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Bipartisan infrastructure bill receives final passage in Congress

By Kayla Carter Smith, Policy Analyst
On Nov. 5, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) with bipartisan support, sending the bill to President Biden’s desk for his final signature. The bill passed the Senate on Aug. 10.

Download a Kentucky-specific fact sheet released by the U.S. Department of Transportation here.

The IIJA will invest $1.2 trillion over five years nationally, including $550 billion in new federal investments for all modes of transportation, water, power and energy, environmental remediation, public lands, broadband and resilience.

The bill will boost federal funding for Kentucky’s transportation, broadband and water infrastructure.

Transportation

Of the $550 billion of new funding, $110 billion will go toward roads and bridges, including the largest investment in bridges since the beginning of the interstate highway system.

Based on formula funding alone, Kentucky will receive approximately $4.6 billion from FY2022 to FY2026 for federal-aid highway apportioned programs. Kentucky can also compete for the $12.5 billion Bridge Investment Program for economically significant bridges and nearly $16 billion of national funding in the bill dedicated for major projects.

The bill also includes funding to help prepare for the nation’s changing infrastructure and revenue needs due to the adoption of electric vehicles (EV). The bill includes $7.5 billion for EV charging stations and $50 million to support state and local vehicle miles travelled (VMT) pilot programs.

Additional transportation funding estimates for Kentucky include:

  • $438 million for bridge replacement and repair;
  • $391 million to improve public transportation options;
  • $69 million to support EV charging networks across the state;
  • $204 million for infrastructure development for airports.

Broadband

The IIJA includes $65 billion in new funding for broadband, including state grants for broadband deployment and an extension of the emergency broadband connectivity program.

Kentucky would receive a minimum allocation of $100 million for broadband deployment. In addition, approximately 1.45 million Kentuckians would be eligible for the Affordability Connectivity Benefit, which would help low-income families afford internet access.

Water

The IIJA includes $55 billion in new funding for water infrastructure including increased funding to the state revolving loan funds and funding to address water contaminants.

Based on the state revolving fund formula, Kentucky would receive approximately $647 million from FY2022 to FY2026 to improve water infrastructure and ensure access to clean drinking water.

To view NACo’s Legislative Analysis of the bill, click here.

 

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