• December 27th, 2024
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The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), a $1.2 trillion bipartisan law, marks its third anniversary with over $695 billion allocated to more than 74,000 projects, including road repairs, lead pipe replacements, broadband access improvements, and a lot more. However, $294 billion remains unspent, with $87.2 billion in competitive grants to be overseen by the incoming administration. The law's future is under scrutiny as it enters its final two years of implementation and concerns mount about the potential for political influence on funding decisions.

In the article, Alex Etchen of the Associated General Contractors of America notes that while a majority of the law's funding is protected from political interference, a portion is subject to annual appropriations and thus more vulnerable. Delays in broadband deployment due to permitting issues, for example, are highlighted by Zack Perconti of the National Utility Contractors Association—with construction not expected until late 2025 or early 2026. There are also concerns about the adequacy of funding for water infrastructure and workforce shortages in the construction industry.

According to the Smart Brief article's author, Evan Milberg, the IIJA's broad scope has been both praised and criticized, with some expecting a return to a narrower focus on traditional infrastructure under the new administration—potentially representing a significant change from the current administration's emphasis on equity and environmental justice which has set new standards for infrastructure planning. As new leadership will soon have discretion over fund distribution, questions are also being raised about how the potential for new political considerations will play a role in the criteria used for awarding grants.

For western Pennsylvania, the IIJA has represented a substantial investment in regional infrastructure aimed at improving daily travel by focusing on road and bridge repairs and enhanced transportation networks that eye environmental sustainability. It remains to be seen how the uncertainty surrounding the unspent funds and the change in administration may affect the prioritization of multimodal transportation and traffic mitigation projects in our region. The delay in broadband deployment is significant for telecommuters who rely on internet access for remote work options which contribute to reduced traffic congestion. Additionally, the potential for workforce shortages mentioned in the article may impact the timeline and quality of active and planned transportation projects.

As the IIJA moves forward, regional stakeholders will want to stay informed about changes in federal priorities and remain engaged with grantmaking processes to ensure that local needs are met as the potential for shifting focus under the new administration could impact funding for projects that promote alternative transportation modes and address climate change, which are critical for a sustainable and efficient transportation system in the region.

Related News: Under Trump, Prepare for New US Transportation Priorities – Bloomberg, November 2024

Source: Smart Brief