Resource Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act: Implementation and Key Resources

President Joe Biden signed the bipartisan $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act into law on Nov. 15, 2021. Find a detailed summary of the major provisions impacting states. You can also watch an NCSL staff briefing for legislators and legislative staff providing a deep dive on the bill or access the slide presentation.

On Jan. 31, 2022, the White House released A Guidebook to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial Governments, and Other Parties.

On April 11, 2022, the White House released a Rural Infrastructure Playbook for implementing the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The playbook provides information for rural communities on all available resources under the IIJA, where to apply, funding flexibilities, and how to find more information. It also includes a list of more than 100 programs with cost share or matching requirement waivers. There are also federal agency specific fact sheets for all rural specific programs within the IIJA.

On April 18, 2022, the White House issued requirements for how projects funded by the infrastructure law should source their construction materials from U.S. companies—“Buy America.” The guidance requires that material purchased for projects like roads, bridges and pipelines comes from domestic sources beginning May 14. The guidance seeks to “increase reliance on domestic supply chains and reduce the need for waivers,” and exceptions to the Buy America policy will be made public prior to waivers being granted. The goal, according to the guidance, is to ensure American workers and companies benefit from increased infrastructure spending and reduce U.S. reliance on China for critical supplies.

On May 11, the White House released updated guidance documents for federal agencies covering both improved infrastructure permitting practices for projects funded through the IIJA and guidance for federal agencies for reducing the impacts of waste, fraud, and abuse for projects funded through the IIJA. 

Check back for updates as new information is released by the federal government. 

Broadband

May 13, 2022: The Biden-Harris Administration’s Internet for All Initiative

The initiative will invest $45 billion to provide affordable, reliable, high-speed internet for all Americans by the end of the decade and will be administered and implemented by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration via three programs and their corresponding Notices of Funding Opportunity: Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program ($42.5 billion); Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program ($1 billion); and State Digital Equity Act programs ($1.5 billion).

Jan. 4, 2022: White House Requests Each State Appoint an Infrastructure Czar

White House infrastructure czar Mitch Landrieu sent a request to all governors to appoint a high-level person to serve as the state’s own infrastructure implementation coordinator and be responsible for transportation, water, broadband and energy investments to coordinate implementation of the various infrastructure programs.

Dec. 30, 2021: Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Launches and Provides Additional Guidance on Affordable Connectivity Program

The program succeeds the Emergency Broadband Benefit program, providing subsidies to low-income households for broadband service and related devices.

National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA) Broadband Listening Sessions

The NTIA has announced multiple public listening sessions on the five broadband programs that were funded in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to hear stakeholder input and explain how the programs will be implemented.

Cybersecurity

Jan. 4, 2022: White House Requests Each State Appoint an Infrastructure Czar

White House infrastructure czar Mitch Landrieu sent a request to all governors to appoint a high-level person to serve as the state’s own infrastructure implementation coordinator and be responsible for transportation, water, broadband and energy investments to coordinate implementation of the various infrastructure programs.

Disaster Response

June 6, 2022: DOI Announces $103M for Wildfire Mitigation and Resilience

The DOI announced $103 million in FY 2022 for wildfire risk reduction efforts via the IIJA and the establishment of an interagency wildland firefighter health and wellbeing program, as directed by the IIJA. The breakdown: $80.9 million will go to accelerating the pace and scale of fuels management work, which reduces risk through strategic removal of potential wildfire hazards, and $19.4 million in funds will go to accelerating the pace and scale of Burned Area Rehabilitation, which supports post-wildfire landscape recovery.

Aug. 29, 2022: FEMA Publishes Notice of Intent for Funding to Help States Reduce Disaster Vulnerability

The Federal Emergency Management Agency published a notice of intent to provide no less than $50 million for the new Safeguarding Tomorrow through Ongoing Risk Mitigation Revolving Loan Fund program. The loans will allow states to reduce vulnerability to natural disasters, foster greater community resilience and reduce disaster suffering.

Jan. 4, 2022: White House Requests Each State Appoint an Infrastructure Czar

White House infrastructure czar Mitch Landrieu sent a request to all governors to appoint a high-level person to serve as the state’s own infrastructure implementation coordinator and be responsible for transportation, water, broadband and energy investments to coordinate implementation of the various infrastructure programs.

Dec. 17, 2022: DOI, USDA and DHS Announce Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission

The DOI, Department of Agriculture and the Department of Homeland Security established a joint Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission as part of IIJA. The commission is tasked with recommending federal policies and strategies to prevent, mitigate, suppress and manage wildland fires, including the rehabilitation of land affected from wildland fires more effectively. It will include representation from federal, state, tribal, county and municipal governments, as well as non-governmental stakeholders from private industry. The commission will build on existing interagency federal efforts such as the Wildland Fire Leadership Council and the White House Wildfire Resilience Interagency Working Group.

