Bridging the Gaps: How States Are Tackling Infrastructure Challenges

State lawmakers discuss funding shortages, future demands and the role of technology.

NCSL

By State Legislatures News Staff July 16, 2025

The roughly 4 million miles of roads and highways state and local governments managed in 2022 form a crucial part of the transportation infrastructure that facilitates the movement of people and goods across the nation.

This network includes roads, bridges, ports, bus and train stations, highways and tunnels. According to the Urban Institute, state and local governments spent about 6% of their general budgets—around $206 billion—on highways and roads in 2021. Of this, 44% went toward operational costs, including maintenance and repair, while the remaining 56% funded construction projects. However, a 2025 Pew study highlighted a $105 billion shortfall in funds needed for road maintenance.

In this installment of “State of Play,” a bipartisan video series created by A Starting Point and NCSL, Oklahoma Rep. Nicole Miller (R) and Washington Rep. Jake Fey (D) discuss funding, technology and resilience in state transportation systems.

Miller, who chairs the House Transportation Subcommittee, emphasizes the importance of balancing her state’s urban, suburban and rural needs. “We’re all one state, but those needs are very, very different,” say says, noting the challenges of addressing both rural highway needs and urban traffic flow issues.'

View the full article: NCSL.org