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Taking Down Big Parsnip? Infrastructure Act Includes $250M for Invasive Parsnip Removal.

Another Questionable Program Found in the $1.2T Biden Infrastructure Boondoggle.


Photo for: Taking Down Big Parsnip? Infrastructure Act Includes $250M for Invasive Parsnip Removal.

Key Points

  • The 2,702-page Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has millions of dollars in waste.
  • It includes $250 million dollars for invasive plant removal along the highway.
  • Wild Parsnip, Garlic Mustard, Japanese Honeysuckle and more will be targeted.

Last week, President Biden put his signature on the bipartisan $1.2 trillion dollar Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Much-needed funding will eventually find a way to traditional transportation efforts (roads and bridges), broadband access and utilities.

“The legislation will put $110 billion into roads, bridges and other major projects,” CNBC reports. “It will invest $66 billion in freight and passenger rail, including potential upgrades to Amtrak. It will direct $39 billion into public transit systems.”

“The plan will put $65 billion into expanding broadband, a priority after the coronavirus pandemic left millions of Americans at home without effective internet access. It will also put $55 billion into improving water systems and replacing lead pipes,” CNBC adds.

Oh, and $250 million to combat wild parsnips. Yes, we are finally going after Big Parsnip.

The Invasive Plant Elimination program provides grants to states in order to “clear invasive plant species that obstruct or line roads, highways, railroads, or other ground-level transportation routes,” the National Review reports. Cheatgrass,  Japanese honeysuckle, Ventenata dubia, medusahead, bulbous bluegrass, Japanese brome, garlic mustard and, of course, the mighty parsnip will be targeted by mowers and lawn crews everywhere.

All for the low, low price of $250 million dollars in taxpayer money.

States must submit an application to the Federal government detailing their plans to “eliminate or control existing invasive plants or prevent introduction of or encroachment by new invasive plants along areas adjacent to transportation corridor rights-of-way,” the Act says.

“My message to the American people is this: America is moving again, and your life is going to change for the better,” President Biden said.

The American people aren’t so sure. Gas prices are as high as $6 dollars in some states; inflation and COVID are crippling Thanksgiving plans; and a recent CBS/YouGov poll shows 70% of Americans think things are going “somewhat” or “very badly” for the country.

But hey, no parsnips on the side of the highway.

Did anyone actually sit down to read all 2,702 pages of this beast?