Governor releases $443 million for CIP across the state
Posted on Apr 26, 2021 in Capitol Connection, Featured, Main
Funds for affordable rental housing and unemployment insurance system modernization are among those released by the governor.
More funds for affordable rental housing . . . modernization of the unemployment insurance system . . . major renovations for schools and UH system campuses . . . upgrades to public housing, airports, and emergency siren sites statewide — those are just some of the critical capital improvement projects (CIP) being funded with Governor Ige’s release of $443 million in funding over the past few months. “We’re doing at the local level what President Biden has proposed for the nation: strengthening infrastructure, improving public facilities and delivering good-paying jobs for our state,” said the governor. “Together, we are expanding opportunities and investing in the future of Hawaiʻi. It is now more important than ever to reimagine and rebuild our communities while ensuring that disadvantaged groups previously impacted don’t get left behind.”
President Biden’s American Jobs Plan being debated in Congress highlights the need to invest in these projects. Biden’s plan calls for upgrading highways, bridges, ports, airports, transit systems and affordable housing as well as delivering clean drinking water, a renewed electric grid and high-speed broadband. The plan also seeks to invest in more next-generation job creation and workforce training to combat climate change, especially for rural communities and those impacted by the transition to clean energy.