Around the country, many states are increasing efforts to address the growing demands of the infrastructure sector, among which are New Mexico and Michigan, both issuing executive orders focused on expanding their respective infrastructure workforces. In New Mexico, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s executive order (1) targets training 2,000 workers for climate-ready jobs by 2026- an initiative which spans 11 state agencies and concentrates on sectors like transportation, water, and energy systems, and commits to investments in workforce training and apprenticeships aimed at rural and underrepresented communities.
Governor Whitmer in Michigan is taking a similar approach, issuing a directive (2) that emphasizes partnerships with trade unions, educational institutions, and industries to create a strong workforce capable of handling major infrastructure projects. Like New Mexico, Michigan is making workforce development a central part of its strategy for long-term growth, with the goal of training 5,000 infrastructure workers in Michigan by January 1, 2030. These efforts align with federal programs like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Inflation Reduction Act, and the CHIPS and Science Act, projected to collectively generate nearly 3 million jobs nationwide.
In Connecticut, recent infrastructure investments (also largely supported by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law) have produced significant opportunities for the state’s workforce as well. Amtrak’s $1.3 billion Connecticut River Bridge project (3), for instance, is expected to last until 2031 and generate both entry-level and skilled jobs to support such a landmark undertaking, namely in critical infrastructure sectors such as construction, engineering, and maintenance. More locally, the state’s $41 million water infrastructure investment (4) from the EPA will advance public health and environmental sustainability, while generating specialized jobs in sustainable water management (e.g. lead pipe replacement, water main repairs). Other investments include the Community Connectivity Grant Program (5) aiming to improve roads, sidewalks, and ADA accessibility through $12 million in grants to 17 municipalities, as well as a separate $30 million commitment to enhancing state park infrastructure (6), both opening up opportunities in construction and environmental management.
As CWP continues to foster collaboration between industry leaders, namely through our Regional Sector Partnerships and our business partners in Manufacturing and Construction, as well as state agencies and community partners, we can further emphasize equity and access into infrastructure-related opportunities such as these for our underrepresented communities and play a pivotal role developing a workforce system ready for these, and future infrastructure investments.
SOURCES
- Governor issues executive order for climate-ready and infrastructure workforce for New Mexico, September 2024
- Executive Directive 2024-1: Building Up Michigan’s Workforce and Infrastructure, April 2024
- Amtrak and Partners Break Ground on New Connecticut River Bridge, September 2024
- Biden-Harris Administration announces nearly $41 million for water infrastructure in CT, October 2024
- Governor Lamont Announces $11.7 Million To Improve Transportation Safety and Accessibility, October 2024
- Governor Lamont Announces $30 Million Investment for Infrastructure Improvements, October 2024