Four recent trends in US public infrastructure spending

BROOKINGS

By Joseph W. Kane, Adie Tomer, and Ben Swedberg March 27, 2025 The U.S. has seen a surge in federal infrastructure funding over the last few years, including more than $1 trillion from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The mix of formula funds, competitive grants, and tax credits has helped tens of thousands of transportation, water, energy, and broadband projects move forward.  

However, the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has created anxiety around the federal direction going forward, especially within the transportation and water sectors, where governments are the primary asset owners. Freezes in federal infrastructure funding have stalled some projects, while program and staffing cuts at the Department of Transportation and Environmental Protection Agency have sown doubt over future projects and resourcing overall.  

View the full article: Brookings.edu