(SQAUK) — It’s alarming that in 2024, amidst the numerous challenges our nation is grappling with, the vital issue of improving U.S. infrastructure has been relegated to a mere footnote in the agendas of our current politicians. Our roads are riddled with potholes, bridges are on the brink of collapse, and our public transportation systems are outdated and unreliable. Instead of addressing the backbone of our country – its infrastructure – those who claim to represent our best interests are embroiled in trivial disputes.
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has warned about this for years. Their 2021 Infrastructure Report Card gave the U.S. a C- grade, highlighting the poor state of our roads, bridges, dams, and water systems. The report estimated that $2.6 trillion would be needed over the next decade to bring our infrastructure to a good condition. That’s $2.6 trillion to fix what’s broken without considering modernization or preparing for future challenges.
Instead of receiving a clear commitment from our leaders to address this issue, we are often met with silence or vague promises. Our infrastructure is not simply a network of roads and bridges; it is the fundamental support for our economy, communities, and national security. The American dream is built on an unstable foundation without a robust infrastructure.
One of the most puzzling aspects of this neglect is the missed opportunity to create millions of well-paying jobs. Building, maintaining, and modernizing infrastructure would necessitate a large workforce, including skilled laborers, engineers, project managers, and more. These jobs provide a paycheck and a route to the middle class and offer benefits like healthcare and retirement security, which are increasingly rare in today’s gig economy.
Imagine the economic boost from an infrastructure renaissance. Workers would earn and spend, small businesses would flourish, and communities would thrive. It’s a win-win for everyone, so why isn’t it happening? The answer lies in the shortsightedness of our political leaders and the ominous truth they may be hiding from us.
Politicians often prioritize other issues over infrastructure because they know the impending challenges. Severe weather changes, flooding, wildfires, and other extreme events are becoming more frequent and intense and are the elephant in the room. The federal government recognizes these threats and understands that no infrastructure investment can completely shield us from what lies ahead.
Instead of being honest with the American people, our leaders prefer to postpone tough decisions. They would instead let our infrastructure crumble and then admit that we are facing a future where natural disasters could devastate entire regions of the country. It’s a bitter pill, but we must confront it.
The next step is to raise our expectations of our politicians. It’s not enough to use infrastructure as a talking point during campaigns; we need detailed, feasible plans. We need leaders who recognize that investing in infrastructure is about repairing what’s broken and preparing for the future. This future is expected to be much more demanding than the present.
We must be realistic about the threats and how to deal with them. This involves upgrading current infrastructure and building new systems that can withstand the effects of climate change. It requires making difficult choices about where and how we create, focusing on sustainability and long-term planning.
The stakes need to be lowered to continue neglecting our infrastructure. Our infrastructure is not just a set of physical assets; it is the lifeblood of our nation. If we fail to prioritize it, we risk our economy, security, and future.
It’s time for a wake-up call. Politicians in office must prioritize upgrading U.S. infrastructure rather than just using it as a talking point. We need leaders willing to invest in our country’s backbone, create good jobs, and prepare for the challenges ahead. If we don’t do this, we will all pay the price.
And trust me, it’s a price we can’t afford to pay.
