Legislative Event highlights impact of Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act on the QC

The federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) will impact the region and economy in a way that will stretch far beyond runways and roads. During the most recent Legislative Event Series: Transportation & Infrastructure, Jeff Nelson, CEO/Managing Director, MetroLINK and Chair, American Public Transportation Association and Ben Leischner, Executive Director, Quad Cities International Airport (QCIA) provided insight on the plans, projects and potential for our region.

Leischner said the airport’s economic output in the Quad Cities is almost $700 million and it can maximize that value through additional federal investment. The IIJA includes $25 billion for airports, and in just the first year the QCIA will receive $2.68 million for capital investments.

In addition, the IIJA includes $5 billion to modernize airport facilities and any funds awarded to the QCIA will be well spent. “As a gateway of the community, as an economic engine of the community, we need to invest in the modernization of the 40-year-old portion of our terminal,” Leischner said. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime investment opportunity for a facility that will serve the Quad Cities for years to come,” he added.

Nelson said there is a $200 billion backlog in public transit. The IIJA is a 10-year investment in the country and includes billions to modernize buses, stations and rail cars, he said. Transit is a priority in the IIJA because of its economic impact: it ensures people can get to and from work or school, access health care, buy groceries and more. “Every trip is a generator of economic activity in our community,” Nelson said.

During a special video message, U.S. Representative Cheri Bustos said the IIJA is the largest federal investment in roads, bridges, airports, transit, and locks and dams since the Eisenhower administration. “For years to come we’ll see money continue to flow into our region to strengthen our communities,” she said.

Thank you to our Legislative Event Series annual sponsors AM General, Arconic, Constellation, Iowa Solar and Stanley Consultants, and our event sponsor TaxSlayer Center.

Register now for our April 8 Legislative Event Series: Meet the Insiders. Join us for a conversation with lobbyists for the Quad Cities Chamber who will provide Iowa and Illinois updates and insights on top policy issues most important to the business community. These leaders have a front-row view of this year’s State legislative sessions as well as federal updates they will share with you. This is a virtual event.