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Kathy Caldwell
60 NW 44 Terrace
Gainesville, FL 32607
March 3, 2021
Dear Cmmsr. Alford,
The new grades are in for the 2021 Report Card for America's Infrastructure. Across 17 categories, America's infrastructure earned a cumulative C-, a slight improvement from a D+ in 2017. Progress has been made in categories such as water and water resources to modernize assets and invest strategically. The private sector has invested in the electric grid, freight rail, and more. However, a C- is nothing to celebrate and American families deserve better.
The COVID-19 pandemic's impact on user revenue streams is devastating for our nation's airports, transit systems, ports and even water utilities. Meanwhile, many of our legacy transportation systems are still in the D range, along with stormwater, dams and levees. These infrastructure networks suffer from chronic underinvestment and are in poor condition. Big and bold action from Washington, as well as continued prioritization by states and localities, is needed to bring all our infrastructure to a state of good repair.
Now is the time to act. To improve our quality of life and strengthen our international competitiveness, we need a strategic and holistic plan to renew, modernize, and invest in our infrastructure. This plan should make basic maintenance centerpiece as we improve our legacy systems.
We are only as strong as our weakest link. If our most vulnerable bridges have to close to heavier traffic like ambulances, if a power outage impacts our drinking water supply, or if our levees protect a community at the expense of the one next door, the economy grids to a halt and our quality of life takes a nose dive. We all pay the price.
Our nation's infrastructure challenges are significant but solvable.
Acting now will save us money in the long-term. Just as cars demand tune-ups and roofs require routine repairs, our infrastructure needs robust and sustainable funding to make needed improvements over time. Putting off investment now will cost us and future generations down the line.
We are counting on your leadership to help raise these grades. You can find out more about the challenges and solutions at https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.infrastructurereportcard.org__;!!LGX2LR-tWgttPq0!TLqXQAM9qu6OdcAS9o07YttteLPtvpIgIck1A-9BEnGU2P-zTTTQBgdBoCBUUk-Z52vyeg$ .
Sincerely,
Kathy Caldwell
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