Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
Nov 15, 2021
Statute: 135 Stat. 429
Became law: Nov 15, 2021
Nov 15, 2021
Statute: 135 Stat. 429
Became law: Nov 15, 2021
Full breakdown available
This pages provides a high-level overview of this law. For full list of provisions, line-item appropriations, and specific funding allocations, please view our detailed breakdown.
Summary
Provides money to fix and build roads, bridges, public transit, water pipes, power lines, and internet connections across the country.
What problem does this solve?
America's roads, bridges, and public systems are old and need repairs to keep people safe and the economy moving. This law gives money to states and communities to build new projects and fix existing ones, making them safer and more modern.
What does this law do?
Authorizes massive funding for federal-aid highways
Provides over $50 billion annually for fiscal years 2022 through 2026 for highway programs, including performance, block grants, safety, and air quality improvements.
Creates a new bridge investment program
Establishes a new program to repair and replace bridges, with specific funding authorized from the Highway Trust Fund and the General Fund.
Funds electric vehicle charging infrastructure
Provides grants for building a network of publicly accessible charging and fueling stations for alternative fuel vehicles.
Establishes a carbon reduction program
Creates a new program to provide funds to states for projects that reduce transportation-related carbon dioxide emissions.
Provides significant funding for Amtrak
Authorizes billions annually for Amtrak, with separate funds for the Northeast Corridor and the National Network, to improve passenger rail service.
Funds clean water infrastructure
Provides billions in funding for drinking water and clean water State Revolving Funds, including specific funds to replace lead pipes.
Expands broadband internet access
Establishes grant programs for states and territories to deploy broadband service to unserved and underserved areas.
Strengthens 'Buy America' rules
Requires that all iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials used in federally funded infrastructure projects be produced in the United States.
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Preventing outages and enhancing the resilience of the electric grid
Modernizes the electric grid
Authorizes funds to prevent outages, enhance the resilience of the electric grid, and improve cybersecurity for energy systems.
Creates program to reconnect communities
Establishes a pilot program to help remove or retrofit infrastructure like highways that create barriers to community connectivity.
Pilots a per-mile user fee for vehicles
Establishes a national pilot program to test the feasibility of a road usage fee based on vehicle miles traveled as an alternative to the gas tax.
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Orphaned well site plugging, remediation, and restoration
Funds plugging of orphaned oil and gas wells
Creates a program to provide federal grants for plugging, remediating, and restoring orphaned well sites on Federal, State, and Tribal lands.
Who does this affect?
- State, Tribal, and local governments
- Construction and transportation industry workers
- Commuters and travelers
What is the real world impact?
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Modernizes national infrastructure
Provides significant funding to repair and upgrade aging roads, bridges, transit systems, and utilities. Aims to improve safety, create jobs, and boost economic competitiveness.
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Stimulates economic growth
Injects over a trillion dollars into the economy through construction and related industries. Intends to create jobs and spur economic activity nationwide.
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Addresses climate change
Funds electric vehicle charging stations, grid modernization, and public transit to reduce carbon emissions and promote cleaner energy sources. This shifts transportation away from fossil fuels.
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Increases national debt
Adds a significant amount to the national debt. This could lead to future economic challenges like inflation or the need for higher taxes.
When does this start?
Most provisions of this law took effect on October 1, 2021, with various programs and deadlines established throughout the following years.
Truck Leasing Task Force establishment
By May 14, 2022, the Secretary of Transportation must establish a Truck Leasing Task Force to examine common truck leasing agreements.
Rear underride guard regulations
By November 15, 2022, the Secretary must issue regulations to improve safety standards for rear impact guards on trailers and semitrailers.
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Updates to Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices update
By May 15, 2023, the Secretary must issue the first update to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices to include protections for vulnerable road users and support for automated vehicles.
Automatic emergency braking standard
By November 15, 2023, the Secretary must prescribe a safety standard requiring automatic emergency braking systems on new commercial motor vehicles.
Amtrak daily long-distance service study report
By November 15, 2023, the Secretary must submit a report to Congress evaluating the restoration of daily service on certain Amtrak long-distance routes.