Feds Fund Transportation, Add Flexibility

Jan. 5, 2023 – The California Construction and Industrial Minerals Association (CalCIMA) reports that with the President’s signature on the recently passed Omnibus Spending bill, it ensures that funds for the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) will go to state and local governments this year. In addition, the legislation adds an amendment from Sens. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) to allow flexibility for states and local governments to expend unused COVID funds for infrastructure projects. The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) led the aggressive coordinated advocacy effort on the amendment with engagement from several CalCIMA and NSSGA members in common. Here is a fact sheet and summary of the flexibility provision. California state programs are slated to receive $27 billion in infrastructure funds, along with $8 billion in flexibility funds, with additional funds for local government.