Commentary: Texas can't start much-needed infrastructure improvement projects until Congress passes appropriations bills.
As the fastest growing state in 2021, Texas is outpacing the capacity of its critical and aging infrastructure.In November, Congress passed a $1.2 trillion bill to build new and rebuild existing public works systems. For fiscal years 2022 through 2026, the bipartisan includes funding for public transit, passenger rail, interstate systems, bridges, clean drinking water, wastewater infrastructure, clean energy transmission and broadband internet.
Once the fiscal year budget is approved, Congress is also supposed to pass the 12 appropriations bills that actually fund government operations before the fiscal year begins — although the last time all appropriations bills were actually passed on time was fiscal year 1997. Nearly halfway into fiscal year 2022, Congress has passed none of the 12 appropriations bills.
Each year, the Texas Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers issues a report card on the state’s infrastructure. The most recent Surface transportation program funding happens in two phases. IIJA authorizes the funds, and then Congress must appropriate those funds in an annual appropriations bill that sets the annual “obligation,” or spending limits, that essentially unlocks the authorized funds.
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