We’re rounding up the end of the year and what have we done? Well, maybe not “us,” but let’s look at some highlights of what’s been accomplished from the small scale to big. This year showed small communities in North Carolina and Tennessee come together to get their roads up and running. We’ve watched states come up with plans to rebuild entire parts of interstates (good ol’ I-40) and bridges. We’ve also been able to get started on some massive projects across the nation. In case you missed it, here’s a far-from-inclusive round up of some big news!
Rockford, IL is started a 5-year plan thanks to the Bipartisan Bill. They were awarded nearly $850 million to reconstruct and repave major roadways, replace bridges, and improve flood mitigation. Out of the total funds, $343 million is allocated directly to improving the city’s infrastructure and $75 will be awarded by this winter to allow projects to start in 2025. These funds are not designated strictly to the rebuilding of transportation routes for vehicles but a major part of these funds are specifically dedicated to water: storm and flood drainage, water treatment, reservoir and tower maintenance, and prioritizing water main and lead service line replacements. Congratulations to Rockford!
After investing $4.5 billion into major infrastructure and fleet projects, Amtrak has broken their ridership record for the fiscal year of 2024! Over 32 million Americans became a part of Amtrak’s customer base, proving that there is not only a need but also a desire for efficient railway transportation across the nation. This number is a 15% increase from last year, 2023. Amtrak’s profits increased 9% and they were also a part of fostering economic growth by providing jobs and increasing mobility across the country. They are now building more trains, tunnels, and bridges to expand capacity and enhance efficiency, which will only continue to benefit the country’s economy. The current goal is to be able to double their ridership by the end of the decade. Way to go, Amtrak!
This month, the Biden-Harris Administration announced $850 million to revitalize aging water delivery systems across the Western United States. This includes 77 projects in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, and Washington. The Colorado River Basin will also receive $118 million for 14 projects for their area specifically. After years of discussion on how to bring the Colorado River Basin back from the brink of crisis (after 24 years of drought) and discussing a plan that led to a collaboration between states and the Tribes local to the area, operations are set to start in 2026. Now Tribes, as well as families and farmers, will be receiving resources to acquire safe, clean, and reliable water in the future across half of the country. These projects also include water treatment, hydropower production, and maintenance for any aging necessary buildings. This project and funds are meant to address the climate change issues the West has been facing by enhancing their resistance to drought and delivering unprecedented resources to project the Colorado River system. We’re happy for you, Western states!
For a full list of everything that’s been started this year, you can go here for a list that was updated just last month on all current projects. There’s definitely more that happened and more to come, which is good news for us in the interstate business! Next time you’re traveling through Rockford, taking a ride on the Amtrak to your destination of choice, or heading west, remember that Interstate Signways made the signs that marked the way!
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