Environmental 

Sept. 12, 2022: EPA Announces $170M in Brownfields Grants

The EPA announced the availability of approximately $170 million in funding for Brownfields Multipurpose, Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund, and Cleanup Grants under the fiscal year 2023 grant competitions. A brownfield is a property whose expansion, redevelopment or reuse may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant or contaminant. The EPA anticipates awarding 198 grants nationwide at amounts ranging from $500,000 to $2 million per award.

Aug. 26, 2022: EPA Issues New Guidance for IIJA Investments for Water Infrastructure in U.S. Territories and the District of Columbia

The EPA issued a memorandum to help implement over $173 million for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure needs in the District of Columbia and the U.S. territories. As part of the memorandum, the EPA is providing information and guidelines on how it will award and administer FY 2022 allocations of $63 million to D.C. and $110 million to the territories, including American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The memo builds on a March 2022 memo, which described overall implementation for Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds, and those for emerging contaminants and lead service line replacement.

Aug. 25, 2022 - DOI Awards $560M in Initial Funding to States for Orphaned Oil and Gas Wells

The IIJA includes a $4.7 billion investment to plug orphaned oil and gas wells, and the Department of the Interior awarded the first round of $560 million from the IIJA to 24 states to begin this work. Of states eligible for funding, 22 have been allocated $25 million each in Initial State Grants. Arkansas and Mississippi will receive $5 million each to support methane measurement and begin plugging wells. Eligible states have indicated there are over 10,000 high-priority well sites across the country ready for immediate remediation efforts, with many more lined up for future action. As of 2021, states have identified more than 129,000 orphaned wells on state and private land, though this number will grow as IIJA funding becomes available for further records research, more field equipment, improved well location techniques, and increased site inspections and data collection nationwide.

July 26, 2022: EPA Announces Investment for the National Estuary Program

The EPA announced an investment of $132 million over the next five years aimed at protecting and restoring estuaries of national significance and manage other key water quality and habitat challenges across 28 estuaries along the Atlantic, Gulf and Pacific coasts and in Puerto Rico. The National Estuary Program is a place-based program that, since 1987, has funded projects that restore water quality and ecological integrity across 28 estuaries of national significance. IIJA funding will accelerate work on Comprehensive Conservation Management Plans, which are structured frameworks for protecting and restoring estuary resources and meeting water quality needs.

July 20, 2022: DOI Releases Guidance on Abandoned Mine Land Program

The DOI released guidance for eligible states and tribes on how to apply for the funding via the IIJA reclaim Abandoned Mine Lands (AML). In total the IIJA will provide a total of $11.3 billion to aid in AML reclamation. The draft guidance also includes information on how applicants can ensure that activities funded under the program are putting people to work, protecting the environment, investing in disadvantaged communities consistent with the administration’s Justice 40 Initiative.

July 5, 2022: DOI Announces $36M to Safeguard Local Water Supplies, Funds Water Efficiency Projects

The DOI announced a $36.1 million investment, including $26.7 million in funds from the federal infrastructure law, to safeguard local water supplies in the wake of record drought across the West. Twenty-seven projects in 12 states and the first-ever in Puerto Rico will be awarded funding to advance quantifiable and sustained water savings by protecting watersheds impacted by wildland fire, restoring aquatic habitats and stream beds, and advancing other environmental restoration projects to mitigate drought-related impacts.

Related, the DOI also announced a $25.5 million investment in water efficiency and drought resilience projects in eight western states via IIJA funds for WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grants. Fourteen projects in eight western states will be awarded funding to help local communities improve water use efficiency by lining canals, upgrading water meters, installing automated gates to control water flow and making other infrastructure improvements.

June 26, 2022: Report on Defining Disadvantaged Communities Released

The EPA released a report for states on DWSRF Disadvantaged Community (DACs) Definitions. States have broad discretion in defining DACs, establishing loan rates and loan terms, deciding how much of their capitalization grant to award as additional subsidy, and establishing criteria for the distribution of additional subsidy.

The IIJA amended the Safe Drinking Water Act to expand the forms of additional subsidy states may provide for projects serving disadvantaged communities, specifying that grants, negative interest loans, other loan forgiveness, and buying, refinancing, or restructuring debt are allowable forms. The law also increased the minimum amount of disadvantaged community additional subsidy that states must provide, from 6% to 12% of their annual federal capitalization grant.  As many of the state DACs were developed prior to the passage of IIJA, EPA released the report to serve as a resource for states interested in revising their DAC assistance programs.

