WHO WILL FOOT THE BILL FOR REBUILDING THE U.S. INFRASTRUCTURE?

The seriousness of the infrastructure problem is now recognized and the key issue is how to pay for the almost $31.7 billion per year capital construction that will be required over the next decade. It is recommended that an inventory be made of existing public facilities by region, state, metropolitan area as well as by type of project, and then develop a 10-year investment plan to set federal priorities for the repair, replacement, or expansion of specific public works. However, at the present time, chances of great increases in public works spending are poor. The present administration's message in 1983 is that state governments should look for new and innovative financing alternatives, increase their reliance on user fees, and in general, force those who most directly benefit from capital construction to shoulder the costs. It is however expected that Federal money will continue to flow. A proposal has been made for the development of a national capital investment budget. Separate capital and operating budgets would allow lawmakers to consider expenditures for building the nation's roads, sewers and water treatment plants from weapons sales payments, supporting crop prices, and interest from the national debt. A capital budgeting framework for legislative and administrative decisions at the federal level is urged. The present Administration, while discouraging federal spending and encouraging user fees, is also promoting "privatization." This could involve the private sector in building streets, sewers, etc. with private money by private firms.

• Corporate Authors:

  National Society of Professional Engineers

  2029 K Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20006
• Authors:
  • Karoff, P
• Publication Date: 1982

Media Info

• Features: Photos;
• Pagination: p. 23-26
• Serial:
  • Professional Engineer
  • Volume: 52
  • Issue Number: 4
  • Publisher: National Society of Professional Engineers

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Budgeting; Costs; Expenditures; Federal government; Financial capital; Financing; Highway maintenance; Infrastructure; Inventory; Investments; Private enterprise; Public works; Reconstruction; Repairing; User charges
• Uncontrolled Terms: Repairs; Replacing
• Subject Areas: Administration and Management; Economics; Finance; Freight Transportation; Highways; Society; I10: Economics and Administration;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00369756
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Feb 28 1983 12:00AM