Infrastructure Bill Introduced in Congress
The National Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2007 was recently
introduced in the U.S. Senate.
The legislation, if enacted, would establish the National
Commission on Infrastructure of the United States, marking
a step in addressing the conditions of the roads, drinking
water systems, dams and other public works that support our
nation's economy and quality of life.
As expected, the Reston, Va.-based American Society of Civil
Engineers supports the measure.
"From dirty water and traffic congestion to failing bridges
and dams, deteriorating infrastructure is having a negative
impact on public health, safety and welfare in every state,
city and town in America," said ASCE President William
Marcuson. "Establishing a comprehensive, long-term infrastructure
development and maintenance plan is long overdue."
The sponsors were Thomas Carper (D - Del.), Hillary Clinton
(D - N.Y.) Norm Coleman (R - Minn.) and George Voinovich (R
- Ohio).
In March 2005, the ASCE's Report Card for America's Infrastructure
noted a downward trend in many infrastructure sectors; with
only two of the 15 categories it assessed showing even marginal
improvement.
With an overall grade of D, and a $1.6 trillion investment
need, the Report Card echoed a nearly two-decade-old public
warning that America's infrastructure was in decline. Eleven
legislative actions to improve America's infrastructure are
identified, including:
Establishment of the National Commission on the Infrastructure
of the United States to ensure that the nation's infrastructure
meets current and future demands and facilitates economic
growth.
Completion of a study by February 2010 that will address
matters relating to the state of the nation's infrastructure,
including capacity of infrastructure improvements to sustain
current and anticipated economic development, the age, condition
and capacity of public infrastructure, repair and maintenance
needs, financing methods and investment requirements.
Development of recommendations for a federal plan outlining
infrastructure priorities; and Completion of a report to Congress
by February 2010 that will detail infrastructure legislation
deemed necessary for the next five, 15, 30 and 50 years.
For more information on America's Infrastructure and the Infrastructure
Action Plan, including local infrastructure conditions, state
infrastructure statistics and case studies, visit www.infrastructurereportcard.org
on the Internet.
Structural Steel Gains
Share of Parking Market
The use of structural steel framing on parking garage projects
rose in 2006, announced the Chicago-based American Institute
of Steel Construction Inc.
The market share by square footage for structural steel-framed
parking structures rose 3% in 2006 based on research performed
by the McLean, Va.-based The Parking Market Research Co.
The total market share by square footage for structural
steel-framed parking projects stands at 11% nationwide,
up from 8% a year ago, the AISC said.
Structural steel's share of the parking structure market
has increased over the past seven years, from 3% in 2000
to 11% today.
"Steel framing typically allows for faster construction
speed and lower total structure costs," says John Cross,
vice president of marketing for the group.
Hoosier Transportation Projects Become Road-School Awards
The winners were recently announced for Indiana's Quality
Achievement Awards at Purdue University's Road School.
They recognize projects, both large and small, that exemplify
outstanding quality, teamwork, innovation, safety and customer
focus.
McKinley Avenue Safety Improvement Project in Delaware
County: This improved a major Muncie street through the
Ball State University campus to maintain vehicular traffic
and provide a major entrance to campus.
The project was built by contractor E & B Paving and
designed by Rundell Ernstberger