Consumer News
Rebuilding America’s Infrastructure: Let’s Be Clear
by Paul Yarossi
Posted: 10/18/2011
Paul Yarossi(NAPSI)—The results of failing to invest in an outdated transportation network and maintain a state of good repair are threatening America’s resilience, security, economic performance and ability to compete globally.
According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, America needs to make a $2 trillion infrastructure investment during the next five years.
Yet, to make real progress, the American people and Congress need to know why they should invest. What is the public being asked to pay for? We don’t have a comprehensive national transportation plan that includes an integrated strategy for all modes of transportation, so it’s not clear to many people where their hard-earned dollars are going.
This can be an opportunity, on the other hand, to create the transportation network this country needs and create jobs to turn around the economy. It can ensure infrastructure strength and capacity to support growth in international trade. It can shore up security and safety for all citizens and significantly affect the quality of life in many metropolitan areas.
If we don’t find common ground, we will continue to lag behind competitors such as China and India. We will face ever-increasing municipal and individual debt, as we attempt to fund infrastructure replacements with piecemeal funding strategies.
The answer lies in a coordinated, strategic, national infrastructure program that covers all types of transportation, explained in a way the American people can understand and support—what’s in it for them?
The plan has to leverage both public funding and private investment—a source that we’ve failed to fully mine.
Three key hurdles to consider if we are to make real progress are:
• The public needs to know what it’s paying for.
• The transportation industry must work together to affect policy.
• American voters must elect strong leadership. Persistent misinformation, mistrust and a lack of vision could threaten the transportation sector.
Action Steps
HNTB is working hand in hand with clients and industry partners to explore options for improvement. The public can provide input too by:
• Continuing the dialogue across transportation modes and advocating for change.
• Calling, visiting and sending letters to policymakers urging a new approach and working together to create a well-balanced, well-funded transportation network.
• Working to elect leaders who share a positive vision for the country’s infrastructure, understand the urgency and are willing to take the lead.
Learn more at ARTBA.org, ACEC.org, uschamber.com/lra and www.HNTB.com.
• Mr. Yarossi is president of HNTB Holdings Ltd, a leading infrastructure firm. |
