TL/DR –
The Biden administration has allocated $537 billion in infrastructure investments following the passing of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, CHIPS Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act. The largest monetary awards have gone to key battleground states that may play a crucial role in the 2024 presidential election, such as Pennsylvania, Arizona, and Michigan. The investment allocation process included reviewing project proposals, identifying suitable locations for new developments, and partnering with the private sector.
The Biden administration’s large-scale infrastructure investments
The Biden administration has disclosed a massive $537 billion infrastructure investment from landmark government funding bills like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, CHIPS Act and the Inflation Reduction Act.
Where is the funding going?
The White House released data showing how the funding has been dispersed across the country. Several sizeable awards went to crucial battleground states like Pennsylvania, Arizona, and Michigan, expected to be pivotal in the 2024 presidential election.
Florida is also targeted by the Biden campaign. Despite Trump’s lead in the polls, Biden’s team hopes to leverage the state’s restrictive abortion access to argue against the former president.
How are projects chosen?
The public investment selection process entails vetting project proposals, pinpointing suitable development areas, and collaborating with the private sector. Agencies involved include the Commerce Department, Treasury Department, and the Federal Communications Commission, which have systems for distributing the funds.
About half of the funding is allocated “through formulas,” like population or need-based criteria. The rest is distributed via discretionary grants that states compete for based on factors like “safety, economic impact, equity, [and] climate resilience.”
Biden’s “Infrastructure Week”
The data release coincides with the White House’s “infrastructure week,” featuring cabinet members like Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Interior Secretary Deb Haaland promoting Biden’s infrastructure achievements. This event contrasts with Trump-era “infrastructure weeks,” which often unveiled plans that were subsequently shelved. “The Biden administration has committed to delivering infrastructure that will benefit communities for generations to come,” said Deputy Chief of Staff Natalie Quillian.
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