President Eisenhower understood the importance of connecting the United States and launched large public works and infrastructure projects across the country. However, that was 70 years ago and now our bridges, roads, and logistic networks are degrading. According to a CNN report, more than 46,000 bridges are in poor condition status and at least 17,000 may collapse. (https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/30/business/americas-bridges-climate-infrastructure/index.html ) We can do better than this and we must if we wish to not only travel across the country but have the military readiness to move troops and equipment across our vast nation. As we see now, bridges such as the Baltimore Key Bridge are not going to be repaired as soon as it should costing millions of US Dollars. This bridge was key for many who commuted across to get to work at the Dundalk Marine Terminal or the Industrial Area of Curtis Bay. (Baltimore Key Bridge Collapse Case Tied Up in Legal Battles)
Bridges are the biggest concern followed by dams that need to be updated due to overflows and breakage and aqueducts needing repairs or additional pipes to direct water to major cities such as Los Angeles.
The biggest issue is their security at these key energy and water sources. It will take one hacker to disable the floodgates or shut off all the water to millions of US citizens. We need to protect our resources so that we can focus on other priority targets of energy and economy.
In conclusion, investing in critical infrastructure projects is imperative not just for the convenience of the everyday citizen but for military readiness and security across the nation.