There are a number of steps that state and local leaders could take to narrow the funding gap by tens of billions, making the most of the money that is available to keep the faucets flowing.
Despite some uncertainty as to the exact amount state agencies will receive from the IIJA funding, offices are hiring staff to identify financial need for projects such as roads, bridges, broadband and public transit.
Local governments and transit agencies are going to have to come up with matching funds, and to boost revenues, they’ll need to find ways to bring riders back. That will require some bold decisions.
Installing broadband in the region is extremely difficult and expensive because of low population density and a rugged topography. But millions in federal funding has some officials hopeful that more residents will get connected.
The agency will create a “Fareness” panel which will analyze and recommend ways to discourage fare evasion through education, equity and enforcement to mitigate revenue loss, which is expected to reach $500 million in 2022.
The bipartisan infrastructure bill appears to transform how the federal government subsidizes broadband infrastructure. But evidence suggests that big companies may not allow the status quo to change without a fight.
Local government agencies are working to reform building inspection requirements after a condo building collapsed in Surfside, Fla., last year, but some engineering experts say the proposed packages aren’t strong enough.
The lawsuit, filed by Americans for Prosperity and the Advance Colorado Institute, argues that the new fees, which aim to raise funds for highways, transit systems and EV expansion, violate the state’s Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights.
The state will direct federal funds to investments such as state and local parks, improving drinking water and water infrastructure, roads and bridges, mortgage assistance and expanding broadband access.
Municipal broadband is booming, growing 600 percent since 2018. These alternatives to private-sector Internet service promise better access and affordability to communities. But are they really cost-effective?
Nearly 50 percent of Gary residents are not subscribed to a broadband service. Town officials hope that $5 million of ARPA funds will eventually reduce that digital divide by 90 percent.
Unprecedented federal investment from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will soon land in state broadband offices. Maryland, Maine and Utah share their plans for putting those resources to use.
The new federal money will go a lot further if communities pursue shared services and cross-jurisdictional solutions. Federal rules should be written to encourage bold regional experimentation.
Researchers from the Colorado School of Mines, Missouri University of Science and Technology and Auburn University will develop construction technology and electronics for long-term colonies on the moon.
There are approximately 58,000 electric vehicles in Florida but there are only 954 public-access charging stations. As the network grows, utilities and gas stations are competing for charging station rights.
The city’s mayor has announced that three MBTA bus routes will be fare-free starting in March, the first pilot in eliminating fares across the city. The fare-free routes primarily serve low-income individuals and people of color.
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