May 20, 2022: First Round of $500M in Clean School Bus Funding Open

The administration announced $500 million for clean school buses, representing the first round of funding from the $5 billion investment for low and zero-emission school buses over the next five years via the IIJA. The EPA has been authorized by Congress to prioritize applications that will replace buses serving high-need local education agencies, tribal schools, and rural areas, aligning with the administration’s Justice40 initiative to direct at least 40% of the benefits of certain government investments to underserved communities. The EPA is accepting applications from May 20 until Aug. 19, 2022.

May 15, 2022: EPA Announces $1.9 Billion State Revolving Fund via IIJA

The EPA announced $1.9 billion in grant funding to the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRF) via annual appropriations for fiscal year 2022, which will be added to $7.7 billion in SRF funding through the IIJA for 2022. In 2022, the EPA is providing approximately $3.2 billion to the Clean Water SRFs, including $1.2 billion in new base federal grant funding, and $2 billion through the IIJA, with more than $47 million in direct grant funding is available to tribes, certain U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia for infrastructure projects. The EPA is also providing $6.4 billion to the Drinking Water SRFs, including $728 million in new base federal grant funding, and $5.7 billion through the IIIJA, with more than $32 million in direct grant funding is available to tribes, certain U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia to use for drinking water system upgrades.

May 12, 2022: States to Receive More Than $68.4 Billion to Conserve and Strengthen Ecosystems and Economies

The DOI announced that 125 ecosystem restoration projects in over 20 states, tribes and territories will receive nearly $68.4 million in FY 2022 funding provided for via the IIJA. Agencies that will receive the funding include Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, National Park Service, Office of Insular Affairs, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Geological Survey, and they will work with state, tribal, and territorial governments to distribute the funding. Funding will be used to: advance healthy forests to reduce wildfire risk; mitigate hazards and restore mined lands; restore recreation sites and national parks; and restore ecosystems by detecting and eradicating invasive species.

May 9, 2022: Department of Interior Announces Funding via IIJA for Aging Water Infrastructure

The DOI announced an investment of $240.4 million for infrastructure repairs in FY 2022 via the IIJA. The funding, facilitated through the Bureau of Reclamation, includes significant repairs on canal linings, dam spillways and water pipeline replacements. Among the 46 projects selected for funding are large projects to conduct canal repairs in Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada and Wyoming, dam spillway repairs in Kansas, pipeline repairs in Utah and investments in a pumping plant in Montana. Projects in Colorado, Oregon and Washington are also being funded. 

April 15, 2022: U.S. Forest Service Announces SRS Payments to States

The U.S. Forest Service announced $238 million in Secure Rural Schools (SRS) payments to 41 states, and Puerto Rico, for FY 2021. A revenue share program, the SRS provides critical funding for schools, roads and other municipal services, with payments made to states based on historical revenue generated from timber sales on federal lands. The FY 2021 round of payments is the first of three authorized payments under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act which not only reauthorized the program, through FY 2023, but also increased funding for all three years to FY 2017 levels. Each state’s payment amount is determined by various factors set in IIJA, including the number of counties electing to share in a state's payment.

April 11, 2022: U.S. Forest Service Expands Wildfire Prevention Efforts in 8 Western States

The U.S. Forest Service unveiled the 200,000 acres of lands across eight states the agency will target with expanded wildfire prevention efforts, the first step in a new long-term strategy to curb fires in Western forests. Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona will receive a combined $131 million from the USDA to mitigate potential blazes in high-risk areas and to bolster their workforces in FY 2022, across some 208,000 acres. The funding also includes $34 million for new workforce salaries. The funds come from the IIJA and begin work on the Forest Service’s 10-year wildfire strategy: Confronting the Wildfire Crisis: A Strategy for Protecting Communities and Improving Resilience in America’s Forests.

March 31, 2022: Bureau of Reclamation Announces Funding for Projects via IIJA

The Bureau of Reclamation announced FY 2022 projects for two activities funded in the IIJA. Of the $1 billion appropriated for previously authorized rural water projects, $420 million was announced for six projects. Of the $500 million provided for dam safety, $100 million will go toward the B.F. Sisk Dam in California.

March 17, 2022: EPA Releases Guidance for Clean School Bus Program

The Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy released new resources to help school districts and others who may be eligible to prepare for the $5 billion Clean School Bus Program launched under the infrastructure package. Funding is expected to be released later this spring for replacing old fleets with electric and other low-emission alternatives.

Feb 17, 2022: EPA Announces $1 Billion Investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law For Cleanup and Restoration of Great Lakes

The Environmental Protection Agency announced the beginning of awarding of $1 billion investment in the Great Lakes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to clean up and restore severely degraded sites, known as “Areas of Concern” or AOCs. The funding is aimed at accelerating progress on AOCs for completion by 2030 with 28 of the 31 AOCs expected to now be completed by 2030.

