Keep WV Moving

By Joe Deneault

The Charleston Gazette, November 14, 2008

As our elected leaders in Washington wrestle with how to temper and ultimately resolve the continued economic and financial crisis in this country, one tried and true investment is increased spending on our nation's infrastructure.

Leading economists and financial experts are now calling on Congress to enact another economic stimulus package, and this one, they say, should include additional public funds for important infrastructure projects.

I want to add our coalition's voice to this call. Congress should move quickly to appropriate added federal dollars for infrastructure construction and repair projects, particularly those that can begin in short order. Federal spending on infrastructure will have several immediate benefits - investing in bridge and highway projects will help sustain goods production and aid commerce, will increase the number of people working on construction projects and will support the purchase of commodities and services from companies in the U.S.

The idea of a new economic stimulus bill got a big boost on Oct. 20 when Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke endorsed the idea during his remarks before a congressional committee. The Bush administration also seems to softening its opposition.

All of this comes as lawmakers in Congress are examining items that may be included in this new plan. Prior to adjournment, the House passed a stimulus bill that, among other things, contained approximately $34 billion for infrastructure investment, including $12.8 billion for the federal-aid highway program; $3.6 billion for transit; $7.5 billion for water infrastructure; $5 billion for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; $3 billion for public school reconstruction; and $1 billion for public housing construction. The Senate also has been looking into its own version.

The nation's construction industry plays a powerful role in sustaining economic growth, in addition to producing structures that add to our productivity and quality of life. According to data from the Associated General Contractors of America, construction provides good-paying jobs to about 7.3 million people. Construction also makes a large contribution to the nation's gross domestic product (GDP), totaling $1.16 trillion in 2007.

Here in West Virginia, the Associated General Contractors says the construction industry employs about 38,000 workers, about 5 percent of the state's non-farm workers. Added construction spending could create hundreds, if not thousands of new construction jobs and support increased spending in communities across our state.

West Virginia's infrastructure needs, particularly roads, bridges and highways, is enormous. The state has more than $20 billion in unmet needs, including many major highway projects in all regions across the state.