How North Dakota is spending federal infrastructure dollars
The federal government has announced $3.7 billion in funds toward North Dakota infrastructure projects. The highest share of these funds are going toward transportation projects, at 40.4%, which this analysis will cover more thoroughly in the next section.
Unsurprisingly, Cass County received the most federal funding in the state at $495.0 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 North Dakota were funded through the Inland Flood Risk Management Projects; the Carbon Capture Demonstration Projects Program; 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 North Dakota, where 79.9% 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 North Dakota include:
- $55 million in Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program funding for the Theodore Roosevelt Expressway Freight Safety Project
- $30 million in Railroad Crossing Elimination Grants funding for the 42nd Street Grade Separation Project to Improve Efficiency, Connectivity, Equity, and Safety
- $24 million in Local and Regional Project Assistance Grants (RAISE) funding for the 9th St NE Grade Separation Project
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.