Funding from the IIJA, IRA, and CHIPS acts is intended to address the U.S. infrastructure deficit, support energy transition, improve sustainability in the face of climate change, and use infrastructure projects to promote equity and well-being. To date, $185 billion in funding has been allocated to 10,000 projects, but in 2023, IIJA funding recipients should look beyond quick-win shovel-ready projects and focus on shovel-worthy ones: next-generation projects that will transform U.S. infrastructure. This paper identifies five key focus areas to help prospective grant recipients move forward.