OFA's Update on the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in Nevada

Nevada's Progress Under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and IIJA

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), implemented as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), has been a game-changer for Nevada. The BIL is fueling transformative changes across the state.

Strengthening Supply Chains, Cutting Costs, and Creating Jobs

Through increased funding for infrastructure projects, the BIL aims to strengthen supply chains, lower consumer costs, and provide new job opportunities. In Nevada, this has resulted in significant improvements, with expanded development capacity, upgrades to infrastructure, and a drop in unemployment. According to the IIJA Fact Sheet (June 2024), Nevada's unemployment rate dropped from 8.9% (in January 2021) to 5.1%, thanks to the creation of over 286,000 jobs.

Supporting Nevadan Applicants

The Nevada Governor’s Office of Federal Assistance, in collaboration with the Governor’s Office, has established a centralized hub to assist Nevadans in applying for federal funding under the IIJA and BIL. This resource ensures that applicants are well-supported and up-to-date on the latest funding opportunities.

Key Investments in Nevada

• Roads, Bridges, and Transportation

Nevada's aging infrastructure has long been in need of attention. The IIJA has earmarked approximately $2.7 billion over five years for highway and bridge improvements, with $1.9 billion already announced for key projects. Among them, Washoe County will receive $88.9 million to widen US-395 and create safer, more efficient travel options, while $23.9 million will fund the Stewart Avenue Complete Streets Project in East Las Vegas.

In the transportation sector, the Brightline West High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail System, a $3 billion IIJA project, will create a 218-mile high-speed rail link between Las Vegas and California, slashing travel times and reducing carbon emissions by an estimated 400,000 tons annually.

• Public Transit and Clean Energy

With approximately $468 million in funding over five years, Nevada's public transit system is set for a major upgrade. The focus is on improving convenience and supporting sustainable options like electric vehicles (EVs). Efforts include building a network of EV chargers and supporting battery production through investments like Redwood Materials' $3.5 billion recycling and manufacturing plant in Reno.

• Water and Environmental Protection

The IIJA’s water infrastructure investments are also groundbreaking. Nevada has received $248 million for projects like the Truckee Canal upgrade, which ensures clean, reliable water for over 50,000 acres of farmland and communities. Additionally, $85 million has been allocated to protect at-risk regions from wildfires, safeguarding over 2 million acres of national forests around Reno and Carson City.

• Internet

One of the key priorities under the IIJA is expanding high-speed internet access across the country. Nevada has already received $639.1 million to enhance broadband infrastructure, including $43.5 million for the Eastern Nevada Middle Mile fiber network, ensuring rural communities are no longer left behind.

Another exciting development is the designation of the Nevada Tech Hub, which was awarded $20 million by the Department of Commerce to bolster the state’s skilled workforce in the electrification and energy storage industries. The Tech Hub aims to position Nevada as a leader in the nation's future energy landscape.

The investments in transportation, clean energy, water, and digital connectivity are just the beginning as Nevada continues to leverage federal funding.