These are America’s best states for infrastructure

America is in the midst of an infrastructure renaissance.

Powered by the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act — otherwise known as the bipartisan infrastructure law — states are rebuilding their roads and bridges, refurbishing ports and airports, and upgrading their electric, water and broadband utilities.

The work is long overdue, and it is badly needed. Not only is infrastructure essential to our daily lives, it is also a key to economic competitiveness. That is why it plays such an important role in CNBC’s annual America’s Top States for Business rankings.

Infrastructure is the second most important category — after Workforce — under this year’s methodology. We consider roads, bridges, railroads, ports, airports and utilities. We gauge the reliability of the power grid and broadband connectivity. We rate the states on sustainability — where is the most renewable energy, and which states are most at risk of floods, wildfires, and extreme weather? We consider which states have the most space available for development, and which have the most population within a day’s drive.

Some states need the new federal help much more than others — America’s Worst States for Infrastructure. But these states are already leading the way, with America’s best infrastructure.

Virginia is a leader in access — both real and virtual. With more than 120 million people within a day’s drive, the Old Dominion’s location is nearly ideal. Internet connectivity is also excellent, with ready access and high speeds, according to Broadband Now Research, and the state will receive another $100 million for broadband under the infrastructure law. The commercial real estate market in Virginia suffered during the pandemic and has yet to rebound. But that means there are plenty of prime locations for development.

2023 Infrastructure score: 231 out of 390 points (Top States grade: B)

U.S. population within 500 miles: 120,826,520

Bridges in poor condition: 4%

Roads in unacceptable condition: 13%

Broadband access: 91.2%

Power outages per year: 7.2 hours

Being in the geographic center of the nation would mean a lot less were it not for the fact that Kansas has impeccable roads and bridges. Ninety-five percent are in…