The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) is the cornerstone achievement of the Biden-Harris Administration so far. This week, the administration announced further investment in U.S. roads and bridges. In Fiscal Year 2023, 12 infrastructure programs will receive a combined $59.9 billion for infrastructure projects. These projects will range from road and bridge repairs to clean energy grants.
The BIL sends funds directly to the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico through formula programs. States then use the funds to make a variety of improvements. Many of these programs are preexisting programs that are getting a lot more money. For example, the Bridge Formula Program’s funding rose 391% from fiscal years 2021 to 2023. Most of these programs will shore up America’s aging roads and bridges that require significant attention.
Other formula programs look towards the future. The Metropolitan Planning Program is one such program. This program aims to better plan America’s cities to reduce congestion and carbon emissions. The BIL also created three new formula programs, one each for electric vehicles, carbon reduction, and infrastructure resilience.
America’s Bridges Will Get $12.5 Billion Over Five Years
The day after the administration released the funds, it detailed the first round of funding for the bridge program. 23 states will receive funds in this first round of work. Each state that received funding is working on one bridge project.
All of these projects are still in the planning phase. However, as the planning process reaches completion, the states will get more funding from the federal government. Conducting studies and planning out bridges does cost a lot, though. Therefore, this investment is important to help states understand exactly what they need.
Roads and Bridges Across the Country Need Repairs
For years now, civil engineers across the country have been sounding the alarm about America’s infrastructure. Many studies have shown that America’s roads cost drivers hundreds each year in repairs and maintenance. For truckers, that number is certainly higher. Interstate truckers especially know that America’s roads vary heavily in quality. This investment in our roads and bridges is a necessary step in the right direction.
