Last week, the White House announced three elements of a $50 billion plan to repair the nation’s infrastructure and create new jobs:
- Invest in transportation infrastructure, subject to Congressional approval. Of the $50 billion investment, $40 billion would be used to repair the highways, bridges, transit systems and airports most in need of fixing.
- Attract private investment from across the nation and around the world for federal, state and local projects.
- Eliminate red tape in permits and review for infrastructure projects.
An exciting aspect is the emphasis on private investment and public-private partnerships, which will become more and more necessary as municipal, state and federal funding dries up and budgets continue to be slashed.
Both that and the last point show a shift toward getting work done without the need for Congressional approval—and with the most recent Gallup poll showing that 81% of Americans disapprove of how Congress is handling things, this should be music to our nation’s collective ears.
Will this plan make a difference for our nation’s infrastructure? Email me at [email protected] and share your thoughts.
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