It astounds me the debate in Washington involves cutting spending when we have major infrastructure needs. Huffington Post had an article today - Deteriorating Transportation Infrastructure Could Cost America $3.1 Trillion.
I find Republicans concentrating on spending reductions and President Obama agreeing with the premise extremely troubling. How can cutting expenses create even one job? Especially when we have Billions of dollars in Infrastructure needs.
Another study by - Transportation for America said
“Despite billions of dollars in federal, state and local funds directed toward the maintenance of existing bridges, 69,223 bridges — 11.5 percent of total highway bridges in the U.S. — are classified as "structurally deficient," requiring significant maintenance, rehabilitation or replacement. The American Society of Civil Engineers, the leading expert on U.S. infrastructure, has said the United States needs to invest $17 billion annually to improve current bridge conditions. According to a 2009 report, the country only spends $10.5 billion each year on bridges.”
I read where our Railroads will require another $150B over the next 20 years just to keep up with the increased rail demand. This increase in spending would not get our railroad system up to standards. For example, trains are required to travel at 9 miles an hour through Chicago making rail transportation expensive when delivery time is essential.
I realize The American Society of Civil Engineers and “Transportation for America” has a vested interest in increasing infrastructure spending, but one has to give a certain amount of credence to the opinions of experts. Of course our Republican friends are not science based (stem cell research, global warming aka. climate change, etc.) so these studies have little effect.
We need to INCREASE spending on infrastructure to maintain our completive advantage. To use a well worn term this is a win win strategy. Increased spending. Increased Jobs. A more efficient infrastructure.