Congressman Joe Neguse Passes Local Priorities in New Infrastructure Plan

Washington D.C.—The U.S. House of Representatives has approved a major comprehensive infrastructure plan—the Moving Forward Act—a $1.5 trillion plan to invest in America’s infrastructure, including funds for road and highway repairs, like I-70 and I-25, expansion of rural broadband and clean energy and investments in affordable housing. The plan will also increase access to zero-emission buses and charging stations, support public transportation in mountain communities and provide relief funds to the U.S. Postal Service. Included in the plan are four of Congressman Joe Neguse’s proposals, priority infrastructure projects for the 2nd Congressional District and Colorado.

“The Moving Forward Act hits at the heart of many of the challenges communities in our district face,” said Congressman Joe Neguse. “This proposal authorizes needed funds to fix our highways and roads, provides investments for rural broadband to connect our mountain communities, expands affordable housing opportunities, which are critical for families and communities throughout northern Colorado, and ensures that we are planning for the future by investing in clean energy and green, resilient infrastructure that will set us on the path towards solving the climate crisis.”

Neguse infrastructure proposals approved by the House include:

• Investments in affordable housing. Congressman Neguse’s Save Affordable Housing Act will help ensure commitments to affordable housing are preserved for Americans across the country. The provision was included in the Moving Forward Act.
• Modernization of federal labs. Congressman Neguse passed an amendment to the Moving Forward Act which would require a report on the state of our federal labs to help assess and invest in needed facility improvements, climate controls and security.
• A plan to build climate resilient communities. Congressman Neguse passed an amendment to the Moving Forward Act to help ensure that communities are able to take climate change and resiliency into consideration when building back after natural disasters—an issue counties in the 2nd District are still navigating as they rebuild from the 2013 floods.
• And changes to address train horn noise and make it easier to establish a municipal Quiet Zone. Congressman Neguse passed an amendment to the Moving Forward Act to make it easier for municipalities, like those in the 2nd District, to qualify for a Quiet Zone and increase transparency in the process.

“We know that climate change is going to result in more severe weather events in the years to come,” said Boulder County Commissioner Chair Deb Gardner. “This [climate preparedness] provision is an important step forward in making sure that when we do need to rebuild and recover from the next flood, fire, or other disaster, we can do so in ways that will better prepare us for future disasters without being constrained by outdated or inadequate building codes and standards.”

“The current codes and standards provisions do not take into account our diverse terrain here in Colorado, including our canyons and mountain river systems,” said Lori Hodges, Director of Emergency Management for Larimer County. “With changes to our hazards due to climate, it is imperative that we make the necessary changes to build back stronger in the future. Larimer County appreciates all efforts by Congressman Neguse and other members of congress to address this challenge.”

“The City of Fort Collins is very supportive of this [train horn noise] amendment and grateful for Congressman Neguse’s efforts to help municipalities navigate and succeed in obtaining quiet zones,” said Fort Collins Mayor Wade Troxell. “After years of effort, applications, and time invested the City of Fort Collins still struggles to get clear direction from the FRA on alternative paths and safety measures that we could implement to secure a quiet zone.”