A State-by-State Wish List for Federal Infrastructure Funding

States have a laundry list of major projects they'd like to see funded if the trillion-dollar infrastructure package passes.

1 minute read

September 29, 2021, 12:00 PM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Seattle, Washington

Max Herman / Shutterstock

As the U.S. House of Representatives continues to debate the $1 trillion infrastructure package, states are planning for the potential infusion of funding with ambitious–and much-needed–infrastructure projects, report Zach Montague and Emily Cochrane. "For years, officials have been forced to balance an overwhelming backlog of repairs and upgrades to highways, bridges and roads against more sweeping, longer-term projects." Federal funding could bring more projects closer to completion and help fund urgent repairs.

Montague and Cochrane describe the major projects on the wish list for several states, including Alaska's Marine Highway system and California's beleaguered high-speed rail. California also hopes to fund a network of electric and hydrogen fueling stations to encourage increased use of emissions-free cars. From climate resiliency to commuter rail to bridges and tunnels, states are hoping to start or expedite critical projects that will improve aging infrastructure and support sustainable transportation. 

"Still, even as lawmakers in both parties agree that such money is gravely overdue, the measure’s fate is in limbo as the liberal and moderate flanks of the Democratic Party have clashed over whether to pass the bill before a $3.5 trillion spending plan. House Republican leaders have also urged their members to oppose the package."

Friday, September 24, 2021 in New York Times

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

High-rise apartment buildings in Waikiki, Hawaii with steep green mountains in background.

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss

The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

April 6, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Two yellow and white Dallas Area Rapid Transit light rail streetcars at station in Dallas, Texas.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region

At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

April 3, 2025 - KERA News

Rusty abandoned oil well and equipment with prickly pear cactus next to it in West Texas.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage

Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

March 31, 2025 - Pennsylvania State University

Aerial view of Spanish revival style buildings with red tile roofs in downtown Santa Barbara, California.

Santa Barbara Could Build Housing on County Land

County supervisors moved forward a proposal to build workforce housing on two county-owned parcels.

7 hours ago - The Santa Barbara Independent

Green and white interstate freeway signs pointing to Hayward and San Mateo and Half Moon Bay exits in Northern California.

San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project

The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.

April 9 - Streetsblog San Francisco

Kingsbridge Armory, large hangar-like brick building in the Bronx, New York City with brick lower floors and glass/metal curved roof..

A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard

After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.

April 9 - Shelterforce Magazine