Feb. 7, 2022: DOI Awards Funds for Abandoned Mine Land Cleanup

The Department of Interior announced $725 million in FY 2022 funding for 22 states and the Navajo Nation—the first portion of the $11.3 billion made available through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is to clean up abandoned mine lands (AML). States and tribes had to first apply to receive funds—the department will allocate and distribute nearly $725 million annually over the next 15 years, based on states’ and tribes' demonstrated need for Abandoned Mine Land funding. As required by the infrastructural law, these allocations are determined based on the number of tons of coal historically produced in each state or on Indian lands before Aug. 3, 1977, when the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 was enacted. States are guaranteed at least $20 million over the 15-year life of the program if their inventory of AML sites would cost more than $20 million to address. A breakdown of how much each state would receive can be found here.

Jan. 31, 2022: Interior Department Awards States Funds for Orphan Wells

The Department of the Interior (DOI) announced the awarding of $1.15 billion to states under the New Orphaned Well Site Plugging, Remediation, and Restoration Program. The announcement includes state-specific funding eligibility for both Initial grants of $25 million per state, and Phase One Formula Grants based on the number of wells for the 26 states that submitted notices of intent to apply for formula funding. The DOI also noted that it plans to release detailed guidance for states to apply for Initial Grants in the coming weeks. Guidance will also be released in the coming months for states to access formula grant funding, followed by further instructions to apply for $1.5 billion in State Performance Grants, the third type of state grant program established in the IIJA.

Jan. 5, 2022: Department of Interior Announces Grant Updates for State Funds for Plugging Orphaned Wells

The DOI announced that 26 states had applied for $4.7 billion in formula funds included in the IIJA to address orphaned well site plugging, remediation and restoration activities. Previously, the DOI released initial guidance outlining eligible activities that states may use grant funding for, including plugging wells, remediating and reclaiming lands impacted by oil and gas development activities, and removing infrastructure associated with the wells. It also included information on how states can apply for grant opportunities, and timelines for implementing the programs. The DOI will publish the amount of formula grant funding that each state will be entitled to apply for, as well as detailed application guidance, in the coming weeks. States are also able to apply at any time for an initial grant of up to $25 million to begin building out their plugging programs and remediating high-priority wells. Further instructions on applying for performance grants, the third type of state grant programs set up in the law, will be released later this year.

Jan. 4, 2022: White House Requests Each State Appoint an Infrastructure Czar

White House infrastructure czar Mitch Landrieu sent a request to all governors to appoint a high-level person to serve as the state’s own infrastructure implementation coordinator and be responsible for transportation, water, broadband and energy investments to coordinate implementation of the various infrastructure programs.

Dec. 3, 2021: EPA Sends Letter to Governors on State Revolving Funds Letter, Releases FY 2022 Allotments

EPA Administrator Michael Regan sent a letter to governors on water infrastructure provisions of the bipartisan infrastructure law. The letter urges governors to target the funds they are now receiving toward disadvantaged communities, to prioritize lead-line replacement in communities with the highest lead levels, and to prioritize addressing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in communities with water contamination. The letter also includes the estimated 2022 state allotments of BIL funds through the SRFs.

Additionally, in late-December the EPA released a summary of estimated SRF 2022 state allotments of BIL funds to state and territories by program (DWSRF, DWSRF Lead Service Line Replacement, DWSRF Emerging Contaminants, CWSRF and CWSRF Emerging Contaminants).

EPA Releases Plans to Use $1 Billion in IIJA to Clear Superfund Backlog

The EPA announced a $1 billion investment from the IIJA to initiate cleanup and clear the backlog of 49 previously unfunded Superfund sites and accelerate cleanup at dozens of other sites across the country. The $1 billion investment is the first wave of funding from the $3.5 billion in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help cleanup polluted Superfund sites in communities. The backlog of previously unfunded sites that will now be receiving funding are in 24 states and territories and all 10 EPA regions, including some communities that have been waiting for cleanup for more than four years.

EPA Releases Implementation Page for IIJA

The EPA launched an implementation webpage for the IIJA which features an interactive breakdown of funding allocations for various EPA programs and funding categories.

Dec. 17, 2022: DOI Releases Implementation Guidance to States to Address Orphaned Oil and Gas Wells

The DOI released initial guidance for states interested in applying for federal grants that will fund the proper closure and cleanup of orphaned oil and gas wells and well sites. IIJA includes $4.7 billion for orphaned well site plugging, remediation and restoration activities. The new guidance outlines eligible activities that states may use grant funding for, including plugging wells, remediating and reclaiming lands impacted by oil and gas development activities and removing infrastructure associated with the wells. It also includes information on how states can apply for the grant opportunities, and timelines for implementing the programs. Each state may receive up to $25 million initial funding for eligible activities that will help carry out these provisions. States have until Dec. 30, 2021, to notify the department if they intend to apply for a larger formula grant.

