Title
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
Dale McKeel, LPA Staff
Narrative
On November 15, 2021 President Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) into law. The IIJA, also referred to as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal, is a $1.2 trillion bill that funds roads and bridges, freight and passenger rail, transit, ports, airports, the electric grid, water systems, and broadband.
The IIJA includes a 5-year surface transportation bill. Based on formula funding alone, North Carolina can expect to receive approximately $7.7 billion over five years in “formula” funding for highways and bridges, an increase of about $2 billion over current funding levels under the FAST Act. However, much of this funding will be allocated to projects through North Carolina’s Strategic Transportation Investments funding process and therefore may not align with the DCHC MPO Board’s highest priorities.
The IIJA continues and increases funding for the Surface Transportation Block Grant Direct Attributable (STBGDA), Transportation Alternatives (TAP), and Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) programs. Much of this funding flows through the MPO to member jurisdictions per the adopted MPO federal funding policy.
The IIJA increases funding for discretionary grant programs, including the existing RAISE and INFRA, and the new Safe Streets for All program. In total, the bill provides more than $100 billion that will be distributed by USDOT through competitive grants. For new discretionary funding programs, USDOT will be providing additional guidance on the funding criteria and application process.
The IIJA emphasizes safe streets, especially for people walking and biking. In states where 15 percent or more of fatalities are vulnerable road users (pedestrians, bicyclists and those using personal conveyances), the state must spend 15 percent or more of federal Highway Safety funds on projects that improve safety for these vulnerable users. This provision will likely impact North Carolina.
Attached are three fact sheets providing many additional details on the programs included in the IIJA. Due to this item being a last-minute addition to the agenda, the presentation will be added to the agenda when it becomes available.
Board Action
Board Action: Receive the informational report.