Anzhe Zhang

Thanks to the Biden Administration’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), Nevada is set to receive significant federal funding over the next five years. The nationwide investment plan serves as a major funding underpin to the state’s infrastructure commitments under Governor Sisolak.

Nevada is now seeing those federal funds being put towards addressing some of the state’s most urgent issues, including updating our water infrastructure, increasing broadband access, and addressing road disrepair.

“While we still have a lot more work to do, we refused to let the pandemic stop our progress,” noted Governor Sisolak in an off-year address this February that saw his administration commit to important infrastructural investments that will not only mitigate current problems, but also futureproof the state through initiatives like wildfire preparations and expanding the electric vehicle gridline.

According to a fact sheet provided by the White House, Nevada will receive $2.5 billion over the next five years for highway repairs with an emphasis on climate mitigation.

The IIJA also sets aside $459 million over the next five years towards improving public transportation.

This is an area in need of improvement in Nevada, as it’s estimated that non-White Nevadan households are twice as likely to rely on public transportation as their white counterparts.

The Infrastructure plan will also provide $8.6 million towards wildfire management and protection. Additionally, Nevedans will benefit from the national $3.5 billion investment plan that aims to provide weatherization to homes, which will reduce energy costs for families across the state.

In other energy and environment sectors, Nevada is expected to see $403 million allocated towards providing clean drinking water for its residents, and $38 million dedicated towards expanding the state’s electric vehicle charging networks.

To continue environmentally conscious investments, Nevada is expected to see $403 million allocated towards the state’s water infrastructure, and $38 million going towards expanding the state’s electric vehicle charging networks.