NAFIS is deeply committed to advocating for increased Impact Aid Construction funding to ensure that federally impacted school districts have the resources they need to provide safe, modern learning environments. The importance of quality school facilities in student success is well-documented, but these districts face unique challenges in raising funds for infrastructure due to the presence of non-taxable federal land. With limited bonding capacity, many federally impacted school districts face urgent infrastructure needs.
Since 1950, the federal government has recognized its responsibility to support the construction and facilities needs of these schools through what is currently Section 7007 of the Impact Aid statute. However, funding consistently falls short of meeting the growing needs of these districts. By championing critical legislation such as the Impact Aid Infrastructure Partnership Act and supporting broader initiatives like the Rebuild America’s Schools Act while monitoring the policy landscape for any opportunities to advance federal school infrastructure funding. NAFIS is committed to securing the investment necessary to eliminate the backlog of infrastructure projects and ensure that all students, regardless of location, have access to safe, high-quality educational facilities.
Recent Impact Aid Construction Activity
Impact Aid Infrastructure Partnership Act One-Pager (4/3/25)
This one-pager offers a summary and overview of S. 1275/H.R. 2629, the Impact Aid Infrastructure Partnership Act (IAIPA) (119th Congress). The bill authorizes $1 billion over four years ($250 million per year) to provide funding to local educational agencies (LEAs) eligible to receive payments under the Impact Aid program. Targeted to congressional staff, this one-pager was distributed at the 2024 NAFIS Spring Conference. (note: NAFIS also championed the Impact Aid Infrastructure Partnership Act in the 117th and 118th Congresses, as well as its precursor, the Impact Aid Infrastructure Act, in the 115th and 116th Congresses).
Teacher Housing Is a Critical Need in Native Communities (1/30/24)
A letter to the editor explaining the challenges that Indian lands school districts face regarding teacher housing and explaining that the Impact Aid Infrastructure Partnership Act would be a good first step in addressing them.
Sign-on Letter to Secretary Cardona Requesting Extension for Spending on School Construction and Capital Projects (1/21/22)
NAFIS joins 30+ organizations in a letter sent to Secretary Cardona asking him to consider how the Department can extend the timeline school districts have to expend funding for school construction and capital projects under the American Rescue Plan through December 2026.
Statement of Support for School Infrastructure in House Build Back Better Act (9/13/21)
NAFIS commends members of the House Committee on Education and Labor for the significant allocations for school infrastructure in the Build Back Better Act. The $82 billion investment in school infrastructure, as well as an additional $410 million specifically for the Impact Aid Construction program, is needed and appreciated.
NAFIS Letter to Secretary Cardona Requesting Impact Aid Construction Funding in Reconciliation Bill (8/18/21)
NAFIS requests that Impact Aid school construction funding be included in the FY 22 budget reconciliation. We also request that if funding is made available, the regulations prohibiting teacher housing projects be waived for competitive grant applications.
Sign-on Letter Urges Congress to Include School Construction Funds in Infrastructure Plan (7/28/21)
NAFIS joins more than 130 organizations on the [Re]Build America’s School Infrastructure Coalition (BASIC) letter requesting $100 billion in direct grants to improve the nation’s public school facilities be included in a reconciliation bill on a broader infrastructure package.
General School Infrastructure Information
2025 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure (March 25, 2025)
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) gave America’s public schools a D+, finding them aging, underfunded, and facing a $429 billion infrastructure gap, with many facilities in critical need of repairs and modernization.
Build America’s School Infrastructure Coalition (BASIC)
NAFIS is an active member of BASIC, which works to advance federal policies and funding to support state and local leaders with their education infrastructure responsibilities.
Impact Aid School Construction Background Information
Impact Aid School Construction One-Pager (4/23/24)
This one-pager gives a summary of the Impact Aid Construction Program, Section 7007 of the Every Student Succeeds Act.
GAO School Facilities Report (6/4/20)
Conducted at the request of Congress, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) report K-12 Education: School Districts Frequently Identified Multiple Building Systems Needing Updates or Replacement studied the condition of public school facilities. It includes an appendix specifically examining school facilities in districts that receive Impact Aid.
Statement for the Record – Senate Indian Affairs Committee Roundtable, School Infrastructure Needs in Indian Country: Examining Opportunities for Success (7/26/18)
NAFIS recommends a one-time, $1 billion investment in the Impact Aid Section 7007 line item to address the significant backlog of needs for public school facilities educating American Indian students.
NIISA School Construction Report (March 2018)
Condition of School Facilities in Indian Country: The Need for a Federal Investment shares the results of a survey of infrastructure conditions and needs of National Indian Impacted Schools Association (NIISA, a NAFIS subgroup) members. Among others, findings include that 56% of respondents report that buildings were in poor or fair condition; 33% report safety code violations; 44% report capacity issues; and 40% report an internet capacity or connectivity issue.
NAFIS School Construction Report (8/28/17)
Foundations for Learning: The Facilities Needs of Federally Impacted Schools describes the troubling findings of a survey of NAFIS member school districts’ facilities needs. Many federally impacted school districts have facilities in dire conditions and lack the local resources to upgrade them. More than $4.2 billion in projects are identified as “the most pressing construction need.” Health and safety, heating and cooling, roofing and capacity complications are widespread, and there is a lack of funds for technology and modernization to support 21st century learning environments. The mounting costs and risks of deferred maintenance on student well-being and academic potential are concerning.
- Download the full report, Foundations for Learning: The Facilities Needs of Federally Impacted Schools
- Download the School Construction Overview Infographic
- View the accompanying School Construction Press Release
- View opening statements from school district leaders at the NAFIS Capitol Hill briefing
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