Energy

July 6, 2022: DOE Announces $2.3B Grid-Resiliency Formula Program

The DOE announced the start of its new $2.3 billion formula grant program aimed at improving the resilience of states’ electric grids against wildfires, extreme weather and other natural disasters. States must apply annually to the DOE for their funding, with grants made according to a formula that includes such parameters as population, land area and the historical precedence for experiencing disruptive events. States can use the funds, which were included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, on a range of projects, including hardening the grid, building distributed energy resources and setting up microgrids.

June 2, 2022: Infrastructure Funding for Hydrogen Projects Starts to Roll Out

The Department of Energy outlined its high-level vision for the creation of a series of “hydrogen hubs,” which will receive a total of $8 billion over five years through the federal infrastructure bill. Relatedly, the DOE announced it closed on a $504.4 million loan guarantee to the Advanced Clean Energy Storage project in Utah that will help finance construction of the largest clean hydrogen storage facility in the world, capable of providing long-term low-cost, seasonal energy storage, furthering grid stability. This is the first loan guarantee for a new clean energy technology project from DOE’s Loan Programs Office (LPO) since 2014.

May 19, 2022: DOE Begins Infrastructure Law Program to Fund Carbon Capture Projects

The DOE released a Notice of Intent to fund the federal infrastructure law’s $3.5 billion program to capture and store carbon dioxide (CO2) pollution directly from the air. The Regional Direct Air Capture Hubs program will support four large-scale, regional direct air capture hubs.

May 2, 2022: DOE Announces $3 Billion for Motor Vehicle and Storage Batteries

The DOE announced the availability of $3.1 billion in funding from the infrastructure law aimed at increasing manufacturing capacity and supply chains for motor vehicle and storage batteries as well as their components.

April 27, 2022: DOE Seeks Feedback From States on New Formula Grant in Infrastructure Law

The Department of Energy (DOE) formally released a request for information on how to implement the new $2.3 billion formula grant program for states included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs act (IIJA) to improve the all-hazards resilience of their electric grid against wildfires, extreme weather and other natural disasters. Later this year, the DOE plans to allocate funding annually through grants to states according to a formula that includes such parameters as population, land area and the historical precedence for experiencing disruptive events as well as a required application to the DOE. State by state allocations can be found here. Relatedly, DOE is also proposing to help spur investment in new electric transmission lines by buying capacity on the lines in order to provide their investors with certainty of a financial return.

April 12, 2022: Department of Interior Releases Guidance on Orphaned and Oil Well Cleanup

The Department of the Interior released final guidance to states on how to apply for initial orphaned well grants of up to $25 million under the IIJA. The law provides a total of $4.7 billion to clean up these environmental and safety hazards, create good-paying union jobs, catalyze economic growth and revitalization, and shut down sources of harmful methane emissions. States will also be eligible for formula and performance grants under the IIJA. Guidance for those applications will be informed by comments received on the initial grants draft guidance and will be released later.

April 1, 2022: Department of Energy Requests Public Comment on School Efficiency Program

The DOE issued a Request for Information on Grants for Energy Efficiency Improvements and Renewable Energy Improvements at Public School Facilities created in the new infrastructure law, which provides $100 million annually for FY 2022 - 2026. Responses are due May 18.

March 30, 2022: Energy Department Releases Updates for Weatherization Program, Including State Allocations

The DOE posted new updates regarding the IIJA’s $3.5 billion Weatherization Assistance Program funding. The materials include estimates of state allocations, which are shown in FFIS’s IIJA spreadsheet.

March 29, 2022: Energy Department Shares New Guidance for State Energy Programs

The DOE issued initial guidance for State Energy Program (SEP) funding provided in the IIJA, which appropriated $500 million for SEP and requires that states submit a State Energy Security Plan. The initial guidance allows states to request funding for a portion of their allocation (up to $200,000) to update or create such a plan. Applications are due May 3. Guidance on how to apply for remaining funding will be provided at a later date.

Feb 11, 2022: DOE Announces Nearly $9 Billion in Funding through Infrastructure Law on Batteries on Nuclear Energy

The Department of Energy issued notices of intent to provide $2.91 billion to boost production of the advanced batteries that are critical to rapidly growing clean energy industries of the future, including electric vehicles and energy storage, as directed by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The department also announced a Notice of Intent and Request for Information to help implement the $6 billion Civil Nuclear Credit Program (CNC). The CNC program, established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support the continued operation of U.S. nuclear reactors, which are the nation’s largest source of carbon free power. The request for information seeks input about how the department should structure the program, including on matters like eligibility criteria and how to allocate credit. 

