Rhode Island House Bill H7587

Rhode Island 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/9/24
• Refer: 2/9/24
• Report Pass: 5/23/24
• Passed: 5/30/24

Caption

HOUSE RESOLUTION STRONGLY SUPPORTING A NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE BANK THROUGH THE PASSAGE OF THE 118TH CONGRESS H.R. 4052

Impact

The enactment of H7587 aims to facilitate up to $5 trillion in funding for qualifying infrastructure projects across the United States without imposing additional federal taxes or increasing the national debt. This provision is crucial as it attempts to allocate funding for overdue maintenance and upgrades that are currently unfunded or inadequately funded. By supporting the introduction of a National Infrastructure Bank, the bill seeks to ensure that all states, including Rhode Island, receive equitable funding for their infrastructure needs, which may include necessary repairs for aging bridges and roads as well as improvements to public utilities.

Summary

House Bill H7587 is a resolution that expresses strong support for the establishment of a National Infrastructure Bank through the passage of H.R. 4052 in the 118th Congress. The bill emphasizes the critical need for enhanced infrastructure funding to address the looming financial gap affecting the nation's infrastructure projects. It highlights the alarming statistics from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), which has rated the overall infrastructure in the United States as a grade of C-, indicating that significant repairs and upgrades are necessary. Rhode Island's own infrastructure is noted to be particularly deficient, with specific grades assigned to various sectors like bridges, roads, and drinking water systems, underscoring the urgent need for action.

Contention

While the bill presents a proactive approach to tackling infrastructure challenges, there are underlying points of contention regarding the effectiveness and implementation of such funding mechanisms. Opponents may argue about the potential risks associated with a centralized funding authority like the National Infrastructure Bank, particularly concerning bureaucratic oversight and control over local projects. There may also be concerns regarding the prioritization of projects and the allocation of resources, challenging the bill's proponents to provide clarity on how decisions will be made. Overall, while there is widespread recognition of the need for infrastructure improvements, the specifics of funding and project selection could lead to debates among stakeholders.