Is your business positioned to capitalize on one of the largest waves of public construction funding in U.S. history?
Businesses are positioning themselves to capitalize on one of the most ambitious infrastructure plans in U.S. history: The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Since Trump’s spending cuts, funds that previously supported the Department of Energy’s initiatives, such as renewable energy projects and clean energy initiatives, have been reallocated to support reshaping roads, bridges, airports, broadband, water systems, and more. With more than $1.2 trillion in funding rolling out through 2028, there are plenty of opportunities to not only generate revenue but also improve your communities.
For construction companies, especially those in the Southeast, this isn’t just a short-term boom. It’s a multi-year opportunity to grow, diversify, and establish lasting relationships on public infrastructure projects.
Here’s a look at just a snapshot of what’s flowing into the Southeast:
Mississippi
Receiving an extra $200 million annually in federal infrastructure funding
Louisiana
Over $7 billion, with $4.8 billion for roads and $ 1 billion for bridges
Georgia
$4.4 billion in new state-level infrastructure spending
Florida
 Significant discretionary grants, including $50 million for Orlando International Airport
Kentucky
$4.6 billion total, including $438 million for bridges and $391 million for public transit
Though IIJA has been ongoing, much of this funding is just beginning to hit the ground in the form of active projects and RFPs, with more to come through 2028.
What does this mean for construction companies, and how can you tap into the opportunities it presents? Here’s how to get in the game:
1. Register with Your State DOT
State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) manage the bulk of infrastructure projects. Get prequalified, monitor bid postings, and subscribe to project alerts.
State DOT Examples:
MDOT (Mississippi)
GDOT (Georgia)
FDOT (Florida)
KYTC (Kentucky)
2. Explore SAM.gov for Federal Opportunities
For projects directly funded by federal agencies, SAM.gov is the go-to. Register your business and set alerts for relevant bids.
3. Get Certified (DBE/MBE/WBE/SBE)
Many projects have participation goals for small or disadvantaged businesses. Certification can unlock access to set-aside contracts and subcontracting opportunities.
4. Watch Grant Announcements
Cities and counties winning RAISE, INFRA, or MEGA grants will soon be seeking contractors. These awards are public, and local governments will need help executing the work.
5. Build Partnerships
For smaller firms or those new to public work, teaming with larger contractors or joining joint ventures is a smart move. Look for partners already active in design-building
The IIJA being a decade-long wave of infrastructure work, creates an opportunity to maintain a backlog for years to come. Competition will be stiff, and only firms that are prepared financially, operationally, and strategically will benefit.
