Transportation Infrastructure & IIJA: Funding, Timelines, Model Projects
Source: The Atlas | By Ellory Monks
The $108 billion in funding for transportation infrastructure is a tremendous opportunity to upgrade our rapidly deteriorating transportation infrastructure. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) gave it a D- in its 2021 American Infrastructure Report Card.
According to ASCE, there is currently a $176 billion deferred maintenance transit backlog that continues to rise, while transit ridership continues to decline – partly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) shows that the pedestrian fatality rate is on the rise; in 2020 the rate increased by 21%, up from 1.9% the year prior. Meanwhile, 29% of greenhouse gas emissions come from the transportation sector, making it the primary source of emissions in the United States.
IIJA includes approximately $108 billion for transportation infrastructure. The funding goals include rebuilding roads, bridges, transit and rail services, introducing clean energy and low emissions vehicles, strengthening mobility and access in public transportation and improving safety for pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers. Importantly, it should help address the growing revenue shortfalls facing state and local governments.
This section outlines transportation programs in IIJA that are most relevant to state and local governments and the relative speed at which state and local governments can expect to receive funding.
It also includes case studies from state and local governments that have successfully implemented and maintained transportation projects aligned with the transportation priorities outlined in IIJA.
Funding Priorities for Transportation included in IIJA
Funding priorities for transportation in IIJA aren’t a complete mystery – they are outlined in the legislation itself. We know, for example, that the DOT has a mandate from Congress and the White House to prioritize projects that incorporate climate resilience, including electric vehicles. We also know that safety will be a top priority, as will equity and access.
The Federal Transit Administration outlines the key priorities for transportation under the legislation:
Safety
New programs like the Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Program will fund the development of safety action plans and projects that promote safety, reduce traffic fatalities and support Vision Zero initiatives.Modernization
Reauthorized formulas like the State of Good Repair Grants will address deferred maintenance backlogs. The Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (STBGP) will fund the repair and upgrades of aging infrastructure and the modernization of bus and rail fleets.Climate
The funding will also replace thousands of transit vehicles with clean-energy vehicles in the newly-established Low or No Emission Vehicle Program.Equity
Competitive grants like RAISE aim to improve mobility and accessibility for communities with historically limited access to public transportation.
State and local government transportation leaders should reference these funding priorities frequently as they are considering which projects to put forward for funding. Projects that fit squarely into one of these funding priorities are more likely to receive funding quickly.
Relevant Transportation Programs in IIJA & Speed of Distribution