Federal government shuts down; infrastructure work continues at state and local levels

The federal government has shut down, and the U.S. Department of Transportation will furlough 23% of its employees, roughly 12,000 workers, while others will continue to work without pay. In the coming days, we will better understand the impact that the shutdown will have on the transportation and infrastructure sector and the broader economy. The Congressional Budget Office estimated that the five-week partial shutdown from December 2018 to January 2019 cost the U.S. $3 billion in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) that can never be recovered.

While congressional leadership and the White House work to find a solution, state and local governments, along with private sector partners, are continuing critical infrastructure work that bolsters the economy, increases national security, and improves quality of life for Americans. Below are some recent examples of the work still taking place across the United States.
 

DOT relaunches EV charging fund with stripped-down guidance

The U.S. Department of Transportation issued revised guidance reviving the $5 billion National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) formula program. Now, states including Michigan, KentuckyIllinois, Colorado, and others to move forward with new high-speed EV chargers along highway corridors.
 

Ferrovial Starts $825M I-95 Project in South Carolina, Georgia

Construction has begun on this major interstate highway widening project with the goal of improving traffic congestion and accommodating expected growth. The project includes updating interchanges and bridges to meet modern standards, as well as a new bridge over the Savannah River.
 

Groundbreaking PFAS Treatment Plant in Orange County Strengthens Safe Water Supply

Officials with the Orange County Water District and Irvine Ranch Water District recently cut the ribbon on a new treatment system that removes PFAS from local groundwater. The system, which was partially funded by $38.5 million from the IIJA, will serve as many as 2.1 million people.


DOT will cancel ‘small number’ of grants awarded by Biden Administration, according to DOT official

Speaking at a POLITICO event on Tuesday, Deputy Transportation Secretary Steven Bradbury told the crowd that the U.S. Department of Transportation has “worked through” nearly the entire backlog of unfinalized grants from the Biden Administration and has finalized about 1,500 of the 3,269 grants backlogged.

Watch the POLITICO interview with Deputy Transportation Secretary Steven Bradbury

“We’re moving as quickly as we can, and in some cases, we’ve adjusted the scope and nature of what’s being funded, but the basic project is still moving forward,” he told the crowd. “It’s a small number relative to the large mass that we’re deciding to withdraw or not move forward.”

Bradbury did not provide specifics; however, the Trump Administration recently announced the cancellation of a number of grants for recreational trails and bicycle lanes in Alabama, California, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts and New Mexico.


Bentley Systems’ ‘Twin Talks’ during Climate Week highlights the intersection of climate and infrastructure

During Climate Week last week, UFI joined Partnership Network colleagues at Bentley Systems for the third installment of the Twin Talks series. Hosted by Bentley and UFI in partnership with AECOM and Duke University, the conversation explored how infrastructure and policy shape resilience.

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego delivered the keynote, offering her perspective as leader of a rapidly growing city that also records the highest average temperatures in the United States. She emphasized the need for innovative, heat-resilient construction materials and described the human costs of extreme heat, including canceled recess for children when outdoor activity becomes dangerous.

A moderated panel of infrastructure practitioners, operators, and project owners also highlighted the interdependence of critical infrastructure systems and the operational challenges that arise when one system fails. Moderated by Duke University’s Elizabeth Losos, the panel included Sadia Janjua from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Nick Novelli from AECOM, and Jennifer Goupil with UFI Steering Committee Partners, ASCE.

Ross van Dongen, Director of United for Infrastructure, at Twin Talks

UFI’s Director Ross van Dongen closed out the event urging attendees and participants to ramp up their education and advocacy efforts by contacting their states’ Congressional delegations about the need for robust and sustained funding for infrastructure. Without substantial funding for resilience, infrastructure assets will continue to deteriorate and fail in the face of natural disaster and extreme weather events costing our communities and individual households millions in unnecessary tax dollars.


Federal Railroad Administration issues NOFO for intercity passenger rail service

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) will allocate more than $5 billion in funding for intercity passenger rail service projects that reduce the state of good repair backlog, improve performance, or expand or establish new service, including privately operated intercity passenger rail service, according to its recently released Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). The deadline for applications is no later than 11:59 pm ET on January 7, 2026.


Upcoming Events

Our United for Infrastructure Calendar is the central hub for infrastructure events. Share your plans with us via the “Submit an Event” button on our website, allowing us to amplify your event on our Calendar, on social media, and in this newsletter.

Imagine a Day Without Water 

Imagine a Day Without Water on October 16 is a national education campaign that brings together diverse participants to highlight how water is essential, invaluable, and in need of investment. Each year, Imagine a Day Without Water invites us to see how crucial our need for water really is by visualizing life without it, just for one day. Very quickly, we learn how indispensable water is in our everyday lives, and how our health, environment, and economy depend on reliable access to clean water. Get involved atTheValueofWater.org/imagineaday.

 

October 7-9 | Louisville, KY

The Utility Expo is North America’s largest trade show for utility professionals and construction contractors who are seeking comprehensive insights into the latest industry technologies, innovations and trends. The biennial trade show features equipment test drives and interactive product demonstrations.

October 8-11 | Seattle, WA

ASCE 2025 Convention will feature a variety of meaningful programming experiences whether you are a first-time attendee or a veteran convention-goer. Highlights include the annual ASCE members meeting, keynote presentations, invited panels, case histories, and research papers. The Convention will build upon the success of the 2023 INSPIRE Conference to bring a greater level of technical content to the Society’s flagship event.

October 10 | Virtual

The American Public Transportation Association, Transportation for America, and America Walks will share their concerns, strategies, and hopes regarding federal transportation policies during the “Responding to Policy Changes and Preparing for Reauthorization” webinar hosted by the Eno Center for Transportation.

October 15 | Virtual

Bentley Systems will bring together global leaders to explore how data and digital innovation are accelerating transformation across infrastructure sectors. CEO Nicholas Cumins and CTO Julien Moutte will share Bentley’s strategic vision for empowering infrastructure professionals and discuss AI-driven workflows and federated digital and data twinning. In a second session, Pinsent Masons, in collaboration with Bentley, the Institute of Civil Engineers, Mott MacDonald, and Turner & Townsend will examine the state of infrastructure AI.


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.


STAY CONNECTED!

Be an advocate for the value of investments in our nation's infrastructure by amplifying UFI with your network! Follow us on X and LinkedIn for infrastructure-related news, updates, and information from our esteemed Steering Committee and valued Partnership Network.

Got a story we should know about? Has your infrastructure project or initiative been in the news lately? Help us amplify it by tagging us at @United4infra.

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UFI urges Congressional leaders to pass robust infrastructure funding, streamline permitting and ensure Highway Trust Fund solvency