The Rationale Behind the Initiative
The highway removal effort aims to reconnect communities separated by roadways and heal the scars left by past infrastructure decisions. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg stated in 2021, “There is racism physically built into some of our highways.”
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The administration hopes to create jobs, reduce emissions, and foster equity in urban development with this initiative.
Financial Commitment and Legislative Support
Congress allocated around $4.2 billion for these highway removal projects through two major laws passed in 2021 and 2022. The “Reconnecting Communities” pilot program received $1 billion, and another $3 billion was set aside for “Neighborhood Access and Equity” grants.
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These funds were intended to help cities across the U.S. remove highways and reconnect urban neighborhoods.
Early Successes and Challenges in Syracuse and Rochester
In places like Syracuse and Rochester, New York, local officials have worked for years to remove highways dividing their cities.
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In Syracuse, a $180 million federal grant is slated to help replace a section of Interstate 81. Rochester’s successful removal of a part of its Inner Loop in 2014 has inspired similar projects, demonstrating both the benefits and challenges of such undertakings.
Slow Progress in Funding Allocation
Despite the ambitious goals, progress has been slow. As of now, only about 4% of the $3.5 billion in announced grants has been fully obligated by the Department of Transportation.
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Many grants require local agencies to sign funding agreements with the federal government, a process that has proven time-consuming and complex.
Potential Impact of a Trump Administration
If former President Donald Trump wins a second term, the future of the highway removal initiative could be in jeopardy. A new administration might prioritize different infrastructure projects or change the criteria for awarding grants.
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Equity, a core principle guiding the current grants, could be removed, shifting the focus away from rebuilding communities of color.
DOT’s Efforts to Expedite Funding Agreements
In response to the slow pace of progress, the Department of Transportation has been working to expedite the grant process. They are providing technical assistance and expediting paperwork with local sponsors to ensure agreements are signed.
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The majority of significant projects are expected to have agreements in place by January 2025.
Kamala Harris and the Highway Removal Push
Vice President Kamala Harris has been a vocal supporter of the highway removal initiative. In April 2024, she visited Atlanta to promote a $185 million grant aimed at building a cap over a downtown freeway.
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This project seeks to reconnect a historic African-American neighborhood with the city’s business district, highlighting the administration’s commitment to racial equity in infrastructure.
Local Perspectives
For many in cities like Rochester and Syracuse, the highway removal projects represent an opportunity to correct past injustices. Local activists, such as Shawn Dunwoody of Rochester, emphasize the importance of community input in these projects.
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“These neighborhoods were destroyed,” Dunwoody said. “Everyone got treated the same—poorly.” The projects aim to restore not just infrastructure but also community trust and cohesion.
Broader Impact of Highway Removal Projects
Removing highways can have broad economic and social benefits. In Rochester, tearing down a section of the Inner Loop created 7 acres of land for new development, adding over $250 million to the city’s tax base.
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These projects offer a chance to increase urban density, reduce reliance on cars, and foster more sustainable city planning.
Future Challenges and Considerations
While there are significant benefits, the challenges are just as real. Funding delays, political opposition, and administrative hurdles have slowed progress.
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Moreover, concerns about gentrification and displacement of existing residents pose potential risks to achieving the intended goals of these projects.
The Uncertain Future of Biden’s Bet
As President Biden’s term winds down, his bold bet on removing “racist highways” faces an uncertain future.
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The slow pace of funding allocation, the possibility of political shifts, and the complexity of urban redevelopment all contribute to a challenging path ahead.
