Infrastructure
America's infrastructure directly affects our economic and social well-being. Every day we rely upon our roads, bridges, transit, rail, water, waste and other infrastructure to survive and thrive. Despite our dependence on it, we have permitted our infrastructure to be stretched beyond its capacity. Recently, the American Society of Civil Engineers gave a cumulative grade of "D" to the nation's infrastructure, stating, "For the safety and security of our families, we can no longer afford to ignore the congested roads, aging dams, broken water mains, and deficient bridges we face every day. The quality of life for this and future generations depends on our willingness to rise to the challenge."
The National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Commission concluded in its report, Transportation for Tomorrow, "We need to invest at least $225 billion annually from all sources for the next 50 years to upgrade our existing system to a state of good repair and create a more advanced surface transportation system to sustain and ensure strong economic growth for our families. We are spending less than 40 percent of this amount today."
The Little Rock Regional Chamber supports robust, reliable, effective funding for all forms of infrastructure - roads, bridges, transit, rail, waterways, water, waste and beyond. We must insist upon courageous and visionary action now. Our infrastructure requires it, our economy needs it, and we all stand to gain.