The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has created an interactive map tracking federal investment into major infrastructure projects in and around Opportunity Zones to drive investment into underserved rural and urban communities.
Opportunity Zones, at least at the federal level, were created by the 2017 Tax Cut and Jobs Act. They are designations set by state governors and certified by the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury to highlight economically distressed and low-income communities. Since their inception, such zones have been established in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories.
“Opportunity Zones have the potential to increase job creation in underserved communities, especially in rural areas, and the Department is working to ensure there are transportation links to opportunity zones,” U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao said.
At present, the interactive map can provide data overlays that include major federal highway projects, interstate exists, national highway system bridges, intercity bus stations, commuter/light rail stations, Amtrak properties, intermodal rail facilities, intermodal marine facilities, major ports, airports, the national highway system, and rail sidings.