The top 10 American states with exceptional infrastructure, including dependable roads, bridges, airports, power, and internet connectivity.

• The infrastructure revival currently underway is being driven by billions of dollars in federal initiatives and a focus on revitalizing domestic supply chains, reminiscent of the New Deal era.
• CNBC's 2024 America's Top States for Business rankings list Infrastructure as the most crucial category.
• According to a CNBC study, the infrastructure of different states is evaluated based on various factors such as roads, bridges, ports, airports, utilities, and development sites, and the results show significant variations among the states.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, CHIPS and Science Act, and Inflation Reduction Act have led to hundreds of billions of dollars in new federal infrastructure spending, prompting companies to eagerly seize the opportunity. Meanwhile, states are competing for their share of the funds.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg stated that there is funding available for projects originating from various states, cities, airport authorities, and transit agencies.

Over 54,000 projects are being funded under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

According to Buttigieg, winning the most federal dollars is not the only concern. He emphasized the importance of keeping supply chains functioning smoothly, as the nation has learned from the pandemic's impact on these systems.

He stated that it reveals the immense amount of work required in this country.

The Infrastructure category is the most important factor in the methodology of this year's CNBC annual competitiveness study, America's Top States for Business, as it is the most frequently mentioned aspect in state economic development marketing.

We evaluate each state's infrastructure by examining roads, bridges, ports, and airports, as well as broadband connectivity, water utilities, and the power grid. We also assess the risk of climate disasters such as wind, floods, and wildfires. Additionally, we consider which states offer the most opportunities for development. New in 2024, we will evaluate so-called site readiness programs established in many states to connect businesses with shovel-ready sites.

Some states are lagging behind in infrastructure development, while others are making progress. The top 10 states in America's infrastructure revival are:

9. (tie) New York

In New York City, the pandemic has led to an unprecedented amount of prime office space available. According to New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, the exodus from the city has only intensified, causing the vacancy rate in Manhattan to reach 16% in May, a figure not seen in 30 years. As a result, rents are dropping.

The Empire State is welcoming businesses with open arms through its FAST NY Shovel-Ready Grant Program, which provides up to $300 million in funding for site readiness.

New York is one of America's best-connected states, with good access to fast, affordable broadband service for under $60 per month. Additionally, the state's revitalized airports are in high demand.

In New York, the physical stress of traditional infrastructure such as water systems and roads is a serious concern. Additionally, the city has the longest average commute time of 33 minutes, according to the Census Bureau. There are also concerns about funding mass transit in metropolitan New York after Gov. Kathy Hochul nixed a congestion pricing program for vehicles in Manhattan just weeks before it was to be implemented. The program was intended to provide $1 billion in annual mass transit funding.

The 2024 Infrastructure Score is 257 out of 425 points, with the top states receiving an A- grade.

U.S. population within 500 miles: 86,694,107

Roads in unacceptable condition: 27.3%

Bridges in poor condition: 9%

Affordable broadband access: 35.7%

Power outages per year: 3.4 hours

Site readiness program: Yes

9. (tie) Indiana

Indiana is aptly named the Crossroads of America due to its strategic location with a population of over 112 million people within a day's drive. The state serves as a major transportation hub, with railways alone transporting nearly 300 million tons of freight in 2022, as per the U.S. Surface Transportation Board.

The Hoosier State is a top destination for entrepreneurs due to its abundance of retail space, well-maintained infrastructure, and easy commute.

The Midwest state is behind in renewable energy adoption, according to Department of Energy statistics. Meanwhile, a recent study by First Street Foundation reveals that Indiana properties are at risk of major climate-related disasters as "Tornado Alley" shifts to the east.

The 2024 Infrastructure Score is 257 out of 425 points, with the top states receiving an A- grade.

U.S. population within 500 miles: 111,671,980

Roads in unacceptable condition: 5.1%

Bridges in poor condition: 5.3%

Affordable broadband access: 31.4%

Power outages per year: 4.7 hours

Site readiness program: Yes

8. Alabama

AdvantageSite, a program offered by the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, has helped create 7,700 jobs since its launch in 2008. The program provides certified sites to developers, and has been utilized by 55 projects.

Although the roads and bridges in the Yellowhammer State are in excellent condition, air access is limited, and the state's water utilities require some improvement.

The 2024 Infrastructure Score is 258 out of 425, with the top states receiving an A- grade.

U.S. population within 500 miles: 80,004,611

Roads in unacceptable condition: 4.1%

Bridges in poor condition: 3.5%

Affordable broadband access: 46.3%

Power outages per year: 3.5 hours

Site readiness program: Yes

7. Tennessee

The Volunteer State, situated in the heart of the country, is easily accessible to over 100 million people within a day's drive. However, there's no need to venture beyond the state's borders to achieve success. The state boasts a well-established and well-funded site certification program, offering grants of up to $5 million to transform vacant land into ready-to-go sites.

Although Tennessee's roads, bridges, and broadband are in excellent condition, the state could improve its sustainability as less than 15% of its energy comes from renewable sources, according to Energy Department data.

The 2024 Infrastructure Score is 264 out of 425 points, with the top states receiving an "A" grade.

