The Maintenance Fund in the United States is a federal initiative under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) of 2021, aimed at addressing critical infrastructure maintenance and modernization. It allocates $1.2 trillion across transportation, utilities, and broadband, with $110 billion designated for highway and bridge repairs, $45 billion for water and sewer systems, and $65 billion for clean water infrastructure. These funds are distributed through federal-state partnerships, prioritizing projects with the highest need and urgency.

The Maintenance Fund’s creation stems from decades of underinvestment in U.S. infrastructure, which has led to widespread decay. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), the nation’s infrastructure grades a paltry C- on average, costing the economy $1 trillion annually in avoidable losses. The IIJA’s $1.2 trillion investment reflects a strategic response to this crisis, targeting sectors like transportation where 42% of bridges are classified as structurally deficient (Federal Highway Administration, 2022). Additionally, the program emphasizes equity, directing 20% of highway funds to projects in low-income communities. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that infrastructure spending created 1.7 million jobs in 2022 alone, underscoring its role in economic recovery. By contrast, pre-IIJA trends indicated a 40% decline in infrastructure maintenance funding from 2000 to 2020, exacerbating deterioration. The fund’s focus on long-term sustainability, rather than one-time projects, aligns with the National League of Cities’ call for predictable, recurring budgets to avoid future crises. This approach not only mitigates immediate risks but also fosters long-term competitiveness, as 65% of U.S. businesses report supply chain disruptions due to poor infrastructure (Deloitte, 2023). Ultimately, the Maintenance Fund represents a critical realignment of priorities to secure the nation’s economic and social resilience.