The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced a major shift in its funding criteria, revealing plans to prioritize communities with above-average marriage and birth rates when awarding infrastructure grants.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy signed a memo directing the department to give preference to areas where marriage and birth rates exceed national averages when distributing grants, loans, and contracts. The policy applies to all DOT-supported programs, including the Federal Transit Administration's Capital Investment Grant program, which funds rail and bus transit projects.
The move appears aimed at addressing declining U.S. birth rates, which hit an all-time low in 2024. Vice President JD Vance, a vocal advocate for increasing birth rates, recently stated at a public event, "I want more babies in the United States of America."
The policy could particularly benefit rural and suburban communities, which typically have higher marriage and birth rates compared to urban areas. According to recent data, rural counties reported approximately 1,950 births per 1,000 women, while large metropolitan areas averaged 1,712 births.
States like South Dakota, Alaska, and Nebraska, which report some of the nation's highest fertility rates, may see increased infrastructure funding. Conversely, regions with lower rates, such as Vermont, Oregon, and much of the Northeast, could face reduced access to federal transportation dollars.
The change has drawn mixed reactions. Some legal experts note this marks an unprecedented use of federal funding to influence demographic patterns. Critics argue the policy could deny crucial resources to communities based on factors unrelated to infrastructure needs.
Charlotte, North Carolina, which seeks billions in federal funding for new light rail projects, may face challenges under the new criteria due to its below-average marriage rates, despite having above-average birth rates.
The DOT has not publicly commented on implementation timeline or specific funding formulas for the new policy.