BISMARCK – North Dakota Democrats are praising Friday’s passage in Congress of a bipartisan infrastructure deal.

“This historic achievement will finally bring essential funding for North Dakota’s infrastructure, but let’s do more. Let’s take advantage of this accomplishment in the North Dakota tradition by being bold and innovative with how we reinvest American Rescue Plan money during next week’s Special Session,” said state Sen. Tim Mathern, D-Fargo. Mathern’s bill to invest in infrastructure, paid family leave, and quality accessible childcare will be considered by the North Dakota Senate Delayed Bills Committee.

While N.D. Sens. John Hoeven, and Kevin Cramer supported the bill when it passed the Senate in August, Congressman Kelly Armstrong voted against it Friday.

Democrats list the following highlights of the bill for North Dakota:

– Repair and rebuild roads and bridges. In North Dakota, there are 444 bridges and over 830 miles of highway in poor condition.

– North Dakota will receive a minimum allocation of $100 million to help provide broadband coverage across the state, including providing access to the at least 19,800 North Dakotans who currently lack it. And, under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, 159,000 or 21% of people in North Dakota will be eligible for the Affordability Connectivity Benefit, which will help low-income families afford internet access.

– North Dakota can expect to receive $21 million over five years to protect against wildfires and $11 million to protect against cyberattacks. North Dakotans will also benefit from the bill’s historic $3.5 billion national investment in weatherization which will reduce energy costs for families.

– Based on the traditional state revolving fund formula, North Dakota can expect to receive $355 million over five years to improve water infrastructure across the state.