Americans seem to understand that our nation has an infrastructure problem, and ASCE’s Infrastructure Report Card and related advocacy efforts are paying off. Not only does there seem to be a greater understanding about the concerning state of our country’s aging infrastructure, but public opinion polling shows that a significant number of Americans – 87 percent in one recent poll – agree the federal government should increase investment in infrastructure.
In this edition of ASCE Interchange, Congressman Sam Graves (R-MO-6th), who currently serves as the chairman of the House Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, as part of his role on the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, discusses several pieces of infrastructure legislation working their way through Congress, and makes the case for a strong federal role in modernizing our nation’s infrastructure.
With broad bipartisan support, Congress has been busy on FAA reauthorization to address the nation’s airports, and a Water Resources Development Act, which supports projects related to dams, levees, inland waterways, ports, drinking water, and wastewater.
Congressman Graves comments: “[Infrastructure] is one thing the government should do and should do well. And that is make sure we maintain the infrastructure, those modes of transportation, those water systems, … and I think both sides would agree on that.”
Graves also details his priorities for future legislation, including shoring up the Highway Trust Fund, the federal account that pays for roads, bridges, and transit projects.
To view all Interchange episodes, visit ASCE’s YouTube channel.
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