The latest round of federal infrastructure funding includes the largest contribution to emerge, so far, from the 2021 infrastructure bill for the removal of an urban freeway.
The Biden administration on September 15 announced $1.5 billion in competitive grant funding for $1.5 billion for 26 highway, multimodal freight, and rail projects. Several big ticket items headlining the list, including more than $127 million for the Western Hills Viaduct replacement in Cincinnati and $105 million for the state of Michigan to convert Interstate 375 to a boulevard.
The $1.5 billion is just one funding round of a planned $7.25 billion in spending for the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) competitive grant program over the next four years—a total increased by 50 percent increase by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, approved at the end of 2021.
The Interstate 375 removal project is attracting the most local and national media attention among the 26 grant winners, with coverage from the Detroit News, the Washington Post, and Center Square.
“The award is the biggest step the administration has taken toward helping to remove an aging highway, fulfilling — in one community, at least — a goal the White House set when it announced infrastructure plans early last year,” according to the article by Ian Duncan for the Washington Post.
A U.S. Department of Transportation press release notes that the INFRA funding announcement will be closely followed by announcements of funding announcements for two new grant programs: the Rural Surface Transportation Grant program (RURAL). and the National Infrastructure Project Assistance program (Mega). A new, streamlined process created by the U.S. DOT allowed applicants to submit one application for all three grant programs.
The INFRA grant awards follow on the heels of several other IIJA-fueled funding announcements, including $2.2 billion for the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) competitive grant funding program, $1.66 billion for the Bus and Bus Facilities and Low or No Emission Vehicle programs, and $1 billion for the “Build Back Better Regional Challenge.”
$1.6 Billion for Ohio River Bridge Included in Latest Federal Grant Announcements
The Biden administration this week spanned the country to announce over $2 billion in grant funding for bridge projects.
How Locals Are Planning to Spend $2.2 Billion in RAISE Transportation Grants, Part Two
Part two of a series of post providing specific information for 164 of the 166 projects recently awarded funding by the U.S. Department of Transportation's RAISE grant funding program.
How Locals Are Planning to Spend $2.2 Billion in RAISE Transportation Grants
The U.S. Department of Transportation earlier this month announced $2.2 billion in RAISE grants. The Biden administration has promised that the RAISE grant program will improve equity and sustainability in the nation's transportation systems.
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.
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.
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.
Private Donations Propel Early Restoration of Palisades Playground
Los Angeles has secured over $1.3 million in private funding to restore the Pacific Palisades playground months ahead of schedule, creating a modern, accessible space that supports community healing after recent wildfires.
From Blight to Benefit: Early Results From California’s Equitable Cleanup Program
The Equitable Community Revitalization Grant (ECRG) program is reshaping brownfield redevelopment by prioritizing projects in low-income and environmental justice communities, emphasizing equity, transparency, and community benefits.
Planting Relief: Tackling Las Vegas Heat One Tree at a Time
Nevada Plants, a Las Vegas-based nonprofit, is combating the city’s extreme urban heat by giving away trees to residents in underserved neighborhoods, promoting shade, sustainability, and community health.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Ascent Environmental
Borough of Carlisle
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service