Transportation and Infrastructure

Long-term investments in transportation and infrastructure stimulate the economy, create jobs, and drive commerce. They are also an opportunity to rebuild systems in a sustainable and resilient manner, reduce carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency, and support vulnerable communities. New infrastructure programs should invest in projects that reduce pollution and use natural infrastructure solutions.

The need to repair, maintain, and build surface transportation infrastructure is widely and rightfully recognized. But in the Northwest, we know that a comprehensive infrastructure package needs to go beyond roads and bridges. Investing in infrastructure must also include more accessible public transit, robust broadband internet, affordable housing, upgraded water systems, repairs to ports, modernized public schools, and a decarbonized transportation system. I helped pass the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which will deliver billions in investments to our state for roads and bridges, water infrastructure, public transit, resilience, internet, and more.

I'm focused on the federal responsibility to improve infrastructure and upgrade our multi-modal transportation system. Smart transportation projects like the Beaverton Loop and Merlo Bus Garage Zero Emission Retrofit will help more people get to work, school, and other destinations in the community more quickly and reliably while also reducing emissions by decreasing the number of vehicles on our roads. I’m also advancing projects that recognize the need to enhance our resiliency in advance of a Cascadia Subduction Zone event in the Northwest.

Finally, federal investment in infrastructure will create needed construction jobs in our communities. I'll pursue every opportunity to give all workers—especially women and people of color who traditionally haven't worked in construction—access to the training and support needed to qualify for these jobs, and will help minority and women-owned small businesses compete for these federal contracts.