Counties Applaud Introduction of American Infrastructure Bonds Act

Washington – The National Association of Counties (NACo) today applauded the introduction of the American Infrastructure Bonds Act in the U.S. Senate by Senators Michael Bennett and Roger Wicker. NACo CEO/Executive Director Matthew Chase said:

The bipartisan American Infrastructure Bonds Act would help county governments invest in much-needed infrastructure improvements, create jobs and revitalize our local economies as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Expanded access to the taxable bond market will incentivize and boost investment in local communities. As responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars, counties appreciate efforts to expand infrastructure financing options while preserving local decision-making.

“County responsibilities in our nation’s infrastructure system are vast. We own and maintain 45 percent of our nation’s road miles and over 40 percent of all bridges. Counties also invest heavily in other areas outside of surface transportation such as public health and safety departments, hospitals, airports, schools, libraries, water and sewer systems, and broadband. 

“The pandemic has exacerbated the existing strain on our nation’s infrastructure systems and widened the digital divide. This bill would greatly improve our ability to invest in critical infrastructure projects that will make local communities and our nation more resilient for future disasters.

“We applaud this bipartisan effort and urge passage of this legislation.”