August Recess = opportunity to ramp up infrastructure advocacy
Members are back in their districts for the summer, making it the perfect time for state and local electeds, community and business leaders, and advocates to meet with their Congressional delegations.
When the House Transportation & Infrastructure and Senate Environment & Public Works committees reconvene, leadership is expected to pursue ambitious timelines to draft a new surface transportation bill.
UFI, with the support of its Steering Committee and Partnership Network, has maintained our advocacy efforts throughout the summer. In July and August, UFI shared videos featuring government, business, and nonprofit leaders who emphasized how infrastructure investments boost national economic competitiveness, generate jobs, and foster resilience and innovation. These leaders are not only calling for continued strong federal funding, but also highlighting the need for permitting reform to streamline projects from conception to completion.
We encourage you to watch these videos, share them on your social media platforms, and forward them to your Congressional representatives to advocate for substantial and consistent infrastructure funding across all sectors.
Deadline approaching for DOT Request for Information
The U.S. Department of Transportation has issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking public comments related to the development of the next surface transportation legislation. The deadline for comments is August 20, 2025.
The RFI welcomes all feedback related to the legislation and encourages feedback specifically around:
Enhancing transportation safety — including bridges, safety for transportation workers and pedestrians, truck parking, and autonomous vehicles.
Accelerating project delivery — including reforming the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and permitting, enhancing the One Federal Decision framework, and expanding the use of technology.
Increasing opportunities — through investments in transportation infrastructure that expand capacity and mobility, congestion relief, and encourage private sector investment.
Strengthening partnerships — with states and other stakeholders to prioritize Federal interests, greater efficiencies, and research.
ARPA-I launches $1 million Ideas Challenge
Build America’s Advanced Research Projects Agency - Infrastructure (ARPA-I) is offering a total of $1 million for bold ideas that transform how Americans move, build, and connect as part of a new Ideas Challenge.
ARPA-I is calling on innovators from the public and private sectors to submit the most promising and transformative Research and Development proposals that could deliver technologies that radically:
Enhance the safe, secure, and efficient movement of people and goods;
Lower the long-term costs of infrastructure planning, construction, and maintenance;
Strengthen the resilience of infrastructure against physical, natural, and cyber threats; and
Enhance the United States’ position as a global leader in advanced transportation infrastructure technologies and materials.
Up to 15 winners will be awarded $20,000 each for a total of $300,000 in prizes. Winners from Stage 1 will submit full project proposals for a chance to win one of five prizes that total a further $700,000.
Submission deadline: September 17, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. ET
The Department of Transportation will host a public webinar to discuss Stage 1 of the Challenge, eligibility to participate, technical considerations, prizes, and other topics on August 20, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. ET.
Mark your calendar for Infrastructure Week 2026
Infrastructure Week 2026 will take place from May 18-22, 2026, and UFI encourages infrastructure-focused organizations and advocates across the country to get involved. Learn how at UnitedforInfrastructure.org/infra-week-2026.
