Infrastructure related programs rank as a top priority area for the American public and Governors; accordingly, Governors have been collaborating at the state, local and federal level to further their infrastructure priorities and goals, including through allocating funding coming from recently enacted federal legislation and expanding existing state programs.
In West Virginia, for example, Governor Jim Justice recently announced the launch of two new websites to improve the state’s distribution of grants and infrastructure funding. According to the Governor’s office, the “Grants.wv.gov, is a one-stop-shop for personal and business-based grant funding opportunities in West Virginia, making it easier for residents to find and apply for grants. This is a first-of-its-kind resource to help connect people with West Virginia grants in one location.” The “second website, the West Virginia Infrastructure Hub, is a platform designed to efficiently distribute funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act throughout the state.”
In New York, Governor Kathy Hochul announced in January $143 million in financial assistance for seven water infrastructure improvement projects funded through IIJA supported Clean Water State Revolving Fund and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, as well as the Water Infrastructure Improvement Grant program. “These low-cost financings and grants are the building blocks for municipalities to modernize and protect their critical water infrastructure,” Governor Hochul said. “My administration will continue to tackle clean water issues head-on with strategic investments that will benefit New Yorkers for generations to come.”
These are just two examples of the hundreds of infrastructure initiatives, from broadband to water infrastructure, that highlight Governors’ leadership addressing an issue of critical importance to the country.
To support Governors’ work leading infrastructure implementation in states and territories, NGA has concentrated its efforts on providing critical resources and highlighting best practices for Governors and their advisors. Ongoing network calls and in-person convenings have brought together advisors from states and territories, federal representatives, and NGA Partners to share best practices, hear from practitioners and discuss details with federal officials. NGA is actively tracking the latest federal updates, state examples, and information pertaining to key areas connected to infrastructure implementation such as workforce development. An overview of NGA’s infrastructure related resources follows.
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Resources
As Governors lead on implementing the historic bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and other state and federal infrastructure measures, NGA’s IIJA Implementation Resources page will continue to provide timely and actionable federal, NGA, Association and NGA Partner resources. The IIJA page provides a “real-time” calendar of upcoming funding opportunities and milestones, and also features an IIJA Program Tracker, which offers up-to-date details on each IIJA program based on information requested from Governors Infrastructure Coordinators.
CHIPS and Science Act Resources
As Governors look to implement and support myriad provisions in the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act, this resource provides a place for Governors and their advisors on the latest federal resources, NGA briefings, and best practices. This includes resources on the $50 billion “Chips for America Fund”, the manufacturing investment tax credit, Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs and other programs in the legislation.
Inflation Reduction Act Resources
This resource provides a one-stop-shop for Governors’ infrastructure, energy and environment advisors as they look to implement infrastructure provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act. Given overlap between some programs in the IRA, IIJA and CHIPS Act, this page aims to support Governors’ advisors as they leverage various federal, state and private sector funding opportunities to achieve their Governor’s agenda and distinguish between different provisions of the federally enacted legislation.
Infrastructure Workforce Resources
Infrastructure workforce development is a key issue for Governors as they continue to invest in improving the country’s aging infrastructure and allocate the billions of dollars provided through the IIJA, IRA, the CHIPS and Science Act and other state and federal legislation. To support these efforts, NGA has developed an Infrastructure Workforce Resource Mapping Tool to support states and they look to link funding opportunities with existing or new training programs to meet critical infrastructure workforce demands.
Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Resources
Many Governors are taking steps to advance electric and alternative fuel vehicle adoption for their states and territories. To support Governors in these efforts, NGA’s Electric Vehicle resources page provides the latest NGA resources, news and links to State Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Plans.
Broadband Resources
Fast, reliable broadband is the backbone of the modern economy and essential for the education, health and well-being of individuals, businesses, governments and communities. As Governors implement historic broadband infrastructure funding to support access, affordability and adoption of high-speed internet, NGA’s broadband resources page shares examples of work taking place across the country and highlights NGA work and the status of broadband federal funding opportunities.
Questions about the infrastructure resources can be directed to Glenn Grimshaw, Senior Policy Analyst for Infrastructure, at ggrimshaw@nga.org.
