VIEWPOINT:
The Infrastructure Meltdown: Why are We Surprised?
By Ted Garrison
The author, a regular contributor to Southeast Construction, became impassioned about the condition of the nation’s infrastructure systems after the collapse of the Interstate 35W bridge in Minneapolis. He sees plenty of room for change.
This summer when a steam line violently erupted in New York City, a slight symbolic tremor shook the country. However, when the Interstate 35W bridge collapsed in Minneapolis a few weeks later, it felt more like a massive earthquake.
The public and politicians demanded to know how our infrastructure could be allowed to deteriorate that badly. Speeches were made, promises were made, but unfortunately little has really changed.
As the dust from the collapse settled, so did many of the concerns. For example, just a few weeks later, in September, the Florida Legislature was considering taking $80 million from the Florida Department of Transportation’s dedicated trust fund to address the state’s budget deficit. Fortunately, state Sen. Mike Fasano, chairman of the transportation and economic development appropriations committee, told me he was able to convince enough legislators this would be a mistake.
The public acted surprised at the terrible condition of our nation’s infrastructure despite the warnings from engineers for decades. For example, the American Society of Civil Engineers’ report card had given the government a “D” in infrastructure.
The public disconnect is demonstrated by its constant demand for ever-lower airfares, despite the fact that airlines teeter on the edge of bankruptcy while the quality of air service continues to decline and travel delays only grow longer because of the nation’s antiquated air travel infrastructure.
When no one wants to pay for infrastructure maintenance—mostly because it isn’t sexy and our politicians don’t have the guts to do their job and fund this necessary government responsibility—why is anyone surprised when a bridge collapses?
Florida and Georgia
Forget the national picture; look at some staggering facts from Florida and Georgia alone, according to ASCE.
- 18% of Florida’s and 20% of Georgia’s bridges are “structurally deficient” or “functionally obsolete.”
- 34% of Florida’s and 21% of Georgia’s major urban roads are congested.
- Driving on roads in need of repair costs each Florida motorist $82 per year and those in Georgia $44 per year.
- Congestion in the Miami metropolitan area costs commuters $927 per person per year in excess fuel, and in Orlando the figure is $904.
- Congestion in the Atlanta metropolitan area costs commuters $1,065 each.
- Despite the state’s water shortage, Florida loses 364 million gallons of drinking water a day because of leaking pipes.
- While the list could go on for pages, I think you get the point. What’s needed is change.
Needed action
Florida Congressman John Mica, the ranking Republican on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, told me on my radio program that what’s needed is a vision. Not since the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956 created the interstate system has the U.S. had a clear vision.
As ASCE states: “Congress must enact the National Infrastructure Improvement Act to establish the National Commission on Infrastructure of the United States.”
At the same time, states need to take greater responsibility and establish a plan to meet all of their infrastructure needs—including items such as water treatment, schools and solid waste. Therefore, state priorities are needed. This plan must include how to fund the projects and help address the critical labor shortage of skilled workers, or else conditions will continue to deteriorate as populations in the Southeast grow.
Finding the necessary funding is always a challenge, especially with the magnitude of the problem. There is never enough money in the general fund, but that’s probably not the best source anyway.
User fees are probably the fairest solution, because they require nonresident users to pay their fair share, too. One example is a per-gallon tax on gasoline. That way, those that use the roads the most pay the most, including visitors. Another tax on users is to build more toll roads, whether government or privately owned.
Impact fees are another source of revenue. However, these need to be handled carefully. Impact fees for water treatment and wastewater make sense because each new building increases the demand. However, having impact fees only on new housing for schools and parks isn’t as clear-cut because these demands can increase without new housing. I’m not suggesting funds don’t need to be raised, but it’s important they are raised equitably or there can be a severe backlash.
Even more challenging than raising the necessary funding may be finding the necessary skilled labor. The critical shortage causes projects to drag out and results in higher project costs. It’s important to create a work environment where today’s younger generation finds construction an important investment of their talents. Notably, research indicates for them it’s less about money and more about a more collaborative environment where they can make a difference.
If the infrastructure challenges are not met, our society will see a decline in living conditions. And our society’s young workers can certainly make a difference. (The industry needs to award contracts based on value and performance, not simply low price.)
And society must change along with the construction industry. When we rate schools only by how many students they send to college, we implicitly dissuade them from encouraging some students to consider entering the crafts. This needs to change.
The infrastructure contractors need to step up to the plate, too. Because many of these contractors are large, they have a special obligation. They need to help educate society on the needs, aid with the planning process, explore possible funding solutions and help create a more attractive work environment for future workers.
I realize that these contractors probably will not get paid for the above services, but as a professor once told my engineering class: “You have a responsibility to society. You have the technical knowledge and expertise to solve its problem. You need to be willing to contribute as needed.”
As an industry, we have a great deal of talent. It’s time that we focus it on solutions for our society. I would expect nothing less from the industry that I’ve been proud to be a part of for my entire career.
Ted Garrison is the host of Internet radio program, “New Construction Strategies.” He is a regular contributor to Southeast Construction. |
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