In the waning weeks of his presidency, President Biden is making a final push to solidify his infrastructure legacy. 

With a new administration on the horizon, the Department of Transportation (DOT) is working diligently to award grants and allocate funds for projects funded by the landmark Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

On November 15th, marking the third anniversary of the IIJA’s enactment, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Deputy Chief of Staff Natalie Quillian announced a significant investment of $3.4 billion across four key infrastructure grant programs. This move underscores the administration’s commitment to modernizing and expanding the nation’s transportation network, even as a transition of power looms.

“We’re going to continue working to make sure that grant agreements are completed, dollars are obligated as quickly as we can do in a responsible manner,” Buttigieg affirmed, acknowledging the impending change in leadership.

This latest round of funding focuses on critical areas of infrastructure development:

• Passenger Rail: A substantial $1.5 billion from the IIJA will support 19 passenger rail infrastructure improvement projects along Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor, the busiest stretch of its network. This investment aims to enhance reliability, speed, and capacity along this vital transportation artery.
• Port Infrastructure: The Maritime Administration will distribute $580 million for 31 port improvement projects across 15 states and Puerto Rico. These grants, primarily funded through the Port Infrastructure Development Program, will modernize port facilities, enhance cargo flow, and bolster supply chain resilience.
• Roadway Safety: Recognizing the importance of safety for all road users, DOT is awarding $172 million to 257 local, regional, and tribal communities for roadway safety planning and demonstration projects. This funding, provided through the Safe Streets and Roads for All Program, will support initiatives aimed at reducing crashes and fatalities.
• Low-Carbon Transportation Materials: In line with the administration’s commitment to combating climate change, $1.2 billion from the IRA will be allocated to 39 state DOTs and Puerto Rico to promote the development and use of sustainable, low-carbon transportation construction materials. This initiative aims to reduce the environmental impact of infrastructure projects and accelerate the transition to a cleaner transportation sector.

Among the notable grant recipients is Amtrak, which will receive a maximum of $397.3 million to replace and upgrade the catenary power system on its Keystone Line in Pennsylvania. Connecticut also secured significant funding, with $291 million awarded for various projects, including track improvements, bridge replacements, and catenary upgrades.

The announcement of these grants has been met with enthusiasm from industry stakeholders. The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) welcomed the investment in port infrastructure, emphasizing its importance for strengthening the nation’s supply chain. 

AAPA President and CEO Cary Davis stated, “Now comes the hard part. AAPA ports will continue working closely with our Federal Government partners to get the money deployed and shovels in the ground as soon as possible so we can complete these port infrastructure upgrades and realize the benefits to our nation's supply chain and people faster.”

While the incoming administration may have different priorities, these grants represent a significant step towards a more modern, resilient, and sustainable transportation future for America. As the transition of power approaches, the DOT’s efforts to expedite the distribution of these funds highlight the importance of ensuring that critical infrastructure projects remain on track.