America Needs Some Political Backbone

In this article the author analyzes the state of public infrastructure in the U.S. upon the disastrous collapse of the I-35W Bridge in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Overall, the author contends that the country needs around $1.6 trillion to fully repair all federal, state, and local infrastructure problems. Specific needs are broken down in the article into aviation, bridges and highways, flood control, power, and water supply. In aviation, capacity will continue to be a problem even after many planned improvements are implemented. It is recommended that aviation construction grants be increased on a federal level, and that passenger facility charges (PFC) should be increased by $1.50. As the federal motor fuel tax has not been increased in 14 years, the author also believes this tax should be modified in order to bolster funding for bridge and highway reconstruction projects. The Department of Transportation (USDOT) estimates that it will need an additional $8.5 billion per year just to keep roadways in a condition such that maintenance costs don't rise.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/08919526
• Publication Date: 2007-8-13

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Photos;
• Pagination: pp 10-11
• Serial:
  • ENR
  • Volume: 259
  • Issue Number: 6
  • Publisher: McGraw-Hill, Incorporated
  • ISSN: 0891-9526

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Government funding; Infrastructure; Transportation policy
• Subject Areas: Finance; Highways; Planning and Forecasting; Policy; I10: Economics and Administration; I21: Planning of Transport Infrastructure;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01056072
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: UC Berkeley Transportation Library
• Files: BTRIS, TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 23 2007 6:34PM