The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was signed into law on November 15, 2021. This much needed funding has been earmarked for the improvement of infrastructure across the United States, and with that comes opportunities for communities to invest in their Geographic Information Systems. See the entire bill here: H.R.3684 - Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
“Infrastructure: The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities (e.g. buildings, roads, power supplies) needed for the operation of a society or enterprise.”
How does it apply to GIS?
While the entire bill comes out to a staggering 2,702 pages, Ctrl+F makes it a tad easier to pinpoint areas that these monies could directly be applied to infrastructure work done for your organization’s GIS. While “geographic information system(s)” shows up only TWICE in the entire document, “map(s)” and with it “mapping” checks in at 119 mentions. It’s not the best term, but it works well enough to get us started. By no means is our list comprehensive, and you should consult with your local procurement expert, but we tried to go through quickly and identify some specific areas where your GIS work could be funded through this bill; or where there may be more money or guidance coming.
Reference:
GIS for Water Systems
Sec. 50106. Operational sustainability of small public water systems
Sec. 50217 Stormwater Infrastructure Technology
GIS for Asset Management
Section 11118. Bridge investment program
Sec 11406. Healthy Streets Program
GIS for NG9-1-1
Sec. 24113. Implementation of GAO recommendations
GIS for Resources and other Environmental assets
Sec. 40201. Earth Mapping Resources Initiative
GIS for Indoors
Sec. 40514. Commercial building energy consumption information sharing
Sec. 40541. Grants for energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy improvements at public school facilities
GIS for Coastal Flood mapping
Division J - Appropriations > Title II - Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies > National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Operations, Research and Facilities
To reiterate the obvious, we are neither legal or procurement experts, but we do know what a lot of money looks like when we see it. This historic bipartisan infrastructure bill ensures communities across America will have a chance to repair, replace, and install new assets and features to keep their populace healthy, educated, and able to travel freely and safely. GIS is a small, but important piece of this puzzle. Contact us today to see how we can help your community.