The federal dollars that are making their way to infrastructure projects around the country are largely supporting highway and bridge projects as transit agencies struggling to finance day-to-day operations delay capital investments.
Federal investments made during the pandemic are starting to reach states, but much of the funding is going to road building, writes Dan Zukowski in Smart Cities Dive.
While contracts for road and bridge projects grew, contracts for rail and transit projects “slowed significantly,” with only 180 rail and transit contracts totaling $3.5 billion developed in 2022. By contrast, “The 38,220 contracts for roadway-related construction totaled $102.2 billion,” Zukowski explains. “In a separate ARTBA analysis of how infrastructure law highway and bridge funds had been used through Sep. 30, 2022, 46% went to roadway repair or reconstruction work while just 1% went to bike and pedestrian facilities.”
American Road & Transportation Builders Association Chief Economist Alison Premo Black points to the pandemic as one cause, saying “It’s not surprising that the capital investment has been scaled back while agencies have been so concerned about operations.” Transportation infrastructure spending is continuing to ramp up, with over 150 bills aimed at transportation projects introduced in state legislatures this year.
FULL STORY: Federal infrastructure funds begin to flow, mostly to roadwork
Executive Order Pauses Infrastructure, Clean Energy Funds
Trump’s order puts a freeze on unspent funding from the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
Judge Orders Release of Frozen IRA, IIJA Funding
The decision is a victory for environmental groups who charged that freezing funds for critical infrastructure and disaster response programs caused “real and irreparable harm” to communities.
Colorado Launches New Efficiency and Weatherization Rebate Program
The state is using federal funds to assist homeowners in replacing inefficient appliances and making their homes more climate-friendly and resilient.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
Paris Voters Approve More Car-Free Streets
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo says the city will develop a plan to close 500 streets to car traffic and add new bike and pedestrian infrastructure after a referendum on the proposal passed with 66 percent of the vote.
Making Mobility More Inclusive
A new study highlights the challenges people with disabilities continue to face in navigating urban spaces.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service