The Lesser-Known Programs in the Infrastructure Bill

While the focus has been on flashier components of the infrastructure bill, some smaller initiatives could have outsized impacts by shifting priorities and funding resilience efforts.

1 minute read

January 23, 2022, 7:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


U.S. Capital

Jeri Bland / Shutterstock

In Governing, Ben Miller describes some of the more obscure items in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which, while not in the spotlight, could have significant impacts on the country's infrastructure.

These include:

  • A national road-use charge pilot program, which would shift revenue for road maintenance and repairs from a gas tax, which is imperiled by the rise of electric vehicles, with a tax based on miles driven.
  • A pilot program to study transportation access designed to identify how people in transit-poor areas get around and what infrastructure projects could provide more equitable access to safe transportation. According to Miller, "this kind of work could mean shifting the conversation from car-focused searches for bottlenecks to mobility-focused searches for public need."
  • Grants to fund capacity-building for small water agencies, which would fund the purchase of asset management software, GIS, and other tools for gathering data as part of an effort to help water systems identify issues and needs as droughts intensify.
  • The creation of several "stormwater centers of excellence" at universities or institutions aimed at studying stormwater management and implementing new strategies for flood prevention and mitigation.
  • A new commission charged with finding wildfire management solutions that can be implemented to fight increasingly destructive fires.

Tuesday, January 11, 2022 in Governing

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.

April 9 - 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