Golden State Today

California is currently undergoing its most significant infrastructure overhaul since the 1950s and 60s, a project made possible by record state and federal funding. Governor Gavin Newsom recently visited the Golden Gate Bridge to emphasize the importance of this undertaking and celebrate one year since the launch of sweeping legislative reforms and an executive order designed to expedite infrastructure projects.

The governor's efforts aim to fully leverage an unprecedented $180 billion in state, local, and federal infrastructure funds over the next decade. These investments are crucial for California to meet its ambitious climate and clean energy goals while also creating up to 400,000 well-paying jobs.

Over $41 billion is already being utilized across the state for various projects including:

- Developing a new system of clean energy

- Transitioning away from fossil fuels

- Constructing and repairing roads, bridges, and public transit

- Expanding high-speed internet access

- Protecting communities from wildfires

- Cleaning air and restoring natural spaces

- Boosting the economy

Governor Newsom said: "Everywhere you turn in California, construction crews are hard at work delivering infrastructure upgrades critical to our future. We are improving our roads and bridges, adding new sources of clean energy, bringing high-speed internet to more people, protecting communities from climate extremes, and restoring natural habitats."

California's efforts are particularly focused on enhancing lives in areas that are disadvantaged or disproportionately burdened by pollution. The state has invested nearly $25 billion over the past three years in increasing climate resilience and adaptation projects.

Halfway through the five-year Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), California has received almost $30 billion in federal infrastructure funding for upgrades to roads, bridges, rail systems, public transit networks, airports, seaports, and electric vehicle charging networks.

As California approaches two million zero-emission vehicles sold (ZEVs), billions are being invested to meet projected infrastructure needs. In addition, the state is in the midst of a significant transformation of its power grid. Non-fossil-fuel sources now account for 61 percent of retail electricity sales in California, thanks to historic investment that has led to rapid development in new clean energy generation.

California is also making strides in building the nation's largest Middle-Mile Broadband Network. More than 65% of this network has reached critical milestones of pre-construction, construction, purchase, and/or lease—nearly 15 months ahead of schedule.