City of Harlingen and the great state of Texas.

“Sincerely, John Cornyn.”

Sen. Cruz could not be at the groundbreaking ceremony either. However, he did send a message via a video link. He said:

“I’m sorry I can’t be with you today to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new air traffic control tower at Valley International Airport.

“As the ranking member on the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, which has jurisdiction over civil aviation, I am committed to ensuring that the modernization of our aviation industry enhances the safety and the efficiency of air travel in Harlingen and beyond.

“Thank you to everyone involved in bringing this project to fruition, especially the local officials and the dedicated team at Valley International Airport. If it wasn’t for your commitment and hard work, this advancement in our transportation infrastructure wouldn’t be possible.

“I want to congratulate the Harlingen airport board and the staff who have worked so tirelessly to secure funding for this pivotal project.

“Today’s groundbreaking is a testament to what can be achieved when local and federal officials come together with a common purpose. I’m confident that if we continue to work towards our shared objectives to enhance the operational capabilities of air travel in South Texas, we can identify further funding to complete this necessary project successfully.

“In Congress, I am committed to equipping Valley International Airport with the resources it needs to grow in this strategic location along our southern border. My team and I are working hard to advance opportunities for international commerce in the Rio Grande Valley and getting my Border Airport Fairness Act enacted to ensure that this airport is treated fairly as a designated port of entry, which is a top priority.

“The modernization of this air traffic control tower is a critical step forward.

“I want to thank you again for your commitment to advancing our transportation infrastructure. I hope that you had a successful groundbreaking ceremony and a swift, effective construction phase. God bless. Good afternoon.”

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