BUILD TO LAST: GOVERNORS PRIORITIZE INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT

Infrastructure is the foundation states are built upon. It impacts everything from economic development and global competitiveness, to our quality of life, safety, environment and resiliency. Governors have taken action to enhance infrastructure, including creating new and increasing existing funding streams, advancing public private partnerships, addressing regulatory delays, improving transparency and promoting innovation.

Principles for National Infrastructure Investment

Our national vision for infrastructure investment calls on Congress and the Administration to:

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ENSURE DEDICATED, LONG-TERM FUNDING & FINANCING

No single stream of revenue or approach to financing will address all the gaps. States need a comprehensive approach that allows for leveraging a variety of funding sources and flexibility to match the right tool with each project. States succeed when there is certainty and stability in long-term federal resources ensuring workforce and economic vitality.

FIX NOW & INVEST IN THE FUTURE

We must fix and expand existing infrastructure and invest in resiliency and security to modernize it for future generations. We must attend to needs across our rural, urban and suburban areas. Infrastructure encompasses more than roads and bridges. It also includes city and community development, transit, passenger rail, seaports and airports, inland waterways and electric vehicle charging networks. It involves water and wastewater, the energy system, electricity grids and power plants, public buildings and advanced communications and information networks. Investments in projects of national and regional significance advance overall global competitiveness.

STREAMLINE PROJECT DELIVERY

Governors support federal actions that streamline project delivery, reduce approval and completion times and increase transparency, but also achieve the intent that underlies critical environmental, planning, design and procurement reviews. States believe that federal infrastructure program reforms are the most effective when they limit federal requirements that preempt state flexibility.

INNOVATE

Governors believe that innovative technologies should be embraced to achieve resiliency, security, safety and efficiency. Infrastructure should incorporate new capabilities related to increase connectivity, autonomy, digital information and electrification. States are leading the way in embracing new practices and technologies that provide innovative solutions to traditional infrastructure needs; federal investments should be integrated and reward positive, evidence-based outcomes.


As a nation, we must invest in our infrastructure systems in three main areas:

Transportation & Community Design

Our nation’s multi-modal transportation system supports and enhances the economic growth of states and the nation. Infrastructure provides the skeletal network that connects the nation. Transportation and well-designed communities help sustain quality of life, promote public safety and enable the flow of interstate and international commerce that underpins the nation’s competitive position in the global economy.

Governors’ Federal Recommendations

  • Federal transportation programs and funding should provide maximum flexibility to the states for implementation and innovation because of our diversity of geography, population and priorities. (EDC-2.2.6)
  • A federal freight strategy must provide flexibility for states to designate freight corridors within their borders, unconstrained by mileage limits, to connect to the national and international economy and to address states’ unique needs and geographic interests. (EDC-2.2.9)
  • Federal incentives that reward positive outcomes in matters such as congestion mitigation and safety are better than prescriptive penalties focused on preemption and unfunded mandates. (EDC-2.2.10)
Natural Resources & Resiliency

Protecting our nation’s critical infrastructure involves strategic investments. With the increased occurrence of catastrophic and widespread natural disasters, governors must maintain and continually update state strategies to prevent, prepare for, mitigate and respond to and recover from these events. Further, as the country’s infrastructure continues to age, and our population rapidly expands, states are addressing how best to manage growth while ensuring resiliency, economic development and protection of the environment.

Governors’ Federal Recommendations

  • Effective solutions to water resource challenges require an integrated approach among states and with federal, tribal and local partners. Federal investments should assist states in implementing state water plans. (NR-1.2.1)
  • Agriculture needs to be recognized as a strategic partner in developing resiliency and mitigating potential climate change. Practices that have potential to reduce greenhouse gasses, conserve natural resources, increase soil health, protect water quality, promote biomass use and bolster sustainability should be supported. (NR-3.2.1)
  • Forest health and management activities are critical to preventing catastrophic wildfires and protecting crucial watersheds. (NR-3.6)
  • The federal government, in collaboration with states, should enhance pre-disaster planning efforts to secure critical infrastructure, transportation systems and food supply chains, including advanced technology. (HSPS-1.2.1)
Technology & Energy Innovation

Changes in the way we live and work have occurred in recent years. In order to capitalize on these changes, the infrastructure used to communicate, harness technological innovation, and move energy resources from production facilities to markets must be evaluated, and where necessary, modernized and updated.

