U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) announced that Hawaii will receive funding worth $8,218,000 to improve harbors on Molokai, Maui and Oahu through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
According to Schatz's website, the funding comes from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that was passed by Congress in November.
“Harbors on Molokai, Maui and Oahu will soon receive more than $8 million for much-needed improvements that will keep goods moving throughout the state and store shelves stocked for local families and small businesses,” Schatz wrote on Facebook Jan. 24. “These harbor repairs will also help make shipping safer and help support commercial fishing.”
The funding is used for removing sediment and debris from the shipping channels, as well as surveying to gather information to keep waterways maintained. Funding includes $3,365,000 for the Kaunakakai Harbor on Molokai, $3,270,000 for Kahului Harbor on Maui and $1,583,000 for Hale'iwa Small Boat Harbor on Oahu.
According to the White House, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is aimed at rebuilding the nation’s roads, bridges and rails while expanding access to clan drinking water, ensuring that Americans have high-speed internet, combating climate change and focusing on environmental justice. The law is also set up to upgrade the country’s airports and ports to help with supply chain issues and inflation. It will reportedly add an average of 1.5 million jobs per year for the next decade.
“The legislation will help ease inflationary pressures and strengthen supply chains by making long-overdue improvements for our nation’s ports, airports, rail and roads,” the White House said. “It will drive the creation of good-paying union jobs and grow the economy sustainably and equitably so that everyone gets ahead for decades to come.”