Abstract: The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) places the cost of remedying the nation's substandard infrastructure at a staggering $1.3 trillion over the next five years. Though public works can count on some support from Congress, much more lobbying will have to be done to ensure that money to support such projects will be available. One of many concerns is the transportation sector, where the American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) has recommended a 50% increase in highway spending. Where $33 billion was appropriated for 2002 for highway maintenance, repair, and building, ARTBA estimates that at least $65 billion a year is needed-- an increase that would require a 10-cent-per-gallon raise in federal motor fuel taxes. Experts also see a $57 billion a year shortage for water infrastructure, possibly running up to $1 trillion over the next 20 years. Aviation construction, which had been regarded as one of the strongest sectors, has seen a massive downturn after the September 11, 2001 attacks, and ambitious expansion plans have been curtailed. Ongoing talks on energy infrastructure are based on national need for energy, but unlike many of the other concerns, the energy infrastructure can more easily attract money through investors. Finances aside, one of the major roadblocks to the completion of many infrastructure projects is the environmental approval process. Because of heavy community opposition and environmental activism, it has been difficult for some important projects to receive popular support.
Publication Year: 2001
Publication Date: 2001-12-24
Language: en
Type: article
Access and Citation
AI Researcher Chatbot
Get quick answers to your questions about the article from our AI researcher chatbot