Infrastructure Jobs Key to Improving Economy

ASCE Says America’s Infrastructure Graded D, Green Jobs Available

Feb 24, 2009

Engineers say the economy can improve and jobs can be created if the government acts to replace failing infrastructure, support green technologies and invest in research.

In its 2009 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure, released Jan. 29, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) gave the country’s infrastructure a D grade. ASCE says not much as changed since its last assessment of the country’s roads, bridges, drinking water systems and public works equipment in 2005. But, the cost to renovate the infrastructure increased by more than a half of trillion dollars.

ASCE says a $2.2 trillion investment from all levels of government and the private sector to improve conditions. However, if this investment is put forth, construction workers will start to work again, improving the economy. The report card offers five solutions to improve the grade of the nation’s infrastructure.

Green Jobs Explode in California, Pennsylvania

Besides infrastructure renovation, green technology also can spur the economy and create jobs, according to the California Green Innovation Index released Jan. 28, 2009. Since 2005, green jobs in California have grown at a rate 10 times faster than total job growth. Green technology investment from venture capitalists reached $3.3 billion in 2008, the report said. This was a record for the state.

The index is the brainchild of Next 10, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the state’s future. It offers statistics on green businesses and jobs based on empirical evidence not modeling.

In addition, the index reported that California led all states in patent registrations for green technology, cities in California have the most hybrid vehicles registered, and green job growth grew by 10 percent.

Pennsylvania also is committed to green jobs. Gov. Edward Rendell has provided $25 million to spur jobs and economic growth in renewable energy and manufacturing. Businesses, nonprofits, economic development organizations and political subdivisions are eligible to tap into the Renewable Energy Program for wind and geothermal projects. Other Alternative Energy Investment Fund programs are being developed, the governor said.

Think Tank Invests in Jobs in Ohio

Another example of creating new jobs in this sluggish economy comes from Ohio. Battelle Institute will invest more than $200 million in central Ohio to construct and renovate manufacturing, office, child care centers and laboratory facilities in Columbus, Dublin and West Jefferson, Ohio.

This investment will help to create 200 high-paying science and research jobs in a state that is struggling, said Jeff Wadsworth, president and chief executive officer of Battelle in a recent press release. The investment also will help 1,000 scientists to retain their jobs.

Infrastructure, new environmental technologies and research are three ways to improve the economy.

The copyright of the article Infrastructure Jobs Key to Improving Economy in Civil Engineering is owned by Louise Harris. Permission to republish Infrastructure Jobs Key to Improving Economy in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Apr 6, 2009 8:29 AM

Guest :

I have to write a debate paper voicing my argument that fixing the economy is more important than the enviornment and we should use tax dollars to fix unemploment and such first. In one of my paragraphs i start off with the fact that fixing the enviornment could fix the economy, which you argue against in the article above. I need ways to go against your argument. help?