Engineers join President Obama in calling for infrastructure investment to create jobs, restore aging roads and utility lines
Infrastructure has become the hot-button topic in America. One of the central themes of President Barack Obama’s State of the Union speech on Tuesday, infrastructure planning—and who’s going to pay for it all—had led to heated debate in every angle of the political spectrum.
Two factors are central to the debate—the economy and our desire to have the best in the world (doesn’t really matter what we’re the best in—the desire to be the best is as ingrained in most Americans as our love of football and fast food).
SUPPORTERS
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has come out in support of President Obama’s push to rebuild existing infrastructure and invest in high speed and light rail as well as other infrastructure projects. "Our crumbling infrastructure can no longer support a thriving economy, or for that matter, a thriving public,” said Kathy J. Caldwell, P.E. president of ASCE, in a statement. “If we are to maintain our position as a world leader, that cannot be acceptable. Not only must we dedicate ourselves to investing in the infrastructure of tomorrow, we also have to hold our nation's leaders accountable for the success of this commitment.”
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has come out in support of President Obama’s push to rebuild existing infrastructure and invest in high speed and light rail as well as other infrastructure projects. "Our crumbling infrastructure can no longer support a thriving economy, or for that matter, a thriving public,” said Kathy J. Caldwell, P.E. president of ASCE, in a statement. “If we are to maintain our position as a world leader, that cannot be acceptable. Not only must we dedicate ourselves to investing in the infrastructure of tomorrow, we also have to hold our nation's leaders accountable for the success of this commitment.”
"As with any investment, a solid 'return' is essential to long-term growth,” continued Caldwell. “When it comes to infrastructure, that may be the easiest part of the equation. Dedicating resources to our nation's power grid, water pipes, transportation networks and other critical infrastructure systems will create jobs and support our economy in real and measurable ways. And, the impact will be long-lasting.”
THE CRITICS
President Obama has been criticized for not providing an outline of how the infrastructure plan will be funded. Further details of the plan, as well as the budget for it, will be announced in February; although, it is thought that Obama will outline a plan similar to the one he pushed for in the fall, which called for $50 billion and stressed high speed rail investment.
President Obama has been criticized for not providing an outline of how the infrastructure plan will be funded. Further details of the plan, as well as the budget for it, will be announced in February; although, it is thought that Obama will outline a plan similar to the one he pushed for in the fall, which called for $50 billion and stressed high speed rail investment.
The financial future of a comprehensive infrastructure overhaul and investment program becomes even more precarious with Republicans chomping at the bit to slash spending and... Read more at http://www.constructiondigital.com/tags/american-society-civil-engineers/why-invest-american-infrastructure
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