American Public Transportation Association’s Post

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) was a United States federal statute enacted by the 117th United States Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden on November 15, 2021. By November 2023, around $400 billion from the bill was allocated to more than 40,000 projects related to infrastructure, transport, and sustainability. According to an early August 2021 Harvard CAPS-Harris Poll survey, about 72% of voters support the bill.

In November, the Federal Government's 90-Day Review of the National Infrastructure Investment Pipeline finally concluded, bringing unfortunate news of the discontinuation of 12 major Victorian projects. This decision has far-reaching implications, particularly for regional businesses who were well-positioned to pursue local projects, including the Goulburn Valley Highway – Shepparton Bypass Stage 1, Rutherglen Heavy Vehicle Alternative Route, and the Frankston to Baxter Rail Upgrade. At the federal level, the House of Reps passed the contentious Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes) Bill 2023, despite strong opposition from industry sectors and the business community. This legislation, aimed at addressing concerns in industrial relations, is expected to impact contractors and productivity. On the brighter side, the inquiry into poor payment practices for sub-contractors resulted in 28 recommendations from Victoria’s parliament to ensure fair compensation. This follows CCF Victoria's submission, representing contractors, highlighting ongoing efforts to address payment issues in the construction sector. The month also marked the implementation of Victoria’s Traffic Management Reform (TMR) program changes, effective from December 1st. In discussions on sustainability in construction, Chris Barrett, Incoming Secretary for the Department of Treasury and Finance, emphasised the need for the civil construction industry to progress in environmental ratings. Lifting Productivity was a key focus in engagements with the State Government, including the Dept of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions (DJSIR), the Office of Projects Victoria (OPV), and Major Road Projects Victoria (MRPV). November concluded with MRPV's second Industry Forum, detailing the pipeline of major projects and programs for 2024. We are looking forward to what 2024 brings!

A collective of 12 leading contractors has issued a manifesto urging the next UK government to 'depoliticise infrastructure' to boost economic growth and productivity. Signed by the chief executives of notable firms like AtkinsRealis, Balfour Beatty, and Laing O'Rourke, the 'Blueprint for Growth' outlines 12 key recommendations. These include adopting the National Infrastructure Commission's (NIC) recommendations, ensuring 30% of government funding is allocated to critical infrastructure, and creating a new financing mechanism to replace the Private Finance Initiative (PFI). The manifesto also stresses the importance of mature project design and timely decision-making to avoid delays and enhance sector stability. Inspired by: https://lnkd.in/ep3A-HWJ #UKInfrastructure #EconomicGrowth #ConstructionIndustry

The UK construction industry is calling on the newly formed government to swiftly act on critical planned infrastructure projects that were stalled during the run-up to the general election. Key projects awaiting government decisions include: The Lower Thames Crossing (planning decision delayed until October) Proposed terminals at London Luton Airport and Port of Immingham The draft PR24 settlement in water The third Road Investment Strategy The Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) is urging the new government to provide a clear plan of action for infrastructure in its first 100 days. This includes policy statements on energy, transport, water, skills, and employment and a timetable for major fiscal events. CECA director Marie-Claude Hemming emphasized that the success of the UK infrastructure sector depends on pipeline certainty, policy clarity, and close industry-government cooperation. She called on the new government to turn manifesto plans into reality and deliver a stronger Britain. The construction industry stands ready to break ground on schemes across the UK. Decisive government action on these paused projects will boost economic growth and build a sustainable future. #construction #infrastructure #UK #government #policy  

In July, both the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations marked up the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill (THUD Appropriations bill). The House THUD Appropriations bill (H.R. 9028) significantly cuts public transit and passenger rail below the authorized funding levels of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. It cuts public transit investment by $1.3 billion and passenger rail investment by $263 million from last year’s funding levels. The House THUD Appropriations bill passed on a party-line vote of 31-26. Conversely, the Senate THUD Appropriations bill (S. 4796) provides the overwhelming majority of public transit and passenger rail investments authorized by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. It increases public transit investment by $440 million and passenger rail investment by $441 million from last year’s funding levels. The Senate THUD Appropriations bill passed on an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 28-1. APTA strongly encourages you to urge your Representatives and Senators to honor the promise of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and fully fund public transit and passenger rail in the FY 2025 THUD Appropriations bill. Here are four things you can do to make a difference > https://lnkd.in/ehFVVvpw