Jan. 25, 2022: Administration Announces New LIHEAP Funding

The administration announced the release of $100 million from the recently passed infrastructure law. The $100 million is the first installment in the five-year, $500 million investment in the energy program provided from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program is a federal program that helps low-income populations pay for energy costs, including heating and cooling bills.

Jan. 4, 2022: White House Requests Each State Appoint an Infrastructure Czar

White House infrastructure czar Mitch Landrieu sent a request to all governors to appoint a high-level person to serve as the state’s own infrastructure implementation coordinator and be responsible for transportation, water, broadband and energy investments to coordinate implementation of the various infrastructure programs.

Dec. 14, 2021: USDOT and DOE Create Joint Office to Implement New EV Charging Program

U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm and U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg signed a memorandum of understanding to create a Joint Office of Energy and Transportation to support the implementation of the new electric vehicle infrastructure charging program. The program was funded with $7.5 billion to build out a national electric vehicle charging network, with $5 billion sent to states through formula and $2.5 billion open to discretionary awards by the joint office.

Transportation

July 8, 2022: Federal Transit Administration Makes Nearly $300M in New Infrastructure Funds Available for Expanding Ferry Service

The Federal Transit Administration announced $300 million for rural service and ferry electrification through three separate programs–$209 million for Ferry Service for Rural Communities Program, $49 Million for Electric or Low-Emitting ferry Pilot Program, and $40 million for the Passenger Ferry Grant Program.

July 7, 2022: FAA Announces Nearly $1B in infrastructure Law Funding for New Airport Terminals

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) awarded nearly $1 billion from the Infrastructure Law funding to 85 airports across the country to improve terminals of all sizes. The grants expand capacity, increase energy efficiency, provide greater accessibility for individuals with disabilities, and build new air traffic control towers.

June 30, 2022: FRA Opens Up $573M in Available Funding for the new infrastructure law program, Railroad Crossing Elimination Program

The Federal Railroad Administration announced the availability of over $500 million in funding from the new infrastructure law for the Railroad Crossing Elimination Program (RCE). The RCE program fund highway and pathway grade crossing improvement projects that focus on improving the safety and mobility of people and goods.

June 10, 2022: Federal Highways Unveils Second Half of Infrastructure Law Bridge Program

The USDOT announced that it will begin accepting bids for the new Bridge Investment Program, which was included in the infrastructure law and is the compatible side of the laws funds for repair and replacing bridges. The program will provide $12.5 billion over five years—compared to the $27.5 billion provided directly to states via formulas. The competitive program actually includes three different grant opportunities: helps fund the planning process of a project that aims to apply later for a construction grant, funds smaller or “bridge projects” that cost $100 million or less and provides grants on large projects.

June 9, 2022: Administration Releases Proposed Requirements for New EV Charging Program for States

The Federal Highway Administration released proposed requirements for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program, which provides nearly $1 billion a year to states via formula for the Infrastructure law. The rules, as currently proposed, would require that chargers funded with these federal funds be interoperable between different car brands, not require subscriptions, and provide minimum charging speeds and with simple payment systems. Federal funds can cover up to 80% of a project’s cost and the private sector is allowed to cover the other 20%.

May 25, 2022: White House Issues Buy America Waiver for States

The Transportation Department issued a 180-day waiver for requirements to source domestically made materials for projects funded with IIJA funds. The administration last month issued guidance requiring that projects funded by the infrastructure package source steel, iron, and construction materials from the U.S.

May 24, 2022: Transportation Department Unveils New Safe Streets Program 

The DOT announced a new funding program included in the infrastructure law that provides $1 billion per year for the next five years for projects that aim to improve road safety. The Safe Streets for All competitive grant program , allows cities, towns, planning organizations and tribal governments, though not states, to apply for money that can be used for projects like widening shoulders, protecting bike lanes or collecting better traffic data. The competitive grants provide 80% of the funding for winning projects, and no more than 15% of funds can be awarded to a single state per year.

May 24, 2022: PHMSA Opens Applications for new Natural Gas Modernization Grant Program

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration began accepting applications for the new $200 million Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization Grant program.

May 13, 2022: Federal Railroad Administration Begins Search for New Rail Corridors 

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) established the new Corridor Identification and Development Program, which was part of the IIJA and aims to establish a pipeline of rail projects for both federal investments and technical assistance for new or improved intercity passenger rail services.

April 27, 2022: FAA Provides First Round of Funds for Air Traffic Control System

The FAA provided the first $1 billion of $5 billion it received into the country’s air traffic control system, which includes hundreds of towers at airports and terminal approach control facilities, which provide air traffic services to aircraft approaching and leaving busy airspace.

