States Move Forward With Infrastructure Focus

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While a federal infrastructure plan has been a topic of discussion of the new administration, no clear plan has yet to emerge. Despite this, many states are pressing forward with their infrastructure investment plans.

Here is a list of several states and what their efforts are focusing on:

• Minnesota – Gov. Mark Dayton and Lt. Gov. Tina Smith introduced a Jobs Bill that would invest $1.5 billion in community infrastructure projects statewide, creating an estimated 22,950 Minnesota jobs and supporting local economies across the state.
• Delaware – budgeted approximately $460M for infrastructure projects through 2021; adopting a Capital Improvement Program (CIP) along with a Five Year Strategic Plan.
• Connecticut – The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) released its $10.9 billion, five-year capital plan for fiscal years 2017-2021 covering highways, bridges, and public transportation needs; leveraging state and federal resources to advance the infrastructure programs.
• Colorado – Governor Hickenlooper’s State of the State speech described investment in infrastructure and education as a necessity, not a luxury, and said the state needs to pay more to fund it. He also called for Colorado to chart its own course during a time when Republicans control the presidency and both houses of Congress.
• Michigan – Governor Snyder’s State address focused on finding the funding to support statewide infrastructure spending.
• Montana – unveiled “Employ Montana” which will rebuild infrastructure, create a marketplace for state-made products, enhance innovation, invest in jobs, and responsibly develop natural resources.

A consistent theme among the various states appears to be the question of how to fund the projects and programs that are in need. For now, it appears that states will continue to have a central role in planning and funding the nation’s road and bridge projects.