CRANFORD, NJ – U.S. Representative Donald M. Payne, Jr., (D-Newark) held a press event yesterday alongside Assistant Speaker Congresswoman Katherine Clark (D-Melrose, MA) to highlight unprecedented federal investment in climate-resilient infrastructure that is part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act, which Congressman Payne wrote the House version of. Payne and Clark emphasized the urgent need to invest in climate resilience in the face of continued extreme weather events and the effects of climate change.

“I was proud to write the House version of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, an historic law that will propel us into the future by reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and building climate resilient infrastructure in communities across America,” said Congressman Payne. “Residents of towns like Cranford have suffered from flooding due to extreme weather for too long, and the Infrastructure bill will finally take the steps necessary to protect our people, our homes and our small businesses. I will continue to fight for these kinds of investments, because our communities deserve it.”

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Act included several programs designed to invest in resilient infrastructure to reduce the effects of climate change on local communities, including $3.5 billion for flood mitigation and assistance, $1 billion for building resilient infrastructure in local communities undertaking hazard mitigation projects, $5 billion to replace school buses with low and zero emissions vehicles, $550 million in energy efficiency and conservation grants, $21 billion for brownfield remediation projects and many other programs.

“Congressman Payne’s leadership was critical in passing the Bipartisan Infrastructure act, which includes a $47 billion investment in climate resilient infrastructure for communities like Cranford and those throughout the 10th Congressional District,” said Assistant Speaker Clark. “New Jersey has experienced dozens of extreme weather events in recent years that have devastated families, businesses and local communities, and that’s why Congressman Payne and House Democrats are delivering these critical investments to build a 21st century, resilient infrastructure.”

The event was held at the Cranford Community Center, where speakers Mayor Kathleen Miller Prunty and Union County Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski both detailed the harmful effects that flooding has had on the local community and surrounding areas due to the proliferation of extreme weather and climate emergencies. The event was also attended by New Jersey State Assembly members Rev. Reginald Atkins (D-20) and Jim Kennedy (D-22) as well as several local elected and appointed officials.

“Union County has faced the harmful effects of climate change head-on through numerous extreme weather events in recent years, and Congressman Payne has been a steadfast partner in providing federal resources to help us recover and improve our resilience,” said Commissioner Kowalski. “I’m so grateful to leaders like Congressman Payne and Assistant Speaker Clark who are working hard to deliver for our communities, and I know that Union County will continue to stand with Congressman Payne.”