How Arkansas is spending federal infrastructure dollars
The federal government has announced $5.7 billion in funds toward Arkansas infrastructure projects. Most of these funds are going toward transportation projects, at 58.6%, which this analysis will cover more thoroughly in the next section.
Unsurprisingly, Pulaski County received the most federal funding in the state at $403.3 million—though that only includes projects where White House data specified the county, leaving out billions of dollars across hundreds of projects.
Some of the largest non-transportation projects in Arkansas were funded through the Broadband Equity, Access, And Deployment Program; the Water-Related Environmental Infrastructure Assistance; the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund - Solar for All Program; and others.
Transportation projects dominate overall infrastructure funding allocations, according to the data. Just over half of federal dollars announced so far are geared toward transportation projects across the country. Within the category, most funding has been doled out to build, repair, or modernize roads, bridges, and other major projects. The same is true in Arkansas, where 66.2% of transportation funds are going toward these.
Some initiatives, like the National Highway Performance Program and National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program, provided specific allocations to states to invest in broad categories. Others were awarded through applications for more specific expansion or repair projects. A few of the large titled projects in Arkansas include:
- $202 million in Mississippi River and Tributaries (No-Year) funding for the Channel Improvement, Revetments
- $92 million in Inland Waterways Projects funding for the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System
- $72 million in Operation and Maintenance (No-Year) funding for the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System
This is a snapshot of allocations as of July, but new projects are announced every couple of weeks. With so much funding going into the nation's infrastructure, residents are likely to encounter working crews and new features wherever they travel—whether driving, by plane, on public transit, or otherwise—for years to come. Lawmakers hope that these efforts will modernize the nation, enhance safety and resilience, all the while creating jobs and boosting American industries.
This story features data reporting and writing by Paxtyn Merten and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 50 states.