In 2009 the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant program was started to help repair America’s infrastructure. It was renamed Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) by the Trump administration, and it’s recent $900 million in funds was just awarded to 55 projects in 35 different states. Let’s take a closer look at this massive plan.
Repair, Rebuild and Revitalize
The US is using these grants to repair, rebuild and revitalize significant infrastructure projects all over the country. They are granted explicitly for investment in surface transportation infrastructure. This money is expected to make a substantial positive impact on local and regional communities where the work will be initiated. Roads, bridges, transit, railroads, and ports will all be directly affected.
Invest in Rural America
The current plan is meant to rebalance the historic underinvestment in rural America. This includes 50% of BUILD grant funding going to projects in rural areas of the US. Many of these particular areas have been hurting for improvement for many years. The essential improvements will put them in a better position for trade, job opportunities, and local economic strength.
How Funds Were Decided
The program used particular criteria when choosing the areas that would be granted BUILD funds. Safety, economic competitiveness, quality of life, state of good repair, environmental impact were all used as factors in the decision. Ultimately the areas that were chosen were all considered the best option not only for the local community in those specific areas but for the entire country. Investment in ports, rails and bridges, in particular, has a significant impact on trade and commerce across all of America.
Everyone Wins
There’s no doubt that a $900 million investment in America’s infrastructure will greatly improve every aspect of American trade, especially the freight industry. We look forward to seeing the positive impact these government investments will make on our country.