Innovative Financing to Strengthen America

摘要

Much of our nation's infrastructure was built more than a half-century ago and today, is simply worn out. In 2013, the "Report Card for America's Infrastructure" issued by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) gave our overall infrastructure a grade of D+, with inland waterways, which includes the economically critical system of locks and dams, receiving a D-. Most would agree the inland waterway system is vital to America's global competitiveness. However, the longer that major infrastructure improvements are postponed, the less reliable the system becomes and the more expensive to maintain. A huge boost in public financing could help solve the problem. But the prospect of a healthy waterway infrastructure system has simply not captured the public's attention and become a fiscal priority.