We must rebuild America

America must rebuild and modernize its infrastructure. In doing so, we put Americans back to work while improving opportunity and security. Our country's development was largely due to the massive investments in infrastructure from which industry was able to benefit.

Our underlying foundation of roads, bridges, railways, subways, waterways, airports, seaports, dams, schools, energy delivery systems, water treatment facilities, and communication backbones is eroding. We must renovate and improve them to keep pace with the economic pressure of global competition, not to mention the environmental pressures of increasing population growth and issues faced in coastal regions.

As our infrastructure framework ages, it puts increasing numbers of the American population at risk as roadway, bridge and water main collapses are becoming more commonplace.

Even in the face of budget deficits, investments in American infrastructure will pay long lasting dividends that will benefit the country in many ways. Willing American workers will have more jobs. Individual Americans and industry alike will enjoy lower costs and safer environments.

Clearly investing in infrastructure is a proper core function of government. Re-investing in America will expand the realm of opportunities for Americans, help secure a safer country and create an economic environment conducive to growth. Such national investments are better than simply handing money to the private sector.