States play a central role in overseeing America’s infrastructure. They own roadways and many other transportation assets. They regulate a wide assortment of transportation, water, energy, and telecommunications systems. They manage billions in federal infrastructure funds and are increasingly looking to jumpstart new investments, while also choosing how and where to support local infrastructure efforts.
That’s what makes 2018 such an important year. With 36 governor mansions up for grabs, a slew of new or incumbent executives will have four years to set their states’ infrastructure agendas. Issues such as roadway design, environmental resilience, and overall funding levels will all run through the offices of these new governors.
But these infrastructure conversations and activities do not simply start after November 6. In many states, they have been a central feature of debates throughout a heated campaign season.
The Brookings Institute
by Adie Tomer and Joseph Kane
Friday, October 19, 2018