Road construction programs in the early 19th century were generally underfunded, as they were dependent on government budgets, loans, tolls and public subscription.
Most state environmental protection agencies are underfunded (as in WY) and understaffed, and the revenues anticipated from gas drilling can overrule extensive testing and regulating.
Further, many states have underfunded pensions, meaning the state has not contributed the amount estimated to be necessary to pay future obligations to retired workers.
Wartime cosntruction was temporary and underfunded; a concrete runway - considered essential to operate the larger aircraft under test - was not completed until early 1945.