April 21, 2022: USDOT Unveils New Program For States

The Federal Highway Administration released guidance and other details for the new state Carbon Reduction Program (CRP) that will provide nearly $6.5 billion through formulas to states for projects aimed at reducing emissions from the transportation sector. The Carbon Reduction Program will fund a wide range of projects designed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from on-road highway sources—from installing infrastructure to support the electrification of freight vehicles or personal cars, to constructing Bus Rapid Transit corridors and facilitating micro-mobility and biking. Under the CRP, states must also develop carbon reduction strategies in consultation with Metropolitan Planning Organizations to identify projects and strategies tailored to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in their states, although states and localities may begin using the CRP funds even before plans are developed and reviewed. States should be aware that about two-thirds of the funds it receives are required to be sub-allocated to local governments based on population, though the remaining one-third is up to states but projects do require a 20% state share.

April 14, 2022: Transportation Department Unveils Guidance for New Safe Streets Program

The USDOT released guidance for a new program in the infrastructure law--Safe Streets and Roads for All. The discretionary program will provide up to $6 billion in grants over the next 5 years for regional, local, and tribal initiatives to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries. Guidance including details of eligible activities and action planning suggestions have been posted to the Department’s SS4A webpage. A Notice of Funding Opportunity is anticipated to be released in spring of 2022, likely in May.

April 4, 2022: USDOT Publishes Upcoming Grant Schedule

The Department of Transportation, at the behest of many groups including NCSL, published a schedule for upcoming grant announcements due to the significant number of new grants and changes to existing grants that were included in the IIJA. 

March 29, 2022: White House Announces Nearly $3 billion in Waterways Projects

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced $2.7 billion for over 300 new waterway projects with funding from the IIJA. Some of the larger projects to receive funding include the Upper Ohio River in Pennsylvania for new lock chambers at Emsworth Locks and Dams, The McClellan–Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System and Adams and Denver, Colorado for reducing flood risk and an aquatic ecosystem restoration project.

March 23, 2022: USDOT Announces New Common Application for $3 Billion in Infrastructure Funds

The U.S. Department of Transportation announced the availability of nearly $3 billion in FY 2022 competitive grant funding for surface transportation projects that were included in the infrastructure law. The announcement includes three separate and distinct programs though applicants will only have to submit one application for consideration by all three programs. Of the three programs, two are new and one is an existing program. The MEGA program (National Infrastructure Project Assistance) is intended to fund projects that are too large or complex for traditional funding programs, like multijurisdictional and multimodal projects. The program is funded at $1 billion for FY 2022. The other new program is the Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program, which will provide up to $300 million in grants this year. The final program is the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America program for freight infrastructure. Created prior to the new law, it received a boost of more than 50%, to about $1.55 billion annually. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg notes the reasons behind the new approach: “It reduces the burden, especially on smaller communities, so that they don't have to develop and pursue multiple applications for multiple programs. And it allows our department to get a more holistic view of the needs and requests across the country so that we can be strategic with the funding that has been entrusted to us.”

March 7, 2022: Federal Transit Offers $1.5 billion for No and Low Emission Busses

The FTA announced that there will be nearly $1.5 billion in FY 2022 grants aimed at modernizing bus fleets and bus facilities across the country. The $1.5 billion is the combination of two different programs, $1.05 billion for the Low or No Emission Grant Program and $372 million for the Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program. Applications are due by the end of May.

Feb 24, 2022: USDOT Provides $1 Billion for Territories

The U.S. Department of Transportation announced more than $1.14 billion to repair and rebuild roads and bridges in Puerto Rico and four U.S. territories–American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands–under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, also known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, a 14% increase in funding compared to the funding provided in the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act. The total amount being made available to Puerto Rico and the U.S. territories in FY 2022 is $219 million with $173 million in funding for Puerto Rico and a total of nearly $46 million.

Feb. 22, 2022: USDOT Announces $450 million in Port Funding through Infrastructure Law

The Transportation Department announced the availability of $450 million for competitive grants for ports aimed at improving the flow of goods in and out of U.S. ports more efficiently. The funding marks the single largest distribution of grants ever made through the Port Infrastructure Development Program. Projects will be chosen based on their impact on trade through the ports, as well as their potential to mitigate environmental concerns and advance equity and opportunity.

Feb. 10, 2022: Administration Unveils New Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Program

The Department of Transportation and Department of Energy unveiled the new National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) formula program that was included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. NEVI includes approximately $4.6 billion in grants to states with $660 million available this year, FY 2022, and $1 billion in FY 2023-2026. As part of the announcement, the administration also unveiled a 31-page guidance document clarifying eligible uses of the funds and the steps states must take to access the funds. This primarily includes submitting a report that establishes how the state plans to use its formula funding. The guidance makes clear that states have the option to work with the private sector in many ways from construction to operation and maintenance. There is also a separate competitive grant that will fund EV charging infrastructure, but those funds are not yet available, and it will likely be a few months before grant applications can begin. And while states can apply for those grants, they will be competing with local governments, private and non-profit organizations. Read more.

