Looking at my state:

• https://www.boston.com/news/politics/2021/11/17/infrastructure-bill-massachusetts/

I definitely disagree with using $4B for road improvements although I guess at least it’s less than half?

I suppose you could argue that as one of the worst states for traffic congestion, relieving that a bit will help air pollution, even if it’s helping cars, but I’m not even convincing myself here

Good metaphor. I’ve always likened it to a good cop/bad cop scam, but your way makes the same point more gently.