There are very few issues that have as much bipartisan support today as investing in our nation’s infrastructure. We all have experienced dodging potholes while we drive, waiting for a bus that feels like it is never going to come, or being packed like sardines in an overcrowded airport for an interminable amount of time. We have all read the stories about the drinking water crisis in communities with neglected pipes, and seen the news coverage of gas pipeline explosions or levees that break during a flood. Infrastructure affects every single American. We all rely on it, and we all know it is time to build something better.

Roads, bridges, rails, ports, airports, pipes, the power grid, broadband… it is all infrastructure. It affects our daily commutes and our summer vacations. Infrastructure determines if we can drink water straight from our taps and flush our toilets. It brings electricity to our homes and factories. Most, if not all, Americans support investing in our infrastructure, and as many of us become more politically active, we encourage our representatives in Washington, D.C. to support legislation and funding for infrastructure improvements.

Closing our country’s trillion-dollar infrastructure investment gap demands a strong federal partner to fund large and transformative projects. We are going to need collaboration between the public and private sectors to create innovative solutions. And leaders at all levels need to commit to building a long-term, sustainable plan to invest in America’s infrastructure.

That is why Empowering Brands is participating in Infrastructure Week. We’re joining hundreds of organizations across the country this week to raise awareness about this critical issue. It is important to recognize progress being made – for example, the American Water Works Association recently applauded Congress for appropriating funds for the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA). Recognizing these efforts will fuel our motivation to keep demanding improvements to aging infrastructure.

Across America, it’s #TimeToBuild. Use the comments section to share news of your local projects that are currently underway to improve our aging infrastructure.

Learn how you can get involved at www.infrastructureweek.org.

http://infrastructureweek.org/i-swear-this-podcast-will-get-you-excited-about-infrastructure-maintenance/