The bipartisan infrastructure bill was signed into law on November 15, 2021. The roughly $1 trillion bill, with $550 billion in new spending, was negotiated by U.S. Sens. Rob Portman, R-OH, and Kyrsten Sinema, D-AZ.
As it turns out, that is a lot of money, and it takes a while to figure out how to spend it all or assign it all out the door. Thus, three years on, new projects continue to be announced. The next tranche of funding in Georgia runs to approximately $80 million and will be a boost to both the railroad system and the state’s airports. More than $60 million is going to the railroad side, with the Georgia Ports Authority receiving some $26.5 million to finalize the new South Side Rail Yard and tracks at Brunswick’s Colonel’s Island Terminal. Another existing rail yard will be reconfigured to improve efficiency and shift other operations that are near residential areas.
“Our communities thrive when we are better connected, which is why I have been focused on strengthening rail safety and infrastructure in Georgia, and why I was proud to champion efforts in the Senate to strengthen the CRISI program allowing these funds to flow our state,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to deliver historic investments for Georgians in every corner of the state. This latest grant will help mitigate congestion, build new tracks, and reinforce existing tracks leading to safer, more efficient, and more sustainable rail transportation and shipping.”
Additionally, a rail line in Lowndes and Berrien Counties will receive $8.5 million, upgrading tracks, performing bridge maintenance and adding a new spur. These new improvements will help large freight capacity, reduce future maintenance costs and support local economic growth.
On the airport side, the Augusta Regional Airport and Atlanta Regional Airport in Fayette County are receiving $4 million and $1 million respectively. Fayette County will be getting a new control tower and Augusta will be expanding its passenger security screening checkpoint. The biggest pot of money – $14 million – is going to Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, funding rehabilitation, modernization and expansion of public restrooms in terminal concourses.
“Georgia’s airports are a key driver of job creation and economic competitiveness. Alongside Senator Reverend Warnock, we are pleased to announce this funding through the bipartisan infrastructure law for airport upgrades across the State of Georgia. Our bipartisan infrastructure law will continue to deliver long-overdue upgrades to Georgia’s infrastructure for years to come,” said Ossoff.
This pot of money for airports is on top of another $60 million for other airports that was announced last month. Just from these couple announcements, the funding for airports and railroads is more than $140 million.
