Infrastructure is the framework that supports virtually every aspect of our lives: transportation, commerce, public health, safety, and security. The National Society of Professional Engineers has consistently advocated for a comprehensive, long-term solution to address the unacceptable decay of our nation’s critical infrastructure. Decades of neglect and underfunding has brought U.S. infrastructure to a tipping point.
On February 12, President Trump released the Administration’s “Legislative Outline for Rebuilding Infrastructure in America”. The proposed framework calls for $200 billion of direct federal spending over the next ten years to generate $1.5 trillion in total infrastructure investments. The $200 billion in federal funds would be reallocated from other programs. The President’s plan proposes new programs to stimulate state, local, and private investments. The plan also provides recommendations for streamlining the permitting and environmental review process.
“This is an important starting point for discussion on improving infrastructure and NSPE recognizes professional engineers will be vital moving forward,” said NSPE President Tom Roberts, P.E., F.NSPE. “The professional engineer’s education, experience, and professional obligations to protect the public health, safety, and welfare place the professional engineer in a key leadership role in ensuring infrastructure innovation, rebuilding, and growth.”
Specifically, professional engineering activities associated with infrastructure, such as development studies, design, implementation plans, construction quality assurance, operations, and maintenance protect the public and enrich and enhance the global economy.
NSPE looks forward to engaging with Congress as it considers the President’s proposal and develops a legislative solution to address the nation’s infrastructure needs.