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In an interview with WGIR’s Chris Ryan, the Secretary of Transportation, Pete Buttigieg discusses how New Hampshire will benefit from the passing of the infrastructure bill; addresses why New Hampshire is fiftieth in the fifty states in federal highway funding; speculates about the expansion of rail service; talks about how improved broadband will be provided and answers speculation about whether he or President Biden will be candidates for president in 2024.
Mayor Pete, who finished second in the 2020 New Hampshire First in the Nation Presidential Primary, explains why President Biden has come today to the Granite State to kick off the long-awaited infrastructure bill.
The focal point of the presidential visit will be a bridge on Route 175 in rural Woodstock, NH. This bridge across the Pemigewasset River, which has been for many years designated as “structurally deficient”, is typical of thousands of bridges in rural areas which can now be repaired rather than given a band aid.
When he was asked why New Hampshire is last in federal highway funding, Secretary Buttigieg stated that his travels in the Granite State as a candidate have made him mindful that our state’s roads and bridges need repair. However, even using the current formula, he stated that New Hampshire will be getting $ 1 billion for our roads.
The Transportation Secretary is hopeful that there will be an expansion of rail service nationally and in New Hampshire. Pete Buttigieg believes that improved rail service could alleviate some of our supply chain issues, and he is optimistic about the development of a commuter line connecting Concord, Manchester, Nashua, and Boston.
The infrastructure bill will also include funding to provide internet service in rural areas. Secretary Buttigieg says that the Commerce Department will make sure that the improved internet service will be available and affordable for everyone.
In the final segment of the interview Pete Buttigieg was asked to speculate about his or Joe Biden’s candidacy in 2024. Mayor Pete carefully avoided the question.
“One of my favorite things about this job is being absorbed in something other than campaigns and politics, so I’ll leave that to others to do the punditry.”
Buttigieg went on to give credit to President Biden and Senators Shaheen and Hassan for bringing this infrastructure bill to fruition.