Rebuilding and Renewing America – A New National Plan
Planning and building infrastructure have been part of America’s tradition – and greatness – since the founding of the Republic. Our forebears recognized the need to invest in road networks to serve the needs of the colonies, water systems to serve growing cities, canals to facilitate trade, railroads and telegraph lines to open up the West, and dams to encourage settlement and generate power.
This year is the 201st Anniversary of the Gallatin Plan, crafted by Thomas Jefferson’s Secretary of the Treasury, Albert Gallatin, to develop the infrastructure needed by a fast-growing nation.
One hundred years later, President Theodore Roosevelt invited every state and territorial governor to join members of his Cabinet and Congress, professional organizations, and government bureaus in a National Conference at the White House to discuss infrastructure needs for the 20th century. More importantly, it laid the groundwork for many of the critical investments initiated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to jumpstart the nation’s recovery from the Great Depression.
Today, the challenges of the 21st century – global warming, dwindling oil reserves, growing insecurity in the Middle East, and an uncertain global economy – require a renewed national focus on the infrastructure that is essential to our cities, our rural communities, and our economy.
Unfortunately, we have neglected the state of America’s infrastructure far too long, threatening our economic prosperity and the future of our communities, urban and rural.
- The American Society of Civil Engineers has given our nation’s public infrastructure – water, sewer, and transportation systems – a grade of D-minus, estimating that it will cost $1.6 trillion over the next five years just to repair the infrastructure we currently have.
- The National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission recently calculated that it will take $225 billion annually just to maintain our existing transportation system over the next 50 years. Meanwhile, the Office of Management and Budget predicts a $3.2 billion shortfall in the Highway Trust Fund by 2009.
- As Japan, China, India, and the European Union continue to invest in transportation improvements to support their growing economies, we are falling further and further behind our global competitors.
- More than 72,000 miles of municipal water and sewer pipe are more than 80 years old, threatening the public health and economies of communities large and small.
A warming climate creates more demands on our infrastructure. Communities will require more energy-efficient transportation systems that produce fewer carbon emissions; additional water storage capacity; and stronger levees and dams to protect homes and businesses from unpredictable and increasingly severe weather events.
The future of America depends on transportation systems that connect and support the economies of our communities and metropolitan regions; water systems that ensure clean water for our households and crops; sewer systems that ensure public health and a clean environment; and dams and levees that protect our homes and businesses.
If we are to meet the demands of the 21st century, we need a new National Plan to define and finance the infrastructure required to support a sustainable economy, improve the livability of our cities and rural communities, provide jobs for Americans, and strengthen our national security.
In almost four decades of public service, Earl Blumenauer's innovative accomplishments in transportation, planning, environmental programs and public participation have helped Portland, Oregon earn an international reputation as one of America's most livable cities.