Wednesday, December 08, 2010
Civil Engineers Echo Bipartisan Industry Leaders Group Call for
Transportation Policy Reform
Reston, Va.—The following statement is
attributable to Kathy J. Caldwell, P.E., president of the American Society of
Civil Engineers:
“America’s
roads, bridges and transit systems form the foundation of our economy and our
quality of life. Now, as many of those critical systems are sliding closer and
closer to failure, we are getting hit with the harsh reality that treating the
problem with short-term policy solutions and ‘band aid’ funding measures hasn’t
been successful or beneficial to our long-term outlook.
“Investing
in infrastructure will never be cheap, and having that conversation while
families and businesses are struggling will be difficult. However, we must
remember that failing infrastructure is already having an impact on the wallet
of each and every American, whether it’s in wasted fuel, declining productivity
or increasing costs for everything from milk to blue jeans. This isn’t a Republican
issue or a Democrat issue. It’s an American issue, and we have to demand that
it be treated as such.
“Because
they take the same approach in their own homes, Americans understand that when
resources are scarce you must invest wisely and efficiently, and require accountability
for those investments. It’s time that our political leaders follow suit.
“That is
why the American Society of Civil Engineers continues to urge Congress and the
White House to take a leadership position on ensuring that the nation’s
transportation infrastructure is able to meet our needs, both now, and in the
future. By overhauling existing policies to provide better performance standards
and accountability measures, as well as long-term, stable sources of funding, our
leaders can help us maintain and improve America’s global competitiveness
and quality of life.”
To learn
more about ASCE’s Report Card for
America’s Infrastructure, visit: www.infrastructurereportcard.org.
Founded
in 1852, the American Society of Civil Engineers represents more than 140,000
civil engineers worldwide and is America’s oldest national
engineering society. For more information, visit www.asce.org.
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