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President Obama is expected to unveil a budget Wednesday that contains billions of dollars in new infrastructure funding as he steps up pressure on Congress to invest in the nation’s roads, bridges, ports and public transit.

President Obama promoted the benefits of infrastructure spending during a visit to the Port of Miami, pushing for more money in a plan he said would attract private money for roads, bridges and other transportation projects, the Associated Press reported.

The state of America’s infrastructure improved slightly to a “D+” grade from a “D” grade four years ago, while roads improved to “D” from “D-,” the American Society of Civil Engineers said.

Plans for the best way to provide much-needed rehabilitation to the Brent Spence Bridge spanning the Ohio River between Cincinnati and Covington, Ky., are likely to include tolls whether the bridge is rebuilt or lanes are added to the existing one.

Well, at least we’re getting lip service related to fixing the nation’s ailing and neglected infrastructure network. Now, if we can just get some concrete action.

WASHINGTON — Infrastructure funding was in the spotlight last week on Capitol Hill, both in President Obama’s State of the Union speech and at a congressional hearing.

With federal highway funds dwindling, some states are proposing unprecedented fuel-tax increases, while others are considering legalized gaming and boosting sales taxes to pay for roads and bridge fixes.