How Do We Spread the Message About the Need to Improve the Nation's Infrastructure? How Can Civil Engineers Best Engage the Public and Policy Makers?

Conveying the need for improved infrastructure in a compelling manner is a difficult challenge today. Such competing issues as the economy and national and world security dominate discussions at the state and national levels. The challenge is to communicate the need within the context of these other national priorities and not wait or hope that someday the national priorities will change. Thus far, the single most effective tools for communicating the nation's infrastructure needs have been ASCE's report cards. Make no mistake: a national vision is necessary with its own dedicated revenues to address interstate needs. However, that national vision will be insufficient if there is a failure on the part of the states to establish visions of their own. Both must be advanced. Both must be adopted. Both must be funded. Both must be compelling. The nation needs both.