Jan. 28, 2022: Transportation Department Announces availability of $1.5 billion in Competitive Infrastructure Grants

The U.S. Department of Transportation published a Notice of Funding Opportunity for the $1.5 billion in competitive grant funding through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity discretionary grant program. The program is one of the largest annual competitive grant programs offered by the department. The $1.5 billion available funding for 2022 represents a 50% increase in available funds compared to last year, due to the increase included in the IIJA.

Jan. 25, 2022: Appalachian Highway System Receives Infrastructure Law Funds

The USDOT announced the awarding of nearly $250 million to states for the Appalachian Development Highway System (ADHS), which consists of corridors in 11 states in the Appalachian region. The funding is a result of the new infrastructure law’s 146% increase in ADHS funds compared to FY 2021. Over the life of the bill, the highway system will receive more than $1.2 billion.

Jan. 20, 2022: Army Corps of Engineers Announces Billions in New Projects

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced its FY 2022 spending plan totaling $22.8 billion provided from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the 2022 Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act. The IIJA included $17 billion to fund existing infrastructure maintenance and to repair ship channels in response to floods and coastal storms, as well as over $5 billion to improve resilience, $4 billion for improvements for coastal ports and inland waterways, and $1 billion for the South Florida Ecosystem (Everglades) Restoration program. Additionally, the Corps directs $5.7 billion in disaster relief funding to repair the impacts of major disasters from FY 2021, as well as to construct flood and storm damage reduction projects, including shore protection. Read the full list of infrastructure projects funded here. Read the full list of disaster relief projects funded here.

Jan. 14, 2022: Federal Highways Releases Funds and Details on New State Bridge Program

The Federal Highway Administration released state formula apportionments for the new national bridge repair and replace program included in the bipartisan infrastructure law. The $27.5 billion program will see FHWA send $5.3 billion for states and $165 million for tribes in 2022. The amounts are based on the number of bridges in a state that are in fair (repair) condition or poor (replace) condition. Each state is required to spend at least 15% of its funds on off system bridges (non-highway). For highway bridges, federal funds can cover up to 80% of a projects cost but for non-highway bridges, federal funds can cover 100% of the cost. FHWA guidance will encourage states to repair and replace existing bridges versus new bridge construction. Additionally, for newly constructed bridges or where an existing bridge's deck is replaced, new requirements will come into effect regarding bicycle and pedestrian access. The White House said the bridge program is expected to help replace or repair approximately 15,000 highway bridges. 

Jan. 4, 2022: White House Requests Each State Appoint an Infrastructure Czar

White House infrastructure czar Mitch Landrieu sent a request to all governors to appoint a high-level person to serve as the state’s own infrastructure implementation coordinator and be responsible for transportation, water, broadband and energy investments to coordinate implementation of the various infrastructure programs.

Dec. 16, 2021: Federal Highway Administration Issues Memo on Spending New Infrastructure Funds

The Federal Highway Administration released updated guidance concerning how recipients of the law’s funds should aim to use those funds. Specifically, the memo notes that recipients should prioritize repairing existing infrastructure rather than building or expanding roads. However, the agency can only encourage states to adopt this mindset: “FHWA will implement policies and undertake actions to encourage—and where permitted by law, require—recipients of Federal highway funding to select projects that improve the condition and safety of existing transportation infrastructure within the right-of-way before advancing projects that add new general purpose travel lanes serving single occupancy vehicles.”

Dec. 16, 2021: Federal Aviation Administration Sends Nearly $3 Billion to Airports from Infrastructure Law

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced $2.89 billion made available by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to 3,075 airports around the nation. The funds can be invested in runways, taxiways, safety and sustainability projects, as well as terminal, airport-transit connections and roadway projects. For a map of all airports receiving funding, and the amount received, click here.

Dec. 14, 2021: USDOT Releases Infrastructure Law State by State Amounts for FY 2022

The U.S. Department of Transportation released the official amounts states will receive in formula funds for roads and bridges in FY 2022 following passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in November, which represent a 20% increase over FY 2021. Any discretionary grants awarded to states would be in addition to these amounts. However, because Congress has not yet passed an FY 2022 appropriations bill, states are limited to the amounts appropriated in FY 2021. The current continuing resolution runs through mid-February, at which point Congress could enact an FY 2022 omnibus appropriations bill. Additionally, state-by-state fact sheets for DOT funding via the IIJA are available.