Infrastructure Funding

Infrastructure funding is at an all time high. As is failing infrastructure. What you need to know about types & opportunities for funding and how to know what to prioritize.

Today’s State

Deteriorated & Deteriorating

Luckily, the current administration heard the call. The desperate need for infrastructure repairs and advancements is clear. With emerging tools & methods, the opportunity to make the most out of funding only goes up.

Types of Funding

Government - Federal

Funds are allocated via legislation including annual budgets, bills, and infrastructure-specific programs.

Transportation Infrastructure

A key source of funding here comes from the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) backed by federal gas taxes.

State & Local Funding

Infrastructure is financed by state and local taxes, tolls, user fees, and public-private partnerships. States and localities have unique infrastructure needs and accessibility to resources.

Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)

PPPs are a collaboration between the public sector and private entities. In exchange for a share of the project’s revenues or financial arrangements, private investors contribute funding, resources, and expertise.

Stimulus & Recovery Packages

These packages are an effort to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and address infrastructure deficiencies in response to infrastructure gaps or economic challenges.

Sources of Public Programs

USDOT

Providing grants  & technical assistance resources to build and maintain a safe, accessible, efficient, convenient, and fast transportation system for all American People. These programs focus on mobility, reconnecting communities, improving railroad and transit infrastructure, sustainability and equity.  

Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)

A division of the USDOT, FHWA provides infrastructure funding for transportation, including bridges, transit systems, and, of course, highways. Beyond this, FHWA provides leadership, technical expertise, and program assistance to sustain asset management, Building Information Modeling (BIM), transportation performance management and more.

State & Local

These infrastructure funds are often collected via bonds, fuel taxes, tolls, and other usage fees. Some states have established infrastructure banks or revolving loan funds

Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Programs

FTA provides funds for public transit infrastructure. Busses, rail systems and transit facilities are examples of FTAs funding applications.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Programs

The civil works mission of the USACE includes programs for engineering & construction, flood risk management, recreation, project planning and more. Their programs are for water resource projects such as navigation channels and coastal protection and aiming to support economic growth and environmental conservation. In addition, USACE maintains dams and is the top provider of recreational facilities, and military installations, providing technical & construction support to over 100 countries. 

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Programs

Providing more than $4B in funds annually, the EPA works to help small non-profits to large state governments achieve environmental goals, protecting human health and the environment. Focusing on improving water quality and ensuring clean water access, the EPA provides funds for the improvements of water and wastewater infrastructure projects.

Infrastructure Funding Programs

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) 

A law passed which includes programs Investing in Infrastructure, Competitiveness, and Communities. Funding transportation; Climate, Energy & the Environment; and Broadband with four key priorities - Safety, Modernization, Climate, and Equity. Offering up to $108B, BIL authorizes support for federal public transportation programs, including $91B in guaranteed funding (USDOT, April 2023)

USDOTs full list online of BIL Grant Programs - FHWA Funding and Competitive Grants - FTA (Federal Transit Authority) Programs under BIL Fact Sheet - Congress Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act publication *see additional links at bottom

INFRA

$8B in grants for nationally significant multimodal freight & highway projects for States, MPOs (over 20,000), Local Government, Native American Tribes, and Federal Land Management Agencies. These grants are awarded to improve safety, the economy, efficiency, & reliability for the movement of freight and people in both rural and urban areas.

MEGA 

The National Infrastructure Project assistance program provides grants to surface transportation infrastructure that are too large or complex for traditional funding programs. Projects that are likely to generate national or regional economic growth, mobility, or safety can apply for the available $5B in grants.

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program

This Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program funds community development activities for state & local governments. Improvements to infrastructure in low- and moderate-income communities is an example of a community development activity.

Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP)

>$2B in funding from the USDOT and Maritime Administration (MARAD) to modernize, upgrade, and expand U.S. ports. Projects that improve safety, efficiency, or reliability are applicable. This program provides planning, capital funding, and project management assistance. 

Intercity Passenger Rail Program (FSP) | Fed-State Partnership - Northeast Corridor (NEC) &  National Program

USDOT and Federal Railroad Association (FRA) funding to expand and modernize intercity passenger rail in the Northeast Corridor. This is an opportunity to fund projects that reduce the state of good repair backlog, improve performance, or establish new intercity passenger rail. Applications can be submitted for the Major Backlog, Capital Renewal, Improvement, and Stations projects. Privately operated passenger rail is included with the involvement of an eligible applicant. 

How does sustainability give you an edge?

Well, addressing it to some extent is commonly a requirement when seeking funding. Addressing it further not only increases the likelihood of receiving funding, but can provide access to funding opportunities promoting a sustainable future.

Program list published by White House, Open & Upcoming Opportunities (with application links) as of February 6, 2023

Check back to our News Room for information on available funding for holistic sustainability and highlighted emerging tools and methods.