SAN DIEGO –  As critical elements of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law) are implemented throughout the country, Representatives Scott Peters (CA-52) and Juan Vargas (CA-51) joined Port of San Diego Chairman Dan Malcolm and National City Mayor Alejandra Sotelo-Solis today to identify local opportunities for federal investment from the infrastructure law to protect portside communities from pollution while improving the country’s ability to move goods.

“As former Port Chairman, I have a deep understanding of the challenges we face as a surge in imports and exports collides with outdated infrastructure,” said Rep. Peters. “The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will improve the infrastructure we depend on to move goods through and around our ports, and support projects to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with port operations. I know San Diegans will benefit from these long-awaited investments for years to come.”

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) was signed into law in November 2021, and authorized $1.2 trillion in funds for hundreds of projects to improve public transportation, address the climate crisis, fix roads, bridges, and ports, and build more resilient energy infrastructure. The bipartisan infrastructure law invests over $16 billion to improve infrastructure at our coastal ports, inland ports and waterways, and land ports of entry.

This funding falls into the following major categories:

• Army Corps of Engineers,
• Land Ports of Entry Modernization and Construction Program ($3.85 billion),
• the Port Infrastructure Development Program ($2.25 billion),
• and other programs ($1.6 billion) including the America’s Marine Highways program, which will receive $25 million.

“I was proud to vote for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in November,” said Rep. Vargas. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will modernize our infrastructure and expand economic opportunities to millions of Americans, including my constituents. I’ve represented communities in the South Bay throughout my career and have seen firsthand how these neighborhoods have grown and thrived. I look forward to seeing how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will bring good-paying jobs to my district, boost our regional economy, and improve our infrastructure, including ports, roads, bridges, and highways.”

“Thanks to the work of leaders like Congressmen Peters and Vargas, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law opens up new opportunities for the Port of San Diego to further modernize and electrify our cargo terminals through projects that will improve supply chain efficiency as well as air quality – and clean air is a clear win for all who live, work and play on and around San Diego Bay,” said Chairman Dan Malcolm, Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners.

“The port is a neighbor to the people of National City and an economic engine that powers our region,” said Mayor Alejandra Sotelo-Solis. “The environmental effects on the communities I represent require the commitment and investment the bipartisan infrastructure law provides. I thank Rep. Peters and Vargas for fighting to pass this bill.”

Click here to view a detailed guidebook from the White House for more information on the implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. A recording of the press conference can be found on Congressman Peters’ Facebook page.