U.S. population within 500 miles: 107,880,270

Roads in unacceptable condition: 9.3%

Bridges in poor condition: 4.4%

Affordable broadband access: 39%

Power outages per year: 6.7 hours

Site readiness program: Yes

6. Illinois

Despite past tough times, Chicago and Illinois are now proud of their long-standing reputation as a major player in the railroad and freight handling industry, as famously described by Illinois poet Carl Sandburg. In fact, only Texas handles more, according to CNBC's analysis of data from the Census Bureau and the Surface Transportation Board.

Last year, the number of travelers at Chicago's O'Hare and Midway airports increased by 8% and almost 11% respectively, as the state of Illinois reopens its economy.

Although Illinois has an average commute time of 27.9 minutes, which is the eighth-longest in the country, the situation is even more challenging for those trying to move by car or truck. Additionally, the state's roads and bridges require maintenance, and water utilities face a $22 billion repair bill over the next 20 years, as stated by the EPA.

The 2024 Infrastructure Score is 265 out of 425 points, with the top states receiving an "A" grade.

U.S. population within 500 miles: 90,678,272

Roads in unacceptable condition: 21.1%

Bridges in poor condition: 9.2%

Affordable broadband access: 31.4%

Power outages per year: 1.5 hours

Site readiness program: No

5. Minnesota

In 2007, the collapse of a bridge carrying Interstate 35W over the Mississippi River in Minneapolis resulted in the deaths of 13 people and exposed the aging infrastructure of Minnesota. In response, the state launched a $2.5 billion, ten-year program to repair its bridges. Today, Minnesota's roads and bridges are among the best in the country. Gov. Tim Walz recently signed a $1.3 billion transportation budget that includes funding for both road and bridge maintenance as well as public transit projects.

The Department of Economic Development in Minnesota reports that there are 33 communities with shovel-ready sites.

The 2024 Infrastructure Score is 271 out of 425 points, with the top states receiving an "A" grade.

U.S. population within 500 miles: 33,168,568

Roads in unacceptable condition: 5.1%

Bridges in poor condition: 4.3%

Affordable broadband access: 42.3%

Power outages per year: 4.5 hours

Site readiness program: Yes

4. Utah

The Utah Department of Transportation aims to improve the quality of life through transportation. According to statistics, life in Utah is good. The state's roads and bridges are well-maintained, and rush hour traffic moves smoothly with an average commute time of 21.6 minutes. However, maintaining this momentum is a challenge.

The expansion of Interstate 15 from Salt Lake City north to Farmington, projected to cost $3.7 billion, is being debated by the state as necessary to accommodate expected population growth of up to 40% by 2050.

The power grid in Utah is one of the country's most dependable, and the internet connectivity is top-notch.

More than 28,000 acres of shovel-ready "mega sites" are being offered by the state.

The 2024 Infrastructure Score is 272 out of 425 points, with the top states receiving an "A" grade.

U.S. population within 500 miles: 31,975,255

Roads in unacceptable condition: 6.8%

Bridges in poor condition: 2.4%

Affordable broadband access: 35%

Power outages per year: 1.9 hours

Site readiness program: Yes

3. Virginia

Virginia is making it easy for companies to locate there with 50 shovel-ready sites and plans to spend $125 million on site readiness this year. Once they arrive, they will have nearly unparalleled access to a large swath of population, more than 120 million people within a day's drive.

Broadband service is exceptional in a state renowned for being the internet hub, but affordability could be improved.

Although Virginia's computing power is massive, it may be causing issues with the power grid's reliability. Additionally, the commute in Northern Virginia is one of the slowest in the country.

The 2024 Infrastructure Score is 273 out of 425 points, with the top states receiving an "A" grade.

U.S. population within 500 miles: 121,292,474

Roads in unacceptable condition: 13.6%

Bridges in poor condition: 3.5%

Affordable broadband access: 33.3%

Power outages per year: 9.9 hours

Site readiness program: Yes

2. Arizona

The growth of the semiconductor industry in Arizona is due to the state's excellent infrastructure.

The state boasts not only expansive development sites but also a highly dependable power grid. With 24% of its energy sourced from renewable power, Arizona ranks in the top half of states. Additionally, the state is highly resistant to flooding.

The significant increase in the desert's population is putting a great deal of pressure on Arizona's water supply systems, with a 20-year maintenance cost of over $12 billion.

The 2024 Infrastructure Score is 276 out of 425 points, with the top states receiving an A+ grade.

U.S. population within 500 miles: 42,419,456

Roads in unacceptable condition: 13.4%

Bridges in poor condition: 1.1%

Affordable broadband access: 26%

Power outages per year: 1.4 hours

Site readiness program: Yes

1. Georgia

Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is just the beginning of Georgia's world-class infrastructure. The state boasts over 70 shovel-ready sites under its certified sites program, providing ample land for development. Additionally, there is an abundance of industrial and retail space available.

Despite the fact that roads and bridges are in excellent shape, traffic in metro Atlanta can be brutal.

In June, Atlanta experienced water main breaks that caused significant damage, revealing that Georgia's water infrastructure has major issues. The EPA estimates that repairs will cost nearly $20 billion over the next two decades. Despite being known for having America's best infrastructure, this is a rare weak spot in the state.

The 2024 Infrastructure Score is 285 out of 425 points, with the top states receiving an A+ grade.

U.S. population within 500 miles: 79,906,411

Roads in unacceptable condition: 5.6%

Bridges in poor condition: 1.6%

Affordable broadband access: 35.2%

Power outages per year: 4.4 hours

Site readiness program: Yes