ASCE has recently released Bridging the Gap, a new report highlighting the impacts of infrastructure investment on American households and businesses. The study is conducted once every four years before the Report Card for America’s Infrastructure launch.
Since the release of the 2021 Report Card, several major infrastructure laws have continued to be implemented across the country, including the historic Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Bridging the Gap compares the economic benefits of continuing our nation’s existing infrastructure funding levels with the ramifications of returning to pre-IIJA funding.
In this ASCE Interchange Live, Darren Olson, vice president and water resources department head at Christopher B. Burke Engineering, joined ASCE for a discussion on ASCE’s Bridging the Gap. Olson also serves as chair of the ASCE National Committee on America's Infrastructure.
“The primary takeaway is that when we invest in our infrastructure it benefits the American family and it benefits the U.S. economy because it makes things much more efficient. Right now, when we look at the Failure to Act study, poor infrastructure was costing America real money,” Olson said.
“We see that even in other sectors, in manufacturing and production of goods. We see that throughout our economy, that when we continue to invest in our infrastructure, it makes us a stronger country.”
While Bridging the Gap highlights several infrastructure categories that need support, Olson discusses those which are most concerning, such as energy. He also notes how some industries are heavily impacted by underinvestment in the built environment.
Read the full Bridging the Gap report.
To view all ASCE Interchange episodes, visit ASCE’s YouTube channel.
