A group of 21 Senators in Washington, including our own Senators Collins and King, have made significant progress to reach an agreement on a bipartisan infrastructure plan. This deal includes funding for clean energy and carbon reduction — all of which supports energy security and economic growth — alongside critical investments for roads, bridges, public transit systems, passenger rail, ports and airports, broadband infrastructure, water systems, and the nation’s grid system.

Many projects considered by our local municipalities would greatly benefit from federal investment. 

Today, Maine’s Senator King and Senator Collins deserve a hand for working together and with their colleagues across the aisle to get this $1.2 trillion framework compiled with Maine priorities in mind.

The latest report card from the American Society of Civil Engineers notes that our state’s poor road conditions cost drivers $1 billion per year. Beyond that, a full $1 billion of investment each year is required to meet Maine’s Renewable Portfolio Standards and improve grid reliability and resilience.

Ultimately, we desperately need investments in infrastructure to boost our overall well-being and economy.

For these reasons, I encourage Senator King and Senator Collins to continue working with the White House and lawmakers to bring this deal to fruition.

As Senator King said last week, “You don’t do a victory lap” until there’s a signed bill on the President’s desk.

Owen Casas lives in Rockport