PNWER at Work > Working Groups > Infrastructure Finance

About

The Infrastructure Working Group brings together legislators, industry leaders, and key stakeholders to address the pressing challenges and opportunities in infrastructure development across the Pacific Northwest. With a focus on resilience, connectivity, sustainability, and investment, the working group aims to foster collaboration between government entities and the private sector to ensure the region’s infrastructure is equipped for the future.
Purpose & Objectives:
  1. Enhancing Infrastructure Resilience: Extreme weather events such as wildfires, floods, and heatwaves are testing the durability of critical infrastructure. The group explores strategies for future-proofing roads, bridges, dams, and buildings to withstand environmental and economic pressures.
  2. Expanding Broadband Access: Recognizing broadband as a cornerstone of economic growth, the working group evaluates policy and funding solutions to expand high-speed internet to rural and underserved communities, ensuring equitable digital access.
  3. Decarbonizing Transportation: With the transition to electric and low-emission transportation, the group examines the unique challenges faced by rural areas, the role of utilities in meeting infrastructure demands, and the impact of national electrification programs like NEVI.
  4. Designing for Resilience: The group promotes resilient infrastructure planning to mitigate the financial and societal costs of disasters while incorporating climate-friendly design principles.
  5. Strengthening Transportation & Economic Corridors: By improving roads, rail, and intermodal hubs, the group supports economic competitiveness, supply chain efficiency, and cross-border trade. Emphasis is placed on enhancing freight and passenger rail networks as sustainable transport solutions.
  6. Overcoming Infrastructure Development Barriers: The group identifies regulatory, financial, and jurisdictional challenges hindering infrastructure projects and seeks to streamline processes for economic corridor development.
  7. Promoting Sustainable Investment: The working group explores innovative funding models, including public-private partnerships, to finance infrastructure projects that support economic growth and environmental sustainability.
Through collaboration, policy innovation, and strategic investment, the Infrastructure Working Group is committed to building a stronger, more connected, and resilient Pacific Northwest for future generations.

PNWER Staff
Tom Lang
​Assistant Director, PNWER​ RIA
[email protected]
p: 206-443-7723
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