The Public Infrastructure of Work and Play by Michael A. Pagano

Author:Michael A. Pagano [Pagano, Michael A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Political Science, General, Public Policy, Social Policy, Social Science, Sociology, Urban
ISBN: 9780252083877
Google: _VyNtQEACAAJ
Goodreads: 39808895
Publisher: University of Illinois Press
Published: 2018-09-14T00:00:00+00:00

CONCLUSION

Public infrastructure plays a critical role in the nation's economy as well as the daily lives of individuals. The nation's approach to the provision of infrastructure is a complex array of different types of providers, including federal, state, and local governments as well as private companies, in addition to different financing mechanisms. As illustrated by the development of the interstate highway system and the New Deal capital projects, a significant amount of planning, collaboration, and public support is needed for the undertaking of infrastructure improvements.

As the nation seeks to develop an infrastructure plan for the future, it will be important to recognize the importance of existing infrastructure. The government has invested huge amounts of funds in existing highways, water systems, and other public facilities. These infrastructure and structures need to be maintained. Although it is politically appealing to invest in new infrastructure and to discuss new technology such as driverless vehicles, there remains a critical need to invest in the maintenance of existing infrastructure.

One of the biggest challenges will be rallying support for sufficient funding of infrastructure maintenance and improvements. When infrastructure is functioning well, people may take it for granted. They may not know that infrastructure maintenance has been deferred. Therefore, it is incumbent on government leaders to undertake efforts to better educate the public on the importance and costs of infrastructure investments and the need to finance these investments.

Drawing on the expertise and resources of the private sector can be advantageous, but private firms are motivated by profits and will seek a return on their investments. Although the private sector can play an important role in the future investment in infrastructure, it is not going to solve the funding challenges.

Ultimately, the public needs to understand that providing funding for public infrastructure, including the maintenance of that infrastructure, is an investment in the future. This investment will help support and grow the economy and have a positive impact on the daily lives of people.

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