Iowa's getting $5 billion in new projects from the infrastructure bill. Here's a breakdown

Des Moines Register Staff

Iowa stands to gain about $5 billion in new roads and bridges, broadband and water infrastructure improvements after President Joe Biden signed a sweeping infrastructure spending bill Monday. 

The total cost of the bipartisan bill, which was supported by Iowa's U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley and U.S. Rep. Cindy Axne, is nearly $1.2 trillion and delivers on one of Biden's marquee campaign promises.

Axne, a Democrat, attended the law's signing Monday and praised the measure in a statement.

"This new law represents a wide range of investments in Iowa: from expanding internet access, repairing crumbling bridges and roads, reducing supply chain disruptions, and keeping our communities safe — all without raising taxes on middle class Iowans," Axne said. "I was proud to join my colleagues from both sides of the aisle today to see this landmark bill signed into law — and look forward to working with state and local partners to see the billions of dollars included in this bill for Iowa implemented as quickly and efficiently as possible."

Grassley, a Republican, did not attend the ceremony. A spokesperson for his office said he was attending previously scheduled meetings with Iowans.

"This bipartisan bill fixes potholes, rebuilds bridges, upgrades water systems and brings broadband to rural corners of our state," Grassley said in August, when the Senate passed the legislation. "Investing in Iowa’s infrastructure will pay dividends for decades to come."

Previously:Chuck Grassley votes yes, Joni Ernst votes no on bipartisan infrastructure bill

What is Iowa getting in the infrastructure bill? 

According to Axne's office, Iowa will get about: 

  • $3.4 billion for highway repairs. 
  • $432 million to replace and repair bridges. 
  • $638 million for water infrastructure improvements. 
  • $305 million for public transportation.
  • $120 million for airport infrastructure.
  • $100 million for expanded broadband internet coverage.

More:Why Iowa Democrat Cindy Axne voted for $1.2 trillion infrastructure plan

What else is in the infrastructure bill?

The bill includes $110 billion for roads and bridges nationwide, $66 billion for Amtrak and freight rail, and $65 billion to expand broadband internet access, according to USA Today

Other items in the bill include: 

  • $65 billion to rebuild the electric grid with renewable energy and thousands of miles of new power lines.
  • $55 billion to upgrade water systems, with a goal of replacing the country’s lead service pipes.
  • $42 billion for airports, waterways and port infrastructure. Airports would receive $25 billion.
  • $39 billion for public transit. The bill aims to repair and upgrade transit systems and make stations more accessible to elderly and passengers with disabilities.
  • $7.5 billion for charging stations for electric vehicles and $7.5 billion for electric buses.

White House officials have said they hope to begin projects by early 2022. The House is expected to take up another large spending bill focused on social programs, including free kindergarten, later this month.