AGC’s Plea for Infrastructure Investment
Back in May, AGC released a new report on the need for the federal government to invest in much-needed infrastructure projects. According to AGC’s report:
The report notes that the federal government has a Constitutional responsibility to invest in transportation facilities that support interstate commerce. It adds that infrastructure investments are crucial to national economic security and protecting businesses and citizens from the hidden tax they would bare should our infrastructure be allowed to fail. And the report makes clear that investing in the maintenance of infrastructure is far cheaper than paying to fix those facilities once they break.
AGC stated that the federal government needs to allow states and local governments greater flexibility in determining those projects most beneficial to their constituents. According to AGC, this would allow states to rebuild their infrastructure systems in critical need of upgrade and create jobs in areas hit hard by the recession. AGC also called for the government to make it easier for private investment to help bridge the gap with budget shortfalls. AGC made available their entire infrastructure development plan, an accompanying press release, and a fact sheet about the plan.
A few days ago, AGC responded to President Obama’s job proposal plan. Stephen E. Sandherr, CEO of AGC, had this to say in response to the President’s speech:
Should Congress fail to enact the desperately needed infrastructure investments the President proposes, too many construction workers will remain unemployed, the private sector will suffer, and taxpayers will end up paying more, later, for infrastructure. Infrastructure projects don’t just create construction jobs. New construction activity boosts demand for steel, concrete, construction equipment and countless other services and supplies.
AGC is not the first design and construction association to be critical of the nation’s aging infrastructure. ASCE issues an annual infrastructure report card and pleads for investment in projects to help prevent critical system failures.