With the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), the Biden-Harris administration is investing in much-needed infrastructure projects across the country. Whether by making roads safer, renovating bridges, or providing the funding security that allows communities to plan out large projects, the BIL is building a new foundation for equitable economic growth across the country.

Federal spending on capital for infrastructure projects was declining prior to the BIL

• Since the 1950s, public spending on transportation and water infrastructure rose steadily. However, spending on these forms of infrastructure began to decline in the early 2000s.
• Seeing that communities across the United States were struggling to update their infrastructure, Democrats worked throughout the Obama administration to implement funding and pass legislation that would ignite long-term infrastructure investment, but often faced Republican-led challenges to achieving that goal.
• Former President Trump repeatedly failed to deliver on his infrastructure plan. During the Biden-Harris administration he attempted to block the bipartisan infrastructure deal.
• Despite this trend of Republican opposition, Democrats were able to pass the BIL with votes from both parties. Within the $1.2 trillion in authorized funding for U.S. infrastructure, the law includes:
• $110 billion to repair bridges and roads
• $65 billion for power infrastructure and deployment of clean energy technology
• $65 billion for enhancing access to high-speed internet
• $55 billion for clean drinking water infrastructure

Communities are getting the infrastructure investment they need

• BIL funding is going to states and communities that are most in need, as states with infrastructure in the poorest condition have received over $1,000 more in funding per person than states with infrastructure in better condition.
• Analysis from the Treasury Department shows that, following the BIL’s enactment, lower-income states were just as likely to receive infrastructure funding as higher-income states.
• This is in contrast to an analysis of 2019 infrastructure investments, where wealthier states had higher per-person spending on infrastructure. 
• The Biden-Harris administration has also prioritized rural America for BIL investments. The law has provided $50 billion towards investment in water and wastewater infrastructure for rural areas along with $4.58 billion in Rural Area Formula Grants to 1,300 rural transit systems.

Federal BIL investments are advancing significant infrastructure projects

The BIL is supporting large-scale projects across the country, with state and local governments leveraging federal investments to help cover large upfront costs for infrastructure projects.

• In New Mexico, over $222 million from the BIL is expediting the construction of the Eastern New Mexico Rural Water System, providing clean water to 70,000 people. This investment builds on JEC Chairman Heinrich’s work to protect New Mexicans’ access to clean water.
• The BIL invested $1.1 billion in the Raleigh to Richmond Innovating Rail Program to extend the train line from Raleigh to Wake Forest, North Carolina and build related infrastructure.   
• BIL investments are spread across Nevada, from a $25 million infusion to help connect U.S. Highway 50 with I-80 for the Victory Project in Fernley, to up to $3 billion in funding for the Brightline West High-Speed Rail Project, connecting Las Vegas to Southern California.

BIL investments are creating more well-paying American jobs

The BIL is investing in American workers by creating new jobs and supporting worker training.

• Moody’s Analytics estimated the BIL will create more than 800,000 jobs at peak impact.
• An estimated $490 billion of BIL authorized funding is available for workforce development programs, including on-the-job training, apprenticeships, and technical education.
• Under the BIL, covered construction contracts must follow Davis-Bacon labor standards and fair wage provisions, ensuring workers receive higher wages and labor protections.