Why America 250 is the Best Moment to Invest in American Infrastructure

The nation’s 250th anniversary is a time for celebration, but also reflection. Americans who came before us built a rich legacy, including a network of roads, bridges, ports, and rail that created new opportunities for travel, trade, and mobility. As we reflect on this anniversary, what will we do to honor this legacy – and what will we give to the next generation?

America's infrastructure is the invisible engine of our economy, and when it sputters, everyone feels it. Federal investments in the our nation’s transportation network that move goods and people across the country could be cut if Congress doesn’t act by September 30 when the current Surface Transportation bill expires. This would send a terrible message to our States, construction firms, workers, and everyday Americans, especially in the shadow of our 250th anniversary. Instead, now is the time to invest in American transportation infrastructure to ensure American families, workers, businesses, and local communities have the resources they need to build, modernize, and maintain infrastructure for today and lay the groundwork for America’s next 250 years.

From the Erie Canal to the Golden Gate Bridge, American grit and innovation have transformed our nation in unimaginable ways and connected people and commerce across our vast country. As we celebrate America's 250th anniversary and everything we have accomplished, we are also reminded of how much opportunity lies ahead. That cannot be more for true for the U.S. transportation network.

While progress has been made building and maintaining infrastructure through recent federal investment, America needs a new surface transportation infrastructure bill and more resources to fix aging roads, bridges, ports, and waterways while investing for the future.

For months, the Chamber has crisscrossed the country to hear from local leaders and businesses on why passing a new surface transportation infrastructure bill is so important.

• In Alabama, one of the nation's busiest ports supports a critical aerospace and manufacturing sector while moving goods across the country. Predictable, long-term funding would help Alabama and the Southeast region compete regionally and globally.
• In Texas, upgrading intersections, truck routes, traffic controls, and drainage and utilities support public safety, local and interstate commerce, and commuter wellbeing.
• In Utah, the FrontRunner commuter rail, which serves 4.1 million riders a year across northern Utah, is an example of how transit investments improve mobility and reduce congestion. Like many projects, it needs further investment to serve more residents and maximize its potential.

A modern transportation infrastructure system is not only vital to the economic success of our country but also to daily American life. Ensuring Americans can get to work and school, make a doctor’s appointment, or access basic needs is an essential part of the equation when it comes to planning and investing in local transportation systems. Additionally, quintessential American activities like the summer road trip, a day on the water, or a trip to the ballpark require safe and dependable roads, waterways, and public transportation.

Without reauthorization of a surface transportation infrastructure bill, states and localities will lose the long-term funding certainty they need to plan responsibly for the future. America’s 250th anniversary is the best moment to invest in American infrastructure and lay the groundwork for America’s next 250 years.

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About the author

John Drake

John Drake is responsible for representing the business community on transportation, infrastructure, and supply chain issues before Congress, the administration, the media, the business community, and other stakeholders.

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