How will president Biden’s $1 trillion infrastructure bill impact Utah?

The Biden administration signed a $1 trillion infrastructure bill into place in November 2021, activating spending that gives local governments billions to upgrade roads, bridges and transit systems. This is considered a huge accomplishment and a highlight following the devastating economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Utah is ranked as one of the fastest-growing states in the U.S. right now, with the population growing by 58,729 people from 2020 to 2021, according to the Gardner Policy Institute. To accommodate this growth, the state needs an increase in public transportation for Silicon Slopes commuters, and roads must be improved to handle more traffic during rush hour.

So the question is, how will this infrastructure bill benefit Utah?

UDOT funding

Every year, funding from the federal government makes up about 20% of UDOT’s budget. This funding helps keep Utah’s roads safe and in good shape.

With this good bump in funding, UDOT has more long-term plans to extend the life of public roads. Plus, a chunk of this money will be used to extend and preserve the use of public transportation in the Salt Lake Valley as the population continues to grow.

Updated water systems

The pipes in Salt Lake City are some of the oldest West of the Mississippi and are on the priority to update in the near future.

Studies continue to ensure the level of lead in our drinking water is down, as close as it can be to zero. In order to totally upgrade water systems and prepare for consistent growth, the Utah Division of Drinking Water needs consistent funding.

Wildfire management

Utah, the second-driest state in the nation, is at high risk for wildfires every summer. Plus, the air quality is at risk when smoke blows in from other dry states like California during the late summer months.

The Bureau of Land Management is awarded $250 million for the conduction of prescribed burns. An additional $500 million will go to mechanical thinning projects that promote fire resiliency.

Some of the highlights of the new bill include the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission Act, which promotes studies to reduce fires and provides recommendations to government officials. Plus, firefighter wages are getting a $600 million boost, which is always a plus.

Overall this new infrastructure bill will greatly benefit Utah and its residents. We encourage our members to become familiar with the bill and check in with the progress of each project. Also, be sure to stay in touch with the job market as hundreds of new jobs are likely to pop up as spending continues.