Trump releases proposed infrastructure plan

President Donald Trump released his proposed infrastructure plan this week, which would provide $200 billion in federal funds with additional funding expected to come from state, local and tribal governments as well as the private sector for a total of approximately $1.5 trillion.

The plan emphasizes an increased role for state and local governments in infrastructure planning and development. It would expand the use of tax-exempt debt, allow states to add tolls on interstates and making it easier to lease public assets such as airports. It also proposes allowing federal authorities to sell infrastructure assets to state, local or private entities.

Of the federal funds, $100 billion would go to an incentives program to prompt additional investments from non-federal sources while $50 billion would go to a new Rural Infrastructure Program.

“We see significant promise in President Trump’s plan,” Amy Farrell, senior vice president of government and public affairs for the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), said. “With 99 percent of American wind farms built in rural areas, an investment in transmission infrastructure boosts rural economies while improving resilience and reliability, delivering low-cost power to consumers and strengthening U.S. energy dominance.”

The plan also proposes removing regulatory barriers and streamlining permitting processes related to infrastructure projects. As part of the streamlining efforts, it would establish a “one-agency, one decision rule” for environmental reviews and create a two-year limit for environmental review decisions. It would also allow the Interior Department to approve oil and gas pipelines that cross lands controlled by the National Park Service.

“From a policy standpoint, EEI believes it is important that infrastructure spending helps support development of smart communities,” Edison Electric Institute (EEI) President Tom Kuhn said. “We also fully support streamlining and expediting the process for permitting and siting energy infrastructure – including transmission, natural gas facilities and pipelines, hydroelectric facilities, and renewable energy facilities – to ensure that energy can get where it is needed, when it is needed.”

The proposal also includes changes to federal education and workforce development programs such as the Perkins Career and Technical Education Program and work-study programs. These changes would “better prepare Americans to perform the in-demand jobs of today and the future,” the White House said in a press release.

Congress will now review the proposal. Republicans are expected to need some support from Democrats to advance the plan.

“President Trump’s $1.5 trillion plan is an excellent first step in moving legislation forward that will help rebuild our nation’s aging infrastructure,” National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) CEO John M. Grau said. “It is also our next best chance for Congress to work together in a bipartisan manner. Infrastructure is not an issue either party owns; we as Americans own this issue.”