North Carolina will reap the rewards of infrastructure bill passage

Last week, House lawmakers gave final approval to a spending package totaling roughly $1.2 trillion aimed at improving the country's infrastructure. 

Among the top items on North Carolina's infrastructure wish list is the need to repair roads and bridges and improve public transportation.

According to a White House fact sheet, the state has close to 1,500 bridges and over 3,000 miles of highways in poor condition. The bill promises that roughly $200 billion will be spent nationally on improving roads and modernizing public transportation.  

A major investment is also being made in affordable housing. About 632,000 North Carolina residents currently spend more than 30 percent of their income on rent.

With almost half of residents living in a child care desert, money is being invested in schools and early learning facilities.

And extreme weather events over a decade have cost up to $50 billion in damages. The legislation directs funding toward infrastructure resiliency and disaster support.

The infrastructure bill will also address needs related to clean drinking water, broadband, energy, and veterans' health.