Transportation Infrastructure Policies May Leave Economy Gridlocked

Civil Engineers Echo Bipartisan Industry Leaders Group Call for Transportation Policy Reform

RESTON, Va., Dec. 8, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following statement is attributable to Kathy J. Caldwell, P.E., president of the American Society of Civil Engineers:

"America's roads, bridges and transit systems form the foundation of our economy and our quality of life. Now, as many of those critical systems are sliding closer and closer to failure, we are getting hit with the harsh reality that treating the problem with short-term policy solutions and 'band aid' funding measures hasn't been successful or beneficial to our long-term outlook.

"Investing in infrastructure will never be cheap, and having that conversation while families and businesses are struggling will be difficult. However, we must remember that failing infrastructure is already having an impact on the wallet of each and every American, whether it's in wasted fuel, declining productivity or increasing costs for everything from milk to blue jeans. This isn't a Republican issue or a Democrat issue. It's an American issue, and we have to demand that it be treated as such.

"Because they take the same approach in their own homes, Americans understand that when resources are scarce you must invest wisely and efficiently, and require accountability for those investments. It's time that our political leaders follow suit.

"That is why the American Society of Civil Engineers continues to urge Congress and the White House to take a leadership position on ensuring that the nation's transportation infrastructure is able to meet our needs, both now, and in the future. By overhauling existing policies to provide better performance standards and accountability measures, as well as long-term, stable sources of funding, our leaders can help us maintain and improve America's global competitiveness and quality of life."

To learn more about ASCE's Report Card for America's Infrastructure, visit: www.infrastructurereportcard.org.

Founded in 1852, the American Society of Civil Engineers represents more than 140,000 civil engineers worldwide and is America's oldest national engineering society. For more information, visit www.asce.org.

SOURCE American Society of Civil Engineers

WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?

440k+
Newsrooms &
Influencers

9k+
Digital Media
Outlets

270k+
Journalists
Opted In

GET STARTED