by Alexis Cala, PICurrent Assistant Producer
Courtesy of Woodleywonderworks
Recently, we let you in on a couple of the perks you’ll see in the stimulus package, like weatherizing and taxes. Another important piece of the stimulus involves making necessary improvements to America’s infrastructure.
The stimulus provides $150 billion to states for projects such as roads, bridges, public transit, and extending broadband access.
Are these projects really necessary?
The answer: yes!
The 2009 report card for the nation’s infrastructure was not even passing! The U.S. overall received a ‘D’, a clear sign that our infrastructure is poorly maintained and costing us more than it’s helping. Fortunately, the stimulus package has plans to help fix our streets, rail, and transit while creating thousands of jobs.
Key infrastructure plans in the stimulus include:
- Improving roads, bridges, and mass transit system: This includes repairs, new construction, and more transportation options for millions. Public transit and high-speed rail projects will generate new jobs and can help reduce the country’s dependence on foreign oil
- Updating the nation’s water system: drinking, sewer, and clean water projects will give 1.5 million people new or improved service.
- Expand broadband service: Improve access to high-speed internet in unserved and underserved areas. This will make the internet more available and affordable for everyone.
Construction, repairs, and improvements can quickly lead to a stronger infrastructure and more jobs. The Associated General Contractors of America estimates that the stimulus will create or save nearly 2 million jobs for construction as well as companies that work on water systems, utilities, etc.
Infrastructure repairs and expansion may create:
- 650,000 new construction jobs
- 300,000 jobs in equipment and supply manufacturing
Come back soon to find out how energy fits into the stimulus and what it could mean for you!
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