Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) welcomed Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to Houston to highlight major infrastructure projects in Houston funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).  Congresswoman Fletcher, Secretary Buttigieg, and other elected officials toured Houston’s METRORail and learned about major improvements coming to the city’s transit system as a result of the IIJA. 

“I was glad to welcome Secretary Buttigieg to Houston to highlight IIJA funding that will modernize and expand public transportation options and improve accessibility for projects like METRONext,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher.  “Since my first day in Congress, improving our infrastructure to support our growing region has been a top priority.  I was proud to vote for the IIJA last year, which makes the investments needed to build our community for the future, and I am grateful for the leadership of Secretary Buttigieg in implementing this important legislation that will greatly benefit our community.” 

Congresswoman Fletcher voted in support of the IIJA when it passed the House in November 2021.  President Biden signed the bill into law, providing direct support to communities upgrading their infrastructure and improving their transportation.  Earlier this year, Congresswoman Fletcher toured the METRORapid Silver Line and the George Bush Intercontinental Airport to highlight key investments from the legislation, including $40.2 million for IAH, $14.68 million for William P. Hobby Airport, and $763,000 for Sugar Land Regional Airport this year alone. In August, Houston METRO announced it will receive $21.6 million from the Low or No Emission Vehicle Program to purchase and maintain 20 new electric buses.

Additionally, the IIJA provides direct support to communities upgrading their infrastructure.  According to White House estimates, Texas is expected to receive the following through the legislation: 

• $26.9 billion for repairing Texas highways and more than $500 million for bridge replacement and repairs in the state.
• $3.3 billion over five years to modernize public transit, improve accessibility, and expand public transportation options, funding that could be used for local projects like expanded bus rapid transit and building out light rail; and
• $1.2 billion for infrastructure development at our airports over five years.