ASCE’s Report Card Reiterates Need for Smart Infrastructure Investment

Washington, DC ‐ Today, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) was joined by Governor Edward Rendell in releasing the key findings of its 2009 Report Card for America's Infrastructure (full report to be released in March).  In response, Polly Trottenberg, executive director of Building America's Future, issued the following: 

"For too long our nation  has failed to make the necessary investments in our roads, bridges, rails, airports, levees, schools, water and energy systems, letting the roof leak instead of fixing it when the sun was shining.  Now the American Society of Civil Engineers' estimates $2.2 trillion is needed over the next 5 years – up from $1.6 trillion in 2005 – to ensure our country's existing infrastructure is in good condition. We need to repair existing infrastructure first, but we also need to establish a long‐term vision that will provide future generations with safe, convenient and modern infrastructure that creates jobs and improves our economy, environment and communities.”

"Ninety‐four percent of Americans are concerned about our nation's infrastructure, and 81 percent are willing to pay more in taxes to rebuild it, even in times of economic hardship. But they are not willing to write a blank check; they expect strong oversight, accountability and to clearly see how the funds are spent.  We've got a lot of work to do, and the American people want to get it done and get it done right.

"We applaud Congress and President Obama for including infrastructure funds in the economic recovery plan, but we hope it will merely be the first step in executing a long‐term infrastructure strategy focused on real reforms and measurable results."

Editor's note:  Building America's Future's national survey on infrastructure can be found at:  

http:/bafuture.org/newsroom/press.html  

Building America’s Future (www.BAFuture.org) is a bipartisan and non‐profit organization dedicated to bringing about a new era of U.S. investment in infrastructure that enhances our nation’s prosperity and quality of life.  Comprised of state and locally elected officials from around the nation, Building America’s Future seeks to advance a new national vision for infrastructure investment that focuses on economic growth and global competitiveness, creation of economic opportunity for all Americans, and environmental sustainability.