Rockingham Times

Senator Jeanne Shaheen issued the following letter on Aug. 10.

 August 10, 2021

Dear Friend,

I hope you’re having a safe summer. I wanted to share a quick update on the historic bipartisan infrastructure plan that just passed the Senate. Through around-the-clock talks, as a lead negotiator I made sure New Hampshire’s needs are addressed by working to include federal support to repair roads and bridges, combat PFAS contamination, invest in water infrastructure, expand broadband and more. I’m proud to be part of the bipartisan group that helped bridge the partisan divide to create lasting change for families and invest in our nation’s future. I’ll keep working to ensure Granite Staters’ voices are heard as we get this historic package across the finish line and signed into law. 

Here are some highlights from the bipartisan infrastructure bill that I fought for to help New Hampshire: 

• $110 Billion to Repair Roads & Bridges: I helped make sure small and rural states like New Hampshire have additional funding to repair and replace bridges, as well as for other major transportation projects.  
• $65 Billion to Bolster Broadband: I led bipartisan negotiations on broadband funding with Senator Susan Collins from Maine. We successfully secured $65 billion to support the expansion of broadband and efforts to bridge the digital divide – which will especially help rural areas of New Hampshire get connected.  
• $55 Billion to Upgrade Water Infrastructure: I also led negotiations on water infrastructure measures with Senator Mitt Romney of Utah. Through our work, we secured $10 billion to support PFAS remediation and $15 billion to address concerns around lead contamination in water pipelines.
• $65 Billion to Invest in U.S. Power Grid: I supported funding to support the reliability and resilience of our grid – which ensures our communities can stay powered and also strengthens our national security. Additionally, I fought for energy efficiency measures that combat climate change by investing in clean energy solutions and weatherization programs. I also worked to include provisions from my bipartisan bill with Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) that will help improve energy efficiency and climate resilience of buildings and industrial facilities, as well as invest in clean jobs. 
• Stopping Unfair Taxes on Water & Sewer Infrastructure: I spearheaded a measure based on my legislation to reverse exorbitant taxes on critical water infrastructure investments. The partisan 2017 tax bill imposed a tax that resulted in over $1.15 million in additional federal taxes on water infrastructure projects across New Hampshire. My bill with Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska gets rid of this tax to help utility companies and local governments invest in important water infrastructure projects.    

These are just some of the wins for New Hampshire that I helped secure through this once-in-a-generation investment. Congress owes it to working families across the nation to deliver on this historic investment, which creates jobs, supports local infrastructure and bolsters our nation’s competitiveness. I’m proud to have helped lead negotiations here, and I’ll do everything in my power to ensure this historic package swiftly becomes law. 

Need Help? Contact My Office 

One of my most important responsibilities as a U.S. Senator is assisting New Hampshire residents who need help navigating federal agencies. I’ve worked with my staff to help Granite Staters avoid foreclosure, secure military commendations, deliver delayed Social Security and Medicare assistance and access VA benefits, among other services. If you have an issue with a federal agency, you can open a case here. If it is time-sensitive, you can call my Manchester office at (603) 647-7500.

Sincerely, 

Original source can be found here.