PHILADELPHIA, PA — A monumental step has been taken by the City of Brotherly Love to secure a prosperous future for all of its residents. Philadelphia’s Infrastructure Solutions Team (IST), formed just this year, has released its inaugural annual report and action plan, highlighting the city’s strategy to leverage the most substantial long-term infrastructure investment in U.S. history, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).
Under the stewardship of the Office of Transportation, Infrastructure, and Sustainability (OTIS), the IST has proved crucial in pulling together a citywide approach to amplify internal resources and synchronize efforts with external partners. Its aim: to ensure the enormous influx of federal investment — $350 million thus far — benefits every Philadelphian, stimulating growth and opportunity across the city.
Mayor Cherelle L. Parker remarked, “The diligent work of the Infrastructure Solutions Team will directly support many of the strategies from our 100-Day Action Plan. We stand on the cusp of an unprecedented opportunity to prioritize both environmental sustainability, economic equity and underscore the importance of aiding our underserved and under-resourced communities.”
The IST’s mission takes a deep dive into the possibilities for advancing racial equity that the BIL funding presents. The report breaks down three primary goals:
First, the IST strives to secure $1 billion in federal BIL funding to further build upon Philadelphia’s infrastructure. This is a significant leap from the $350 million currently awarded to the city.
Second, the team envisions a future where the faces of infrastructure workers, from planning to construction, reflect the diverse tapestry that is Philadelphia’s population. The BIL’s funded projects require a larger workforce of skilled workers, opening doors for Philadelphians, particularly workers of color, to secure high-paying, sustainable jobs within the city.
Lastly, the IST aims to amplify the role of historically underutilized businesses (HUBs) in City contracts. As BIL funding courses through Philadelphia’s veins, the IST aspires to provide the most needed economic boost for these HUBs, removing barriers to contracts and implementing procurement best practices.
Michael Carroll, Deputy Managing Director of OTIS, applauds the progress made by the IST, noting, “Barely a few years old, the Infrastructure Solutions Team has already made a significant impact, winning substantial grants and laying down strategies that will undoubtedly transform our city.”
Indeed, Philadelphia has already begun to feel the impact of these funds, with dramatic improvements to city infrastructure already underway. With new grants and financing being awarded every day, the city is poised to build a stronger and more equitable future for all its citizens.
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