Infrastructure

A New Focus on Infrastructure

In a globalized economy, America’s infrastructure is important to our competitive edge. We have “4 million miles of roads, 600,000 bridges, 26,000 miles of commercially navigable waterways, 11,0000 miles of transit lines, 500 train stations, 300 ports, 19,000 airports, 55,000 community drinking water systems, and 30,000 wastewater plants…already built.” (National Journal, The Real Infrastructure Crisis) Instead of losing ground, let’s strengthen what we have and advance our global position.

Instead of the glass being half empty with billions of investment dollars needed in improvements, how can we build on what we have?

• We have cost-competitive solutions. Roadways that use continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) have been shown to improve fuel efficiency in heavy vehicles by as much as 20%.
• CRCP means increased environmental benefits because it is made of 100 percent recycled material and is 100 percent recyclable and reduces thermal heat in cities.
• CRCP means less time in traffic delays for motorists because of fewer road repairs and reconstruction.
• AISI recommends utilizing all funding mechanisms available including the Highway Trust Fund, Public Private Activity Bonds, Vehicle Miles Traveled and others.
• The Department of Transportation reported that every $1 billion federally invested in highway capital supports nearly 35,000 American jobs.