Larsen's Bill Proposes $580B for Infrastructure and Job Growth

May 22, 2026 May 22, 2026

Editorial Staff

The Facts -

Larsen's bill invests $580 billion in U.S. infrastructure.

Washington State receives $1.7 billion for ferry improvements.

The bill passed the committee with a vote of 62-2.

Larsen's Infrastructure Bill Advances with $580 Billion Investment Plan

Washington, D.C., May 22, 2026

In a significant legislative move, Representative Rick Larsen's BUILD America 250 Act has successfully cleared the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. This bipartisan effort marks another chapter in the ongoing investment into Washington state's infrastructure, continuing the legacy of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021 (BIL).

“Every day is Infrastructure Day in Northwest Washington,” Representative Larsen emphasized. “The BUILD America 250 Act will employ women and men in my district building roads, bridges, highways, transit, culverts and more. You can’t have a big-league economy with little-league infrastructure, and the investments made by the BUILD America 250 Act will upgrade Northwest Washington’s infrastructure and upgrade our economy.”

Key Infrastructure Investments

The BUILD America 250 Act has earmarked significant funds for various infrastructure priorities in Washington state, such as ferries, culverts, and transit. Highlights of the bill include:

$1.7 billion for ferries: The bill dedicates $1.7 billion to the construction and repair of ferries, increasing funding for the Federal Highway Administration's Ferry Boat program to $932 million and providing $625 million for urban ferry programs, plus $125 million for rural ferries.

$87.5 billion for transit: Aimed at broadening and enhancing transit networks, this allocation promises to bolster the economy of Northwest Washington among other areas.

$10 billion for buses: Through the Buses and Bus Facilities discretionary grant program, funds will assist local transit agencies in modernizing their fleets.

$1 billion for culverts: The bill includes funds for the National Culvert Program, supporting projects for salmon restoration and environmental protection, like those already initiated in Bellingham and by the Nooksack Indian Tribe.

$45 billion for bridges: Funding focuses on refurbishing and replacing aging bridges, with $11.25 billion allocated to local governments. Notable projects include the Edgewater Bridge, which received federal support.

$45.6 billion in Surface Transportation Block Grants (STBG): This provision ensures local communities, including those in San Juan County, can use funds for vital dock and water infrastructure projects.

$83 billion for highways and rail: Nearly $83 billion is set aside for local highway and rail projects, including $12 billion for a Surface Transportation Accelerator Grant (STAG) and $30 billion for rail improvements. For instance, Everett benefited by receiving $18 million to address railroad crossing issues.

Environmental and Community Support

Environmental protection: Funding will promote cleaner transportation, streamline permitting for environmentally-friendly projects, and invest $1 billion in alternative fuel infrastructure.

Veterans' access to health care: Providers can use funds to offer public transit options to veterans accessing health facilities, an initiative introduced by Rep. Larsen.

World Cup safety: Communities hosting international events like the World Cup will benefit from $250 million in safety funding, a measure also championed by Rep. Larsen.

Concluding with a committee vote of 62-2, the BUILD America 250 Act stands as a monumental step towards enhancing infrastructure and economic prospects in Washington and beyond.

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