Bill Overview
Title: LIFT Act
Description: This bill authorizes the Department of Commerce to provide grants under the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 for predevelopment projects—measures required to be completed before construction of resilient climate infrastructure occurs—and related technical assistance. Grants may be provided to economic development districts, states, Indian tribes, local governments, institutions of higher education, individuals, and other organizations as specified by the bill.
Sponsors: Rep. Carter, Troy [D-LA-2]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals globally impacted by improved resilient infrastructure initiatives
Estimated Size: 331000000
- The bill focuses on the provision of grants for predevelopment projects and related technical assistance for infrastructure development.
- This includes economic development districts, states, Indian tribes, local governments, and institutions of higher education who are directly eligible to apply for the grants.
- Indirectly, individuals associated with or working in these sectors, as well as the local populations within these jurisdictions, will benefit from improved infrastructure and associated economic opportunities.
- Since the bill authorizes grants associated with climate-resilient infrastructure, communities vulnerable to climate change or those in need of infrastructure improvements will be primary beneficiaries.
Reasoning
- The LIFT Act is designed to support the development of resilient climate infrastructure, which can improve the quality of life, economic opportunities, and climate resilience in affected areas.
- The target population includes states, Indian tribes, local governments, and educational institutions. The trickle-down effects could impact citizens residing in these areas, offering jobs and other economic benefits.
- People in urban areas may experience direct impacts due to infrastructure development. In contrast, rural or less developed areas might see more significant improvements, making them a primary focus of the policy.
- Consideration for budget allocation is crucial, as the policy must navigate its $750,000,000 USD funding limit to prioritize grants effectively among eligible entities.
- While some individuals may see significant improvements in wellbeing due to increased economic activity and infrastructure upgrades, others might be unaffected if their areas are not directly targeted in initial grant allocations.
Simulated Interviews
Professor at a local university (New York City, NY)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The LIFT Act would provide much-needed funds for predevelopment studies we currently can't afford.
- Improving our infrastructure can lead to better environmental research facilities and attract more students.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
City planner (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Access to LIFT Act grants would enhance our city's resilience against climate change.
- These projects may create jobs and boost local morale.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 5 |
Tribal council member (Cherokee Nation, OK)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This Act provides an opportunity to improve our water systems and protect sacred lands.
- Collaboration will be key to secure these grants effectively.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Farmer (Rural Kentucky)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While the LIFT Act sounds promising, I'm worried funds won't reach rural farmers like me.
- Improved roads and irrigation systems would be a game changer.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Environmental scientist (Miami, FL)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This bill will fund critical infrastructure studies key for urban climate adaptation.
- Miami, being susceptible to sea-level rise, will greatly benefit.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Tech entrepreneur (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm supportive of the LIFT Act - it can lead to innovative infrastructure solutions.
- Collaboration with government and academia is encouraging.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Energy policy analyst (Bismarck, ND)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 12.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The LIFT Act can lay groundwork for renewable energy infrastructure, a priority for our state.
- Long-term benefits are substantial, but require strategic planning.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Community advocate (Detroit, MI)
Age: 48 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Our community needs this support to rebuild its infrastructure.
- If implemented well, it could rejuvenate local neighborhoods.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Climate change activist (Seattle, WA)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The LIFT Act is a step in the right direction towards sustainable infrastructure.
- The challenge will be ensuring funds are fairly distributed.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 6 |
Construction manager (New Orleans, LA)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This bill could open up new projects, but process and timelines could pose challenges.
- Collaboration between local and federal levels is essential.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $750000000 (Low: $500000000, High: $1000000000)
Year 2: $770000000 (Low: $515000000, High: $1030000000)
Year 3: $800000000 (Low: $530000000, High: $1060000000)
Year 5: $850000000 (Low: $560000000, High: $1100000000)
Year 10: $950000000 (Low: $600000000, High: $1200000000)
Year 100: $2100000000 (Low: $1200000000, High: $3000000000)
Key Considerations
- The LIFT Act aims to address predevelopment needs crucial for successful infrastructure projects, particularly in mitigating climate-related risks.
- Funding under the LIFT Act encompasses a broad group of potential recipients, which may require careful oversight to ensure effective distribution of grants.
- Streamlined mechanisms for technical assistance could enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of infrastructure projects funded by the Act.