Recent programs and legislative proposals highlight diverse approaches
As extreme weather events become more intense and more common, states already face an estimated backlog of nearly $1 trillion for deferred maintenance and needed upgrades to public infrastructure. To finance long-overdue repairs and ensure that America’s roads, bridges, and water systems can withstand future climate impacts, states are turning to new strategies and adapting existing approaches to address the substantial work needed to boost the resilience of these vital systems.
Doing so is critical as aging and often undermaintained systems are increasingly vulnerable to the rising frequency and intensity of natural disasters, extreme heat, heavy rainfalls, drought, and other shifting environmental impacts—all of which increase maintenance costs.
In recent years, policymakers have been exploring approaches to manage these rising costs and address emerging financial challenges while also attending to other essential public spending priorities such as health care and education.
The Pew Charitable Trusts
By Fatima Yousofi & Eli Gullett
November 21, 2024