The Tri-State Development Regional Report
news & updates
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Exploring Infrastructure Funding In the Tri-State Region |
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We've been talking about the unprecedented level of federal investments in infrastructure for a couple of years now. We thought it would be interesting to see how the Tri-State Development region is benefiting. |
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Each month, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill (BIL) investments are updated with statistics on new projects and programs that are announced. These investments are related to both private investment and public investment.
The private investments are being made by for-private companies in 21st Century industries such as semiconductors, EV's, Batteries, and Clean Energy Manufacturing.
Unprecedented public investments are being made throughout the country for roads and bridges, clean water, high-speed internet, clean energy, and creating jobs.
As we explore the public investments announced in our region, there are a few important things to keep in mind.
- The data represented in the chart is as of January 10, 2024 and includes only BIL and IRA funding.
- This data represents ONLY those projects that can be designated to a specific county. If projects occur in multiple counties or it cannot be determined which counties benefit, the project is excluded.
- ARPA, CHIPS, and Science Act funding is not reflected in the data.
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- In our region, Morgan County, Illinois is attracting a significantly higher amount of BIL funding than other counties. The projects in Morgan County comprising the $21m include 9 transportation projects for roads and bridges, 3 funded by the National Highway Performance Program and the others as part of the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program. Both programs fall under the direction of the State Department of Transportation. All of these projects are funded through a formula allocation.
- Three of our regional counties are not currently receiving any county-level infrastructure funding. This doesn't mean that they aren't benefitting from BIL projects, only that the funding provided isn't able to be specifically identified in the county or that the funding benefits multiple counties without a clear delineation of spending per county.
- Most of the projects that are included in the data are funded through formula allocations to the states. Four projects have received discretionary funding, or funding through a competitive grants process. Two of the projects are located in Monroe County, Missouri; one is located in Macon County, Missouri, and the other project is located in Lee County, Iowa. All of the projects are Civil Works projects that are directed by the Corps of Engineers.
To explore the data and projects in your county or to learn more about the BIL funding, click here. |
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The chart above illustrates where investments are being made by category in each of the 3 states making up the Tri-State region.
Illinois is making significant investments in roads and bridges, outpacing Iowa and Missouri by significant margins. Chicago and the Chicagoland area are likely to be contributing to this high level of investment. Public Transit investments in Illinois are also significantly higher than the same category in Iowa and Missouri. Again, Chicago is likely the target area for a significant portion of these investments.
The chart above corroborates the narrative that Illinois is distinguishing itself as an EV hub. On January 11, 2024, a day after the data above was released, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker announced that the state had secured an additional $14.9M in competitive federal grant funding from the US Department of Transportation's FY22-FY23 Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Discretionary Grant Program to support the expansion of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in Illinois.
In addition to roads and bridges, access to high-speed internet is where Missouri is attracting BIL funding. These infrastructure programs are being administered through the State's Office for Broadband. This office is doing an exceptional job at managing these projects through regular stakeholder meetings, seminars, and working closely with partners at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).
Illinois is allocating a large amount of funding to clean water. If you recall, the EPA is requiring that all lead pipe service lines be removed within 10 years. While BIL funding of $15b has been allocated toward this initiative, it is estimated that the cost will be closer to $47b, leading officials and experts to consider this a massive unfunded mandate, according to an article recently published by Route Fifty. Illinois leads the country with the number of lead pipe service lines.
Iowa is also attracting a large portion of BIL funding to roads and bridges, as well as high-speed internet. These infrastructure priorities are driving activities at the state level. While it may appear that Iowa is "behind" in BIL funding, remember that over 60% of BIL funding is distributed through formulas to the states, which is most of the funding data represented in these charts. These federal formulas for state allocations are based on economic activities and considerations, which include population and geographic size, unemployment rates, historical underinvestment in infrastructure, and other factors. On a per capita basis, Iowa leads both Illinois and Missouri.
Fact sheets are available at the state level. Click on your state to view the most recent updates.
Iowa Invest in America Fact Sheet
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With significant infrastructure investments being made in broadband throughout our region, it's important to consider how accessible this service is to our regional stakeholders. Access not only means whether or not broadband is available, but affordable as well. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), enacted under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law as the largest internet affordability program in our nation’s history.
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The congressional districts listed above are those that represent our Tri-State Development area. |
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The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is an initiative by the U.S. Government that assists households in accessing broadband services for work, education, healthcare, and other essential needs. This program provides discounts on broadband services and connected devices and is part of an effort to bridge the digital divide. Eligibility for this program is determined based on income or participation in government assistance programs with the goal of making internet access more affordable and accessible for millions of Americans.
The original $14.2 billion in funding allocated for the ACP program, which launched in December 2021, is anticipated to be depleted very soon. In fact, the program stopped accepting new applications and enrollments earlier this month. It's believed that without additional funding from Congress, April is expected to be the last month enrolled households will receive the full benefit. A supplemental request to provide an additional $6b in funding for the ACP program was sent to Congress in October.
To view ACP program enrollment information by all congressional districts, click here.
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The Affordable Connectivity Program and Rural America
It’s going surprisingly well
Benton Institute for Broadband and Society
To access the ACP tool, click here. |
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The end of the Affordable Connectivity Program is almost here, threatening to widen the digital divide
Feb. 6, 2024
Brookings Commentary
February 13, 2024
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BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE LAW: FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES YOU CAN APPLY FOR TODAY
UPDATED FEBRUARY 2024
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To learn more about the funding programs offered under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that communities can apply for today, along with a calendar for funding opportunities across 2024, click here. The list includes information on the program, the deadline for applying, and a link to the application, where applicable. |
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Tri-State Development Task Force Meetings |
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UPCOMING Task Force Meetings |
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Broadband Task Force Meeting
Next Meeting: February 23, 2024, 2:00pm
Northeast Power, 3705 N Business 61, Palmyra, MO 63461, 2:00pm CST
Regional Health & Wellbeing Task Force Meeting
Next Meeting: February 27, 2024, 2:00pm
Location: Hannibal Regional, 6000 Hospital Dr, Hannibal, MO 63401, 3rd Floor Board Room
Rural Business & Ag Task Force Meeting
Next Meeting: February 29, 2024, 2:00pm
Location: Traction Steam, Mt. Pleasant, IA
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WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT THE 2024 SUMMIT!
OCTOBER 2-3, 2024
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PLAN TO ATTEND THE
2024 TRI-STATE DEVELOPMENT SUMMIT
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Plans are already underway for the 2024 Tri-State Development Summit that will be held in one of our region's most dynamic communities, Burlington, Iowa!
This two-day conference will provide all regional stakeholders with engaging break-out sessions, networking events, and insights into the economic development priorities being addressed by our task forces and community members.
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MORE DETAILS COMING SOON! |
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Please join us in thanking our community partners who support
Tri-State Development and the economic prosperity of our region.
Presenting sponsor:
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Catch up on the Tri-State Development Newsletters that you missed!
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Tri-State Development at Culver-Stockton College supports the region by cultivating collaborative relationships, promoting interdisciplinary problem-solving, fostering the expansion of academic-organization-industry initiatives, and developing an environment for collective impact to address the current and emerging economic, and social challenges in the region.
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Tri-State Development Summit at Culver-Stockton College | [culver.edu/tsd]
Leslie Sieck, Executive Director [lsieck@culver.edu]
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