Election Results Signify Shift in Americans' Willingness to Invest in Infrastructure

摘要

In light of the recent elections, infrastructure investment has moved from a topic of discussion into a plan for action in many states. With the nation's pressing infrastructure needs and limited federal funds available, ASCE is pleased that six states successfully passed ballot initiatives to fund infrastructure. Among those: in Maryland and Wisconsin, voters approved a transportation "lockbox" to secure funds for infrastructure needs. In Texas, oil and gas taxes will be used as a source for transportation funding. Rhode Island passed an initiative allowing the sale of bonds to fund renovations to mass transit, and California passed an initiative that will improve water security for the state. In Massachusetts and Louisiana, the voters went in the other direction. Noted ASCE President Robert D. Stevens, Ph.D., P.E, F.ASCE, "By failing to increase revenue or protect funding, these states are continuing with the status quo, which is unacceptable. Leaders at all levels of government are now tasked with finding solutions to the infrastructure deficit."