Advanced Manufacturing Needs Infrastructure Investment
Randy Wolken, President & CEO
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s call for congressional action on infrastructure, reinforced by the National Governors Association’s (NGA) 2026 priorities, highlights a defining reality for the American economy: advanced manufacturing competitiveness now depends on a fully modernized, reliably funded, and strategically aligned infrastructure system across the federal and state levels.
Infrastructure — roads, bridges, ports, rail, water systems, and energy networks — remains the “connective tissue” of the economy, enabling the movement of goods, people, and resources essential to production. The NGA perspective expands this view: infrastructure isn’t just physical assets; it’s the foundation of economic development, national security, and long-term opportunity. Modern industry requires not only transportation networks, but also reliable water systems, resilient energy grids, and integrated logistics ecosystems.
At the federal level, the urgency is clear. Key surface transportation programs expire in 2026, and failure to act would create uncertainty that disrupts planning and delays projects nationwide. For manufacturers — particularly those making capital-intensive, long-horizon investments — this uncertainty is highly consequential. Facility siting, supply chain design, and expansion strategies depend on predictable infrastructure investment. Without it, regions risk losing out on advanced manufacturing projects to better-prepared global competitors.
Governors across the country are reinforcing this urgency with a complementary message: infrastructure is the primary enabler of economic growth and job creation at the state level. Our 2026 priorities must emphasize that businesses can’t be attracted to — or retained in — strong infrastructure systems. This alignment between federal and state perspectives represents a critical opportunity. For advanced manufacturing, success increasingly depends on coordinated investment across jurisdictions, ensuring that transportation, utilities, and workforce access systems develop in parallel.
A central structural challenge remains the outdated infrastructure funding model. The traditional reliance on fuel-based user fees is eroding as vehicle efficiency improves and electric vehicles expand. At the same time, construction costs and demand for infrastructure capacity continue to rise. This mismatch threatens the long-term solvency of the Highway Trust Fund and, by extension, the stability of infrastructure investment. For manufacturers, this translates directly into operational risk — unreliable funding leads to delayed upgrades, persistent bottlenecks, and higher logistics costs.
From a state perspective, governors are emphasizing not just funding levels, but also strategic investment across a broader infrastructure portfolio. In New York, Governor Kathy Hochul is calling for an all-of-the-above energy approach to produce reliable, resilient, and affordable energy for households and manufacturers. And water systems are increasingly recognized as essential to both public health and industrial growth. Advanced manufacturing sectors, such as semiconductors, energy systems, and advanced materials, require substantial, reliable access to water. Similarly, investments in ports, rural connectivity, and energy infrastructure are being framed as both economic and national security priorities.
Equally important is the shared emphasis on permitting reform and project delivery speed. The U.S. Chamber highlights that current permitting systems are too slow and unpredictable, increasing costs and delaying critical projects. Governors echo this concern, advancing bipartisan efforts to streamline regulatory processes and accelerate infrastructure development. For advanced manufacturing, where speed to market and supply chain responsiveness are competitive advantages, delays in infrastructure deployment can undermine entire investment strategies.
The implications extend beyond individual projects to the broader manufacturing ecosystem. Infrastructure investment plays a catalytic role in shaping regional competitiveness. Governors emphasize that infrastructure enables workforce access, supports community development, and strengthens local economies. When paired with federal funding certainty, these investments can unlock the full potential of emerging industrial hubs, particularly in regions pursuing large-scale manufacturing initiatives.
Moreover, infrastructure is increasingly tied to resilience and security. Governors are prioritizing investments in ports, energy systems, and climate-resilient infrastructure to address evolving risks and opportunities. For advanced manufacturers, this focus aligns with the need for secure, reliable supply chains and uninterrupted operations. Infrastructure is no longer just about efficiency; it’s about continuity and risk mitigation in a more complex global environment.
Ultimately, both the U.S. Chamber and NGA perspectives converge on a single conclusion: infrastructure policy is industrial policy. Federal funding certainty, modernized financing mechanisms, streamlined permitting, and state-level strategic investment must operate together as an integrated system. Advanced manufacturing — particularly in high-growth sectors — requires this alignment to scale effectively.
As Congress considers the next surface transportation bill, the stakes extend well beyond transportation. The decisions made will shape where factories are built, how supply chains are structured, and whether the United States can sustain leadership in advanced manufacturing. The governors’ message reinforces that this isn’t a partisan issue, but a shared national priority tied to economic growth, workforce opportunity, and long-term prosperity. For advanced manufacturing leaders, the implication is clear: the future of industrial competitiveness will be determined not only by innovation inside the factory, but by the strength, speed, and reliability of the infrastructure systems that surround it.