The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law focuses on updating rural roads, bridges, railways, and airports – all helping to reduce carbon pollution. In addition, funding is being directed towards improving access to clean drinking water and affordable high speed internet in rural areas, while also modernizing wastewater and stormwater infrastructure.
How does this affect Iowans?
Community Resilience
- Iowa has experienced 32 extreme weather events to date – costing the state nearly $50 billion. Funding is providing improvements to create a more resilient infrastructure against extreme weather events and other hazards, such as wildfires, heat waves, floods, increased power outages, and droughts.
Broadband Expansion
- It is estimated that nearly 25% of Iowans currently don’t have internet access or active subscriptions. This law will help provide access statewide, while also offering discounts on energy bills.
Clean Drinking Water
- Available funding will address dangerous chemicals in our water systems, while also replacing lead service lines that currently connect to around 10 million households in the U.S.
Roads and Bridges
- Iowa currently has 4,571 bridges and more than 403 miles of highway listed in faulty condition. Federal funding from this law will help rebuild our roads.
Clean & Affordable Electricity
- Upgrades to our power infrastructure, that will increase resiliency, while also providing new transmission lines aimed to expand access.
- Investments in clean energy technologies, such as advanced nuclear, hydrogen, and carbon capture.
- Funding for weatherization of homes that will improve energy efficiency and decrease energy.
Legacy Pollution Cleanup
- Funding for projects working to clean up former industrial, chemical, and energy sites that are responsible for leaking harmful pollutants and chemicals in our communities. Iowa is receiving funding for abandoned orphan oil and gas wells, as well as mine lands.
Check out the links below for more information on how you can access these opportunities:
Affordable Connectivity Program -This program offers discounts or potential full coverage on internet bills. An estimated 482,000 households are eligible for this program-click on the link above for more information on the program and to see if you qualify.
Energy Efficiency Home Improvement Tax Credit – A tax credit offered to make energy efficiency home improvements. Different home weatherization practices are included in this tax credit, such as home insulation, energy efficient doors and windows, and certain roofing materials. Other equipment that qualifies includes solar, wind, geothermal, and fuel cell technology-including things like electric heat pumps, central AC systems, and other natural gas and propane using appliances. Click on the link above for more information.
High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Act (HEEHRA) – Formerly known as the Zero-Emissions Home Act, the High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Act can reduce or cover costs for electrification projects for low- to moderate- income households. The rebate can cover 100% of costs for low income households, and 50% for moderate-income households, with a cap of $14,000. To qualify, eligible households must fall below 150% of the area median income. Click on the link above for more information on benefits of this program.
Home Energy Performance-Based Whole House Rebates (HOMES) – A rebate program that aims to boost residential energy efficiency that will encourage homeowners to implement whole house energy saving retrofits. Rebates are doubled for low- and moderate-income households. Click on the link above for more information on this program.
Residential Solar, Wind, Geothermal, and Battery Storage Investment Tax Credit – The Investment Tax Credit covers a percentage of installation costs of residential renewable energy sources, such as solar PV systems, wind turbines, geothermal and battery storage. Click on the link above for a guidebook on the Investment Tax Credit to see if you are eligible.