Schwarzenegger: 'Sexier' Term Needed for Infrastructure
Miller Center of Public Affairs - Miller Center of Public Affairs
America's infrastructure is in grave disrepair. Analysts have determined that one-third of the nation's roads are in poor or mediocre condition, and the Federal Highway Administration recently estimated that one out of every four bridges is either structurally deficient or functionally obsolete.Every infrastructure sector, from rail, air and seaways, to water supply, sewage and irrigation, to energy pipelines and the electric grid, are in need of significant capital. The American Society of Civil Engineers says it will take an investment of $1.6 trillion over the next five years - double the current outlay - just to bring the nation's infrastructure to acceptable levels.This figure even excludes innovative projects like high-speed railways, GPS integration, and broadband expansion.