Infrastructure is taking the spotlight as multiple governors highlight investments in transportation, broadband and water projects during their State of the State addresses. The American Society of Civil Engineers released a 2025 report card on the state of America’s infrastructure, grading it a “C.” While that is the highest the nation has ever received since the reports began in 1998, the document outlined a severe need for better infrastructure conditions at a national scale.
As the need for better infrastructure develops, governors have begun acting to support long-term economic growth, sustainability and quality of life. The investments announced as part of these statements showcase state initiatives determined to harden infrastructure, expand accessibility and promote water resource safety and availability.
Transportation investments were one of the universal sectors addressed by the governors, who have secured funding or hit major milestones on notable projects and programs. Some of these investments include:
- Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee detailed how passing the Transportation Modernization Act enabled the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) to use additional delivery methods such as public-private partnerships. The governor anticipates proposing an additional $1 billion to help the department build and maintain roads and bridges for 2025.
- Vermont Gov. Phil Scott emphasized his efforts to properly allocate transportation funding through eliminating the JTOC transfer process, enabling the state to use excess revenue from the Transportation Fund to support transportation projects. Removing the process should return $20 million to the Transportation Fund to invest in roads, bridges and other types of infrastructure.
- After closing the Washington Bridge in 2023 to address critical deficiencies, Rhode Island Gov. Daniel McKee has provided an update on efforts to rebuild the bridge. To date, $471 million has been procured to demolish and replace the old structure.
Water projects are another high priority for states as the need for dependable, resilient and safe resources grows increasingly dire in the face of failing infrastructure and widespread contamination. On average, America received a D rating for water infrastructure. Initiatives supported by governors to address water problems include:
- Idaho Gov. Brad Little stressed the importance of the KEEPING PROMISES plan, which will commit $30 million to address the state’s backlog of water projects.
- Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly noted long-standing water management issues that have plagued the state’s agricultural industry and communities. Three solutions have been announced to promote sustainable water sources: creating an Office of Natural Resources to streamline efforts, investing an additional $30 million to protect water supplies and creating a long-term sustainable water supply strategy.
Finally, broadband infrastructure is crucial to ensuring all homes have equal access to digital opportunities and high-speed internet. Some examples of work by states to expand broadband include:
- Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear provided an update on newly approved projects to connect more than 80,000 homes with high-speed internet. The state has already awarded $22 million to integrate homes and businesses with broadband networks.
- Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey’s efforts with her administration to expand broadband access have already proven successful. Since she took office, the state has advanced more than 200 expansion projects to connect more than 142,000 homes with high-speed internet.
(Photo courtesy of Justus from Pixabay.)
