In Wisconsin, Biden Discusses $5 Billion for Bridge and Highway Investment

By Jeff Mason and Trevor Hunnicutt

SUPERIOR, Wisconsin – U.S. President Joe Biden is announcing a $5 billion investment in transportation projects nationwide during his visit to Wisconsin, aiming to strengthen his economic message in a key state ahead of the 2024 election.

During his visit, Biden emphasized a $1 billion commitment to replace the Blatnik Bridge in Superior, which is crucial for small businesses in the region and connects Wisconsin to Minnesota.

“Economic growth is stronger than we had in the Trump administration,” Biden stated, noting that the economy has exceeded forecasts and defied the predictions of his likely Republican opponent, Donald Trump, who he accused of wanting economic failure.

Despite Biden’s efforts, concerns about rising consumer prices persist, and recent polls indicate he is trailing Trump as the presidential election approaches on November 5.

Democrats are hopeful that better-than-expected economic growth and improved consumer morale, combined with strategic visits to key battleground states to showcase investments, will sway voters in their favor.

Consumer sentiment in the U.S. recently reached its highest level in two and a half years, driven by increased optimism about inflation and household income, suggesting a growing recognition of the economy’s stability.

The U.S. economy, having surpassed dire recession forecasts, showed an annualized growth rate of 3.3% in the fourth quarter, according to new data.

Wisconsin is considered one of seven pivotal states for the 2024 election by Biden’s campaign, which last month appointed Garren Randolph, a seasoned strategist, as the campaign manager for the state. Since then, five new senior aides have been added as the team shifts into general-election mode against Trump.

In Wisconsin, Biden is engaging with a local small business owner whose operations will benefit from the planned reconstruction of the aging bridge, which is expected to close by 2030.

The $5 billion investment will encompass 37 projects across the country, including significant infrastructure improvements such as the Interstate 5 bridge over the Columbia River and upgrades to major roadways in Pittsburgh, New York City, and Arizona.

This infrastructure initiative is part of Biden’s broader “investing in America” agenda, which the administration credits with driving growth in clean energy and manufacturing jobs.