During the Southeast Texas Transportation Summit on Oct. 25, U.S. reps. Sylvia Garcia, D-Houston; Brian Babin, R-Woodville; and Randy Weber, R-Friendswood, discussed President Joe Biden’s federal infrastructure bill and what it could mean for the Houston region.
The bill, which Garcia pointed out not a single Texas Republican voted for, includes $1.3 trillion earmarked for infrastructure projects, such as road work. Texas is poised to receive $35.44 billion of the total over the next five years—the second-largest allocation of any state, following California.
In Texas, the bill will fund roads and highways, infrastructure for electric vehicles, bridges, water infrastructure, and replacing lead pipes in schools, Garcia said.
“No one knows any more than I do the importance of infrastructure,” said Babin, whose district includes nine counties with three ports and more petrochemical companies than any other district nationwide.
Still, Babin voted against the bill because it neglected the importance of fossil fuels, he said.
There are millions of jobs in the fossil fuel industry, and to throw away energy independence and the fossil fuel industry is something the country should think twice about, Babin said.
“I’m all for electric vehicles. Don’t get me wrong,” he added.
Babin said he hopes some of the money goes toward projects to widen and deepen Texas ports, especially the Port of Houston, which is the busiest port in the nation. Additionally, funding the coastal spine is another priority, he said.
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Weber said his district will have seven ports after the new district maps take effect. The country and Texas need a robust transportation system—whether that is by rail, water or sky—to keep the economy running. For instance, Weber’s district produces 65% of the nation’s jet fuel and 80% of the nation’s military-grade fuel, he said.
“What makes America great is the things that America creates,” he said. “We should be working on this stuff.”
Weber echoed Babin’s point about fossil fuels. After winter storm Uri, it is important Texas has a stable base of fossil fuels for its energy, he said.
To secure the federal dollars for local projects, Garcia and others encouraged municipalities to “apply, apply, apply” for grants. The Houston-Galveston Area Council is one resource municipalities can use to find out how much money is available and how best to secure some for local projects, Garcia said.
Officials encouraged municipalities to pull together. Funding entities are more likely to award grants to regions where there is a united front on needed projects, the legislators said.
