Local elected officials, business representatives and those responsible for overseeing public infrastructure say billions in federal dollars on the way to Central New York will benefit the region in a transformational way. They gathered at Syracuse’s Hancock International Airport where $27 million has been awarded. Congressmember John Katko is the author of the framework that became the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed recently.
“I have a very broad spectrum of people I represent in Central New York. Not just one type of person. Everybody. And I think everyone’s going to benefit from this bill, and everyone’s going to benefit from the long-term economic impacts of this bill. So, I know it’s the right thing to do. I’m not going to worry about the consequences or anything.”
Katko says he voted to do what’s best for Central New York and remains unphased by anyone in the Republican party who is criticizing him for supporting the infrastructure bill. The Central New York public transit system is also getting a much needed boost of $74 million.
“And Centro is gonna be able to develop the rapid transit system because of this and get more people the jobs like Amazon and help people get out of poverty in the city by having a good safe ride out to there work. They’re going to be able to do things like that.”
Katko says our infrastructure is in a dire state and the investments to improve local roads and bridges, electrical grids, ports and waterways are long overdue. Business and labor leaders say the infrastructure projects will also create and support jobs. Katko serves as a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and Co-Chairs the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus’s Infrastructure Working Group.