Local administrators are prioritizing roads, bridges with federal infrastructure funding allotments

It’s been eight months since Pres. Joe Biden signed into law the historic $1.2 trillion federal infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. By analyzing where administrators intend to direct their allotments, the infrastructure needs of communities from across the United States are clear—about 8 of every 10 administrative respondents to a recent survey from the National League of Cities (NLC) said they intend to invest in local roadways, bridges and other projects. 

“These once-in-a-lifetime investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allow communities across the country to tackle infrastructure upgrades and badly needed infrastructure projects to improve the lives of residents,” said Clarence Anthony, executive director and CEO of the National League of Cities about the survey, which provides insights into communities’ infrastructure priorities. “From coast to coast, from the biggest cities to the smallest towns, local governments are leading the way in rebuilding and strengthening our nation’s infrastructure.”

For the survey, researchers from NLC and Polco, a government advocacy organization that provides community engagement services, online polls and survey research, surveyed 153 leaders representing cities, towns and villages across 47 states.

Of all eligible grant opportunities in the federal infrastructure spending package, 82 percent of respondents said they intend to prioritize roads, bridges and other major projects. Water infrastructure was ranked as the second highest priority at 60 percent, followed by broadband initiatives (36 percent), resilience against climate change (27 percent), clean energy and power (27 percent), public transportation (26 percent) and technology to support electric vehicles, buses and ferries (26 percent).

As examples of these projects, the report describes how communities are prioritizing projects. In Columbus, Neb., a school and pedestrian crossing study “will help the city upgrade 15 to 20 pedestrian crossings on major roadways. The South Mobility Study will enhance pedestrian safety, mobility and better control traffic flow on the south side of the city,” the statement says.

In Dahlonega, Ga., administrators are working to upgrade the city’s 85-year-old underground infrastructure, which is badly in need of upgrading. Some of the stormwater infrastructure is built of timbers or stacked stone. The city has already completed a major project in the historic town square, and now must address areas prone to flooding, ensure clean water by replacing ancient pipes, and manage wastewater effectively. Johnston, Iowa intends to replace rural water service with municipal water and expand the sanitary sewer to cover this new area. 

This will also increase fire protection for the area.

Along with resiliency, 24 percent of administrators said they’re prioritizing environmental remediation, 13 percent prioritized airport upgrades, 9 percent listed ports and waterways, and 7 percent said they intend to invest in passenger and freight rail infrastructure.

Besides priorities, respondents expressed a strong interest in working together through regional partnerships to help maximize the federal infrastructure funding opportunity.

“Seventy-eight percent of the respondents actively seeking funds indicated they are very likely or somewhat likely to collaborate with neighboring cities or regional authorities to maximize dollars and benefits to their communities,” the statement says. “Collaborating allows communities to go after larger and more ambitious projects that benefit residents across a region.”

Additionally, the survey expands on the various local funding mechanisms organizations intend to tap into to meet the requirements. Many grants available through the bipartisan infrastructure legislation require a funding match.

“Local governments plan to use a variety of methods to match these federal investments,” the statement says. “Forty-nine percent of local governments actively seeking funds indicated that they plan to use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) local recovery funds as a funding match. Local governments also plan to use special reserves (36 percent), state funds (34 percent) and municipal bonds (32 percent) to meet their federal match.”

For more information, visit the National League of Cities’ website.