How the 2021 Infrastructure Bill Would Boost Broadband Access, Improve Conservation, and Mitigate Flooding Harm

Collected analyses of key evidence-based provisions in new law

The bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which President Joe Biden signed into law on November 15, 2021, makes historic investments in evidence-based policy solutions to some of the nation’s most pressing policy challenges.

Key provisions of the act address the devastating impacts of floods and other natural disasters; provide for greater broadband access, with an emphasis on underserved areas; and support sweeping protections for wildlife and public lands, including national parks. These measures will highlight the important role that research and data must play in helping shape America’s future.

In this collection of content, Pew experts applaud the federal government’s embrace of research-driven solutions and explore key provisions in the infrastructure bill.

Democratic state Rep. Kara Eastman campaigns for Congress in Omaha, Nebraska, one of several cities where Republicans are considering splitting up liberal areas during redistricting to bolster GOP power.
Democratic state Rep. Kara Eastman campaigns for Congress in Omaha, Nebraska, one of several cities where Republicans are considering splitting up liberal areas during redistricting to bolster GOP power.
Press Releases & Statements

“A historic moment in broadband policy, both in scope and scale.”

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Press Releases & Statements

“A historic moment in broadband policy, both in scope and scale.”

The Pew Charitable Trusts today applauded passage by the U.S. House of Representatives of key provisions within the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that would provide billions of dollars for expanding broadband access, especially in unserved communities.

Wildlife crossing
Wildlife crossing
Press Releases & Statements

“A significant investment in wildlife, fish, parks, and tribal lands”

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Press Releases & Statements

“A significant investment in wildlife, fish, parks, and tribal lands”

The Pew Charitable Trusts commends the U.S. House of Representatives for today approving provisions in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that will benefit wildlife and fish migration, parks, and tribal lands.

The U.S. Capitol
The U.S. Capitol
Press Releases & Statements

“A fundamental shift in the nation’s approach to flooding disasters”

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Press Releases & Statements

“A fundamental shift in the nation’s approach to flooding disasters”

The Pew Charitable Trusts applauds key provisions of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that aim to make the nation more flood-ready. The bipartisan legislation, which the U.S. House of Representatives passed today, would provide states and communities with new resources and guidance to help them better prepare for increasingly frequent and intense natural disasters.

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What is the investment in broadband? Read More

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$65 billion for infrastructure, affordability, and adoption. Read More

Flood-Ready

How much is dedicated for resilient infrastructure? Read More

Flood-Ready

$4.5 billion for two FEMA mitigation programs and billions more in new resilience grants. Read More

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What is provided to protect lands, rivers, and wildlife? Read More

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More than $2 billion in grant programs for river, parks, and migration priorities. Read More

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How does broadband internet reach our homes, phones, and tablets? What kind of infrastructure connects us all together? What are the major barriers to broadband access for American communities?