For years, I have compared the failure of long-term infrastructure funding to the long-term failure of my beloved Detroit Lions. In some odd, not-quite-parallel kinship, I felt that all those yearning for infrastructure investment were agonizing just as I was as a Lions fan. It seems those days are over.
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) is rejoicing at the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) in the U.S. House of Representatives, calling it “a great day for the nation.” ASCE president, Dennis Truax, P.E., said, “With this legislation, the federal government will restore their critical partnership with cities and states to modernize our nation’s roads, bridges, transit systems, drinking water pipes, school facilities, broadband, ports, airports and more. Without a strong federal partner, local projects that are community lifelines have hung in the balance, oftentimes being paused or outright canceled due to funding uncertainties. When this happens, American households and businesses are the ones who pay the price.”
Truex added, “We commend the House for joining the Senate in prioritizing American communities by passing this bipartisan infrastructure legislation and we are encouraged that President Biden has indicated he will sign the bill quickly to ensure our communities receive these long-awaited resources soon, allowing critical projects to move forward.”
The 30,000-member-strong American Public Works Association (APWA) is also applauding lawmakers “for taking a major, historic step towards improving American citizens’ quality of life.” APWA CEO Scott Grayson said, “IIJA promises to upgrade all areas of this country’s infrastructure. From roads and bridges to better protecting communities against natural disasters to modernizing our water infrastructure network, this long-awaited legislation will make significant upgrades in people’s lives.”
Grayson continued, “APWA believes the country needs consistent, substantial, and long-term investment in our public works infrastructure, and the commitment of $550 billion in new federal spending over 5 years represents a generational improvement that still recognizes the need for local decision making.”
The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) is looking forward to the IIJA boosting the construction industry while, at the same time, making the economy more efficient. AGC chief executive officer Stephen Sandherr commented, “Once the President signs this bill into law, our members are ready to begin the hard, but necessary, work of rebuilding the nation’s infrastructure. They will also begin the work of building rewarding careers for a generation of new construction professionals because of this measure. Ultimately, these new infrastructure investments will provide a needed boost for the construction industry while making our economy more efficient.”
It is a historic victory for so many. Even us Lions fans, though it does leave us more isolated than ever.
(At the time of this writing, the Detroit Lions have a record of 0 wins/8 losses.)
