While planners, developers and policy makers understand how important the nation’s infrastructure is to our stability and sustainability, it is probably not a common discussion topic in many circles. However, some argue that our nation is becoming characterized as one plagued by an aging infrastructure. This issue is a highly challenging and costly one to address. The result of decades of underinvestment, it is slowly creeping to a head at a time when governmental bodies everywhere are tightening their budgets.
A recent report published by the Urban Land Institute (ULI), titled “Infrastructure 2010: Investment Imperative,” addresses this issue on a national scale. The report – which can be downloaded here – indicates that the nation is in a bind when it comes to infrastructure needs and capacity. The Unites States falls behind global competitors in this arena, and struggles to gain traction in planning and building the critical infrastructure investments that support a rapidly expanding population, while also ensuring future economic growth. A large-scale solution is needed.
