Infrastructure Spending: A Top Priority for State Governors and NASBP

State governors from both parties emphasized the importance of infrastructure investment as a top priority for their Administration during their “state of the state” addresses. During their remarks, state governors shared specific infrastructure success stories and other priorities for the year ahead.

Several state governors highlighted transportation projects that have secured funding or have hit key milestones. For example, Colorado Governor Jared Polis (D-CO), Chair of the National Governor’s Association (NGA), referred to a $90 million federal grant which expanded passenger rail. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee (R), described how his state expanded its ability to build roads by including the use of alternative delivery methods, such as public-private partnerships (P3). Rhode Island Governor Daniel McKee (D) noted that the $220 million in federal grants that the state had received will replace aging bridges, and North Carolina Governor Josh Stein (D) spoke about the ongoing relief efforts following Hurricane Helene’s devastation, replacing damage infrastructure impacted by the storm while his state works in collaboration with the Trump Administration to secure additional federal funds.

In addition to transportation improvement projects, several state governors showcased their achievements for the expansion of rural broadband. For example, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshar (D) reported that newly approved projects will connect more than 80,000 homes to high-speed internet. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey (R) described how, since she has taken office, over 200 broadband projects connected more than 142,000 addresses. West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey (R) highlighted his commitment to improving internet access while collaborating with the Trump Administration to address broadband challenges.

Finally, governors of the states of Idaho, Kansas, Texas, and Wyoming described how funding revitalized their aging water infrastructure to ensure their states will have a sustainable water supply for the future. Listen to your governor’s “state of the state” remarks.

Water infrastructure was one of the main points attendees of the recent NASBP and SFAA Joint Federal Legislative Fly-in discussed with members of Congress and their staff. See a wrap-up of the Legislative Fly-in and view the Water Infrastructure Finance & Innovation Act (WIFIA) talking points to learn why performance and payment bonds are vital to WIFIA-funded projects.