Access and Maximize Infrastructure Funds
Local governments are partners in rebuilding, reimagining and maintaining America’s infrastructure networks along with the federal government and states. Cities can seek out federal infrastructure funds for transportation, water, broadband, energy and much more in different programs.
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Currently, there are four primary ways cities can access federal infrastructure funds from the federal government.
- Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) – Often referred to as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, IIJA was passed by Congress and signed into law by the President in November 2021. IIJA is a five-year comprehensive federal investment in transportation, water, broadband, energy and much more and will invest $1.2 trillion into America’s infrastructure. The IIJA programs renewed existing federal programs cities are familiar with, as well as added $550 billion in new funding and programs like the Safe Streets and Roads for All program. These programs will flow through both states and federal agencies including:
- Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) – The climate and clean energy provisions in the IRA complement the funding and investments in climate change and community resilience under the IIJA. The IRA provides $369 billion in tax credits and additional funding for zero-emissions vehicles and technologies, building efficiency and resilience, home energy efficiency and appliance electrification rebates, and reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions overall. For the first time, local governments are eligible to take advantage of clean energy tax credits through a direct payment option.
- Annual Congressional Appropriations – Congress annually prepares a budget with appropriations to fund specific federal programs. NLC tracks the appropriations process for cities in our Federal Budget Tracker. Recently, Congress also renewed the process for targeted Congressionally Directed Spending (also called earmarks) with added accountability measures. Find out more about the process here.
- American Rescue Plan’s State and Local Fiscal Relief Funds (SLFRF) – Communities have an opportunity to use their SLFRF grants from Congress for essential infrastructure including water and broadband demands but also for newly eligible infrastructure uses, including transportation and disaster response.
Jackson’s Water Facility Plan Implementation
Jackson, MO
Population: 14,893
The Water Facility Plan Implementation Program will provide repairs and upgrades to an aging wastewater treatment plant and extend the life of the existing wastewater treatment site, while also expanding capacity to encourage community growth. Repairing the sewer interceptors will also reduce peak flows during storms and increase sewer capacity. Additionally, the creation of a new water tower and well will increase fire flows and increase water capacity.
Pueblo’s Transit Expansion, Relocation and EV Transition
Pueblo, CO
Population: 111,876
The Transit Expansion, Relocation and EV Transition project in the city of Pueblo will modernize the Pueblo Transit facility and strengthen its workforce through its expansion and relocation including land acquisition, construction, the initial transition to a low and no-emission fleet and training that will upskill transit workers, ensuring those who work on transit vehicles today are ready for the future.
Columbus’ South Mobility and Pedestrian Crossing Study
Columbus, NE
Population: 24,028
The Pedestrian Crossing Study will update 15-20 pedestrian crossings on major roadways throughout the city to ensure the safety of all pedestrians. The South Mobility Study will enhance pedestrian safety while also allowing for better traffic flow in congested areas.
Go Deeper: Infrastructure Events, Articles & More Resources
Learn how to improve infrastructure by joining the Local Infrastructure Hub, viewing upcoming webinars and meetings, and reading expert blogs and resources.
- The White House created a guidebook to help state, local, tribal, and territorial leaders understand what funding is available in the Bipartisan Infrastructure More. It includes program-by-program information.
- The Local Infrastructure Hub is a national program designed to connect cities and towns with the resources and expert advice they need to access federal infrastructure funding in order to drive local progress, improve communities, and deliver results for residents. Sign up for the next bootcamps here.
CitiesSpeak Infrastructure Blogs
NLC Infrastructure Resources
Take Our Survey
Does your city have a great project in the works you’re seeking federal funding for? NLC launched a survey to see how communities are planning to utilize the $1.2 trillion in funding available as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Share your story with us!
Infrastructure Events from NLC
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Safety First Challenge for Safer Streets
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EV Charging: A Primer for Municipal Officials
- Kyle Funk
Promising Local Practice in Road Safety: A Primer for Safer Streets
Building Climate Change Resilience
