Today is an historical day by many accounts. But after all the celebration, all the speeches, all the balls, and all the promises and visions - the real work will begin.
Obama has promised and hinted at some type of stimulus package for the infrastructure of our nation. Of course, he'll also be challenged by the financial community - again, the auto industry, education, and almost every niche of the economy. It is estimated that over 770,000 construction workers have lost their jobs. We need investment in infrastructure and jobs. But we need to be smart.
There is much talk about "shovel ready" projects. But throwing shovels and bodies at the problem won't be enough. We need to think smart. We need to plan out infrastructure carefully. This is NOT the 1930's when work was mostly done with back breaking sweat and shovels. Careful planning will be needed and new technologies applied that will help with the long term care and maintenance of our infrastructures.
We only need to look at the intelligence built-in to bridges and buildings in booming areas like China and the Middle East to see clues on how to make our infrastructure smarter with sensors and other technologies.
And we definitely need to make our congressman aware that this is important. Just as important as the other industries begging for dollars. Investments in infrastructure will payoff for our self and our children.
So join me today and sign the AGC pledge for President Obama and Congress to support and invest wisely in our future infrastructure projects.
Here's the link... Let's Build America's Future