Governors’ Federal Recommendations

  • Expand high-speed broadband internet access to support growing businesses and promote economic development (EDC-1.2.5).
  • Entrepreneurship and innovation should be supported through technology transfer policies that provide for speed and efficiency, but protect national security interests and intellectual property integrity (EDC-1.2.2).
  • Supplement state efforts by promoting federal policies that encourage environmentally responsible, secure, efficient and affordable energy production and use (NR-2).

Economic Recovery and Revitalization Task Force

Governor Andy Beshear
Co-Chair
Governor Henry McMaster
Co-Chair

Infrastructure Advocacy

Transportation Appropriations (Senate)

The Honorable Thad Cochran Chairman Committee on Appropriations U.S. Senate S-128, The Capitol Washington, DC 20515 The Honorable Barbara Mikulski ...

Surface Transportation Reauthorization

The Honorable James Inhofe Chairman, Committee on Environment & Public Works U.S. Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 The Honorable Bill Shuster ...

Surface Transportation Reauthorization

The Honorable Paul Ryan Speaker U.S. House of Representatives H-232, The Capitol Washington, DC 20515 The Honorable Bill Shuster Chair, ...

Surface Transportation Reauthorization

The Honorable Mitch McConnell Majority Leader U.S. Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 The Honorable Harry Reid Minority Leader U.S. Senate Washington, ...

Highway Trust Fund – Big 7

The Honorable John Boehner Speaker of the House United States House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515 The Honorable Mitch McConnell ...

Testimony – Surface Transportation Reauthorization

Statement of The Honorable Pat McCrory, Governor of North Carolina & Member, Executive Committee National Governors Association Before the House ...

Testimony – Surface Transportation Reauthorization

Statement of The Honorable Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama Vice Chair, Economic Development and Commerce Committee, National Governors Association Before ...

Municipal Broadband Networks

Ms. Marlene H. Dortch, Secretary Office of the Secretary Federal Communications Commission 445 12th Street, S.W., Room TW-A325 Washington, D.C ...

Latest Resources & Commentary

Governors’ Infrastructure Coordinators Meet in Washington D.C. for Eighth Workshop  

Governors’ Infrastructure Coordinators Meet in Washington D.C. for Eighth Workshop  

On September 25th to 26th 2024, the National Governors Association hosted Infrastructure Coordinators in Washington, D.C. for a two-day workshop. This meeting marked the eighth Infrastructure Coordinator Workshop held since ...
States Capitalize on Federal Infrastructure Investments to Expand Workforce Development

States Capitalize on Federal Infrastructure Investments to Expand Workforce Development

Since 2021, a wave of federal infrastructure investments has provided states with historic levels of funding for economic development and industrial growth. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), CHIPS ...
State Resource Center: Innovative Infrastructure Funding, Financing and Delivery

State Resource Center: Innovative Infrastructure Funding, Financing and Delivery

Governors across the country are exploring the use of alternative infrastructure delivery models and innovative funding and financing approaches to deploy a wide range of infrastructure projects in their states ...
Midwest Regional Project Delivery Workshop

Midwest Regional Project Delivery Workshop

On Tuesday July 30 and Wednesday July 31, 2024, NGA hosted the third of its Regional Project Delivery Workshops in Minneapolis, Minnesota. These workshops provide a forum for Governors’ advisors ...
NGA Wraps Up Third Broadband Leaders Workshop in Kansas 

NGA Wraps Up Third Broadband Leaders Workshop in Kansas 

NGA hosted its third Broadband Leaders Workshop, June 3-5, in Overland Park, Kansas. Over 60 broadband leaders from around 40 states and territories came together with federal officials, internet service ...
State and Local Government Leaders Urge Congress to Preserve the State and Local Cyber Security Grant Program

State and Local Government Leaders Urge Congress to Preserve the State and Local Cyber Security Grant Program

The Honorable Patty MurrayChairSenate Committee on AppropriationsCapitol Building S-146AWashington, D.C. 20510 The Honorable Susan CollinsVice ChairSenate Committee on AppropriationsCapitol Building S-128Washington, D.C. 20510 The Honorable Tom ColeChairHouse Committee on AppropriationsCapitol ...