Infrastructure & Education Keys to 'Winning the Future' for America

Civil Engineers Respond to Challenges Outlined in the President's State of the Union Address

WASHINGTON, Jan. 26, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Statement attributable to Kathy J. Caldwell, P.E., president of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE):

"When times get tough, America has a long history of reinventing ourselves to lead the way forward to a better future. As the President noted, the generations before us changed the face of our nation when they built an interstate highway system and brought electricity to rural communities. In many ways, the challenges we face today are very similar.

"Our crumbling infrastructure can no longer support a thriving economy, or for that matter, a thriving public. If we are to maintain our position as a world leader, that cannot be acceptable. Not only must we dedicate ourselves to investing in the infrastructure of tomorrow, we also have to hold our nation's leaders accountable for the success of this commitment. The longer we allow essential programs that would facilitate this kind of investment to be delayed, such as national transportation authorization, the less likely it becomes that we will be able to leave our children with a legacy as good, if not better, than the one we received.

"As with any investment, a solid 'return' is essential to long-term growth. When it comes to infrastructure, that may be the easiest part of the equation. Dedicating resources to our nation's power grid, water pipes, transportation networks and other critical infrastructure systems will create jobs and support our economy in real and measurable ways. And, the impact will be long-lasting.

"None of those things will be possible, however, if our education system cannot meet the requirements of our increasingly technological society. Who will be there to address the infrastructure needs of our ever-changing world if we cannot foster an appreciation and understanding of science, technology, engineering and mathematics among today's students?

"While the infrastructure and education challenges facing the nation may be numerous, the consequences of inaction are unacceptable. We have the knowledge, skills and drive to tackle these challenges head-on. With committed leadership at all levels of government and from both sides of the aisle, as well as ample and appropriate resources and a dedication to innovation, we will overcome them."

Founded in 1852, the American Society of Civil Engineers represents more than 140,000 civil engineers worldwide and is America's oldest national engineering society. In January 2009, ASCE released its 2009 Report Card for America's Infrastructure, with grades in 15 categories. For more information, visit www.infrastructurereportcard.org.

SOURCE American Society of Civil Engineers