States have a laundry list of major projects they'd like to see funded if the trillion-dollar infrastructure package passes.
As the U.S. House of Representatives continues to debate the $1 trillion infrastructure package, states are planning for the potential infusion of funding with ambitious–and much-needed–infrastructure projects, report Zach Montague and Emily Cochrane. "For years, officials have been forced to balance an overwhelming backlog of repairs and upgrades to highways, bridges and roads against more sweeping, longer-term projects." Federal funding could bring more projects closer to completion and help fund urgent repairs.
Montague and Cochrane describe the major projects on the wish list for several states, including Alaska's Marine Highway system and California's beleaguered high-speed rail. California also hopes to fund a network of electric and hydrogen fueling stations to encourage increased use of emissions-free cars. From climate resiliency to commuter rail to bridges and tunnels, states are hoping to start or expedite critical projects that will improve aging infrastructure and support sustainable transportation.
"Still, even as lawmakers in both parties agree that such money is gravely overdue, the measure’s fate is in limbo as the liberal and moderate flanks of the Democratic Party have clashed over whether to pass the bill before a $3.5 trillion spending plan. House Republican leaders have also urged their members to oppose the package."
Read the full story: Ferries in Alaska. Rail in Oregon. States Dream Big on Infrastructure Funds.
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