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Abstract
Prepared for the American Society of Civil Engineers by Economic Development Research Group, Inc.
Each report in the Failure to Act series provides an objective analysis of the economic implications for the United States of its continued underinvestment in infrastructure. Reports in the series assess the implications of present trends in infrastructure investment for the productivity of industries, national competitiveness, and the costs for households. Analysis considers both the building of new infrastructure to meet increasing population and expanded economic activity, and the maintenance or rebuilding of existing infrastructure that needs repair or replacement.
This report on surface transportation encompasses highways, bridges, rail, and transit systems, which enable people and goods to access markets, services, and inputs of production essential to U.S. economic vitality. Topics include: an introduction; the infrastructure shortfall; wages, value added, industrial output, and jobs; regional implications; diversion of traffic due to congestion; the national modal funding gap; implications of maintenance funding (and a funding gap); and conclusions and further research.