As infrastructure projects are swiftly cancelled or delayed by the Government I wonder what their new National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA) would make of it? 🧐 Do the economics stack up and is it a rational choice to make amongst the myriad infrastructure related powers the government has at its disposal? 💰 🧮 I always understood infrastructure projects to be seen as investments in assets where decisions could be made on their individual business case merits rather than available government expenditure. If that means borrowing or private sector investment then that may well be the case. When the privatised rail industry is primarily underpinned with tax payers money whilst delivering 55 million different fare options and employing hundreds of staff to manage cross charging of delay compensation between publicly owned rail operators surely there are ways we can find cost savings within the existing system. 😱🤯 The “Restoring Your Railway Programme” has just been cancelled to save £85M - does that really reflect value for money, was the return on that £85M not a significant boost for those areas and the wider economy? If there are any good articles looking at these decisions in more detail or explaining some of the rationale please post in the comments, I would love to understand more. 🤓👍

Major updates from Chancellor Rachel Reeves' recent statement: Significant infrastructure projects have been cancelled. Discover which projects are affected and what this means for the rail and construction sectors. Read more in our latest blog! 👇 https://lnkd.in/ent2peFT #infrastructure #construction #RailIndustry #UKEconomy #PublicSpending #McGinleyInsights #McGinleySupportServices

📢 The Scottish Government has published a discussion paper on an Infrastructure Levy for Scotland (ILS). As announced in the Programme for Government 2023-24 this will implement the proposal for such a Levy made in the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019. The policy is subject to a “sunset clause” by July 2026.   The paper discusses a range of different approaches to make infrastructure levy regulations, intended to give local authorities the option to secure a stream of funding for infrastructure which is needed to support growth on a wider scale than individual developments. It is intended to complement and not replace section 75 planning obligations. It is expected a levy of of between 1.5-3% of GDV will be applied. The paper describes existing mechanisms for securing developer obligations and summarises previous research and reviews relevant to the ILS. It then sets out the various aspects of the levy which regulations would need to consider. This will feed into the development of draft Regulations which will be subject to a full public consultation in 2025.   Read the discussion paper in full here - https://lnkd.in/es4tc-3B. The consultation closes on 30 September, SPF will be making comments on this proposal and we are keen to hear your view. Please email us at spf@bpf.org.uk.

Over the last two years, the government has achieved significant progress in implementing the $1.2 Trillion Infrastructure Law, resulting in notable improvements in transportation, energy, and public facilities. Looking forward, the next two years promise continued advancements with a focus on innovation, resilience, and sustainable practices, reflecting the government's commitment to addressing evolving societal needs and fostering long-term economic growth. Stay tuned for ongoing developments as the government works towards creating a more robust and resilient national infrastructure.

UK Tier 1 contractors release manifesto urging government to ‘depoliticise infrastructure’ A group of 12 #Tier1 #contractors have put together a manifesto urging the next #government to “#depoliticise #infrastructure” among other recommendations to effectively boost the UK’s #economic growth and #productivity. Blueprint for Growth is a document signed by the #chiefexecutives of AtkinsRéalis, Balfour Beatty plc, BAM UK & Ireland, Costain Group PLC, Galliford Try, Laing O'Rourke, Mace, Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure, Mott MacDonald, VINCI Construction, VolkerWessels UK and WSP. It shares 12 recommendations the firms believe the next government should implement to help the built environment and enable growth. The 12 priorities for the governemnt that will assume power after the General Election on 4 July are: #Depoliticiseinfrastructure Appoint a cabinet minister responsible for infrastructure Increase #privateinvestment in #public infrastructure Timely, holistic decision-making on key areas Improve #budget setting for infrastructure schemes Efficient #riskallocation Investment continuity Simplify the judicial review process Mandate consideration of the national interest Self-certification system to accelerate delivery of infrastructure projects Transform the Apprenticeship Levy A flexible immigration Where depoliticising infrastructure is concerned, the firms have recommended for the government to adopt the recommendations from the National Infrastructure Assessment undertaken by the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) and to empower the organisation to lead the implementation of a strategy for the next 10-20 years, supported by an act of parliament. They have further requested for 30% of all government funding to be promised for critical national infrastructure. The manifesto penned by the group aims to represent a collective commitment from the infrastructure and construction industry to collaborate with policymakers, industry stakeholders and government agencies to help develop the 12 recommendations. It reads: “Ensuring stability, continuity, certainty, and a steady flow of investment in infrastructure is crucial. “These factors not only attract investment and reduce the costs associated with delivering infrastructure, but also foster economic growth by ensuring both the timely delivery of essential services and a strong UK construction and infrastructure sector – a key UK employer. “Additionally, these factors enhance competitiveness and demonstrate a commitment to long-term development, ultimately benefiting both the economy and citizens’ quality of life. “In the UK, infrastructure investment is often characterised by a stop-start funding approach and delays to major schemes." https://lnkd.in/eVpi-PEN