Infrastructure bill: Here's how California, LA benefit

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- President Joe Biden signed a $1.2 trillion federal infrastructure bill into law, bringing billions of dollars to California for public transit projects, wildfire preparation, bridge and road repair, broadband internet and more.

"No parent should have to sit in the parking lot at a fast food restaurant again just so their child can use the Internet to do their homework. That's over," Biden said.

Members of the California State Legislature and local representatives were in attendance, including Fontana Mayor Acquanetta Warren and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti.

"This bill will invest millions and produce countless jobs for cities such as Fontana. It will improve roadways, transit systems, our access to clean water," Warren said.

Funding will go out over the next five years, but it could take months or longer for the major projects to begin.

"The infrastructure deal means funding for megaprojects like (Metro's) Sepulveda Transit Corridor, which will revolutionize the way Angelenos get around. With more investment in (Metro's) bus lanes and the (Los Angeles Department of Transportation's) NextGen Bus Plan network, we can speed up our transit system and reduce congestion,'' Garcetti said on Twitter after the bill's signing.

Here's how Los Angeles benefits

Garcetti also said Los Angeles will receive funding for:

-- electrifying Metro's bus fleet by 2030;

-- Metrolink projects, including the Link Union Station project;

-- ecosystem restoration projects, including the restoration of Los Angeles River habitat;

-- Los Angeles International Airport modernization efforts;

-- projects to improve the flow of goods at the Port of Los Angeles;

-- the expansion of the city's electric vehicle charging network;

-- climate resilience and extreme heat mitigation efforts, including through cool pavements and tree canopies;

-- water recycling and reuse projects; and

-- the city's transition by 2035 to 100% renewable energy.

"This once in a generation deal will transform our nation's infrastructure and L.A. for the better,'' Garcetti said.

Here's how California benefits

Gov. Gavin Newsom praised the bill after it passed Congress on Nov. 6 as a "historic infrastructure package (that) stands to accelerate investments in our clean transportation infrastructure, help mitigate some of the worst impacts of climate change and accelerate new projects that will create thousands of jobs.''

The state is expected to receive:

-- $25.3 billion for federal-aid highway apportioned programs;

-- $4.2 billion for bridge replacement and repairs over five years;

-- $9.45 billion over five years to improve public transportation options across the state;

-- $384 million over five years to support the expansion of an electric vehicle charging network, with the opportunity to apply for the $2.5 billion in grant funding dedicated to electric vehicle charging;

-- at least $100 million to help provide broadband coverage across the state;

-- $84 million over five years to protect against wildfires;

-- $40 million to protect against cyberattacks;

-- $3.5 billion over five years to improve California's water infrastructure and ensure clean, safe drinking water; and

-- $1.5 billion for infrastructure development for airports over five years.

The bill includes legislation introduced by Sen. Alex Padilla, D-CA, to improve tribal health infrastructure, strengthen electrical grids, improve water resiliency, help ensure clean drinking water and electrify school bus fleets.

City News Service contributed to this report.