Brian Higgins: “The American Society of Civil Engineers estimates that, by 2025, the cost of addressing America's infrastructure needs…”

“The American Society of Civil Engineers estimates that, by 2025, the cost of addressing America's infrastructure needs will reach $4.6 trillion. With Federal transportation funded at $305 billion this year, we aren't even coming close. With each day that passes, the need grows. Safety is threatened; opportunity is lost; and the cost of getting the job done only increases. According to the Federal highway data, in the Buffalo Niagara region alone, 1 out of every 13 bridges is structurally deficient. Our roads are crumbling; our water infrastructure is breaking; and our transit systems are inadequate and outdated. The situation couldn't be more urgent, and the opportunity couldn't be more obvious. Numerous economic reports indicate investment in infrastructure delivers real jobs and real growth in the American economy. It is time to deliver on the substantial investment in infrastructure. There is a great deal of work to be done, and there are Americans prepared to do that work. ____________________”