This guide discusses how Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) addresses the immediate need for an updated infrastructure of airports, seaports, and rail sectors to strengthen America’s supply chain resiliency.

According to the 2021 ASCE Report Card, America’s ports supported more than 30 million jobs and approximately 26% of our nation’s GDP. But the report warns that without updating these ports and waterways, the country could face further supply chain and labor issues.

Decades of neglect of the country’s railways, seaports, and airports have left the country in a vulnerable position when it comes to the movement of goods and supply chain issues. According to several surveys, none of the top 25 airports are in the United States, and only four of the ports have made it to the global top 50 ports list. Furthermore, the waterways and ports have billions of dollars in backlogged repairs.

The IIJA will provide $973 billion over the next five years (the fiscal years 2022–2026) to fund a multitude of old and new programs to improve transportation, including railways, seaports, and airports across the country.

This guide discusses how IIJA is the first step in the path to future for providing clean air, drinking water, and environmental justice for enhancing health and security across America.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that while great strides have been made in reducing pollution, many areas in the United States exceed national air quality standards. And with six to ten million lead service lines still in use across the country, many Americans do not have access to safe drinking water.

The IIJA will provide $973 billion over the next five years (the fiscal years 2022–2026) to fund a multitude of old and new programs to improve water, transportation, energy, environmental remediation, public lands, broadband, and more.

Additionally, according to a recent EPA study, about “14% to 18% of total daily treated potable water in the United States is lost through leaks, with some water systems reporting water-loss rates exceeding 60%.” In what’s been called a ‘big win’ for the country’s aging power grid, the IIJA will invest in improving the nation’s power infrastructure and addressing legacy pollution issues.

In addition to the needed funding to address the existing problems, provisions outlined in the bill will also modernize the current regulatory system to help speed up projects to mitigate climate change and support a competitive global economy.

Clean air, clean drinking water, and environmental justice for communities that have been left behind are part of a more extensive initiative to improve health and security across America. This bill is the first step on the path to the future.