Ruiz, California Members Urge Passage of Invest in America Act

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) joined DPCC Co-Chair Ted Lieu (CA-33) and Representatives Judy Chu (CA-27) and Mark Takano (CA-41) to urge passage of the Invest in America Act ahead of the House vote on the legislation this week. The Invest in America Act, which includes investments for infrastructure projects in the 36^th District, will create good-paying jobs rebuilding roads, bridges, transit, rail, and wastewater and drinking water infrastructure.

Within the legislation, Ruiz secured $20 million for the Monroe St. Interchange Project in Indio. The bill also includes his provision that could open up more than $50 million nationally in additional funding to improve clean drinking water access for underserved communities. Additionally, the Invest in America Act includes the Passenger Rail Improvement, Modernization and Expansion (PRIME) grant program—a critical next step in the completion of the Riverside County Transportation Commission's Coachella Valley-San Gorgonio Pass Rail Corridor Service Project.

"The Invest in America Act will make our nation more competitive and fix our roads and bridges with safer, smarter, and more resilient infrastructure," said Dr. Ruiz. "Once signed into law, our communities will see the direct results of this legislation, which includes $20 million for the much-needed Monroe Street Interchange project in Indio. I am also thrilled that the Invest in America Act includes my priorities to expand access to clean drinking water for underserved communities and invest in transit programs that could help bring passenger service from Los Angeles to Coachella. With my priorities included, the Invest in America Act will help us Build Back Better, create more local jobs, and grow our local economy. I look forward to passing this legislation in the House this week and getting it to President Biden's desk."

BACKGROUND

Passing the Invest in America Act is a step toward fulfilling many of the key priorities laid out in the American Jobs Plan by President Biden. The legislation includes:

• $343 billion for roads, bridges, and public safety measures;
• $109 billion to help local transit invest in low emission vehicles and establish new programs to increase usership; and
• $95 billion for passenger and freight rail including funding to help projects like the CV Rail project, to bring passenger rail service from Los Angeles to the Coachella Valley.

In addition, Ruiz secured $20 million in federal funding for the Monroe St. Interchange Project in Indio. The current interchange at the I-10 / Monroe Street exit has insufficient shoulder and pedestrian sidewalks, and only contains single lanes for the freeway on- and off-ramps. In addition, the bridge structure requires a seismic retrofit to ensure lasting safety.

The authorized project would reconstruct the overpass, establishing four additional lanes and providing safe access for pedestrians and cyclists. In addition, the on- and off-ramps would have multiples lanes to reduce congestion.

The Invest in America Act also includes Ruiz's priority that could make over $50 million in additional funding available nationally to improve clean water access for underserved communities like those in the Eastern Coachella Valley.

Ruiz's provision amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to bring it in line with the Biden Administration's "Justice40" Initiative, which aims to deliver 40% of the benefits of federal investments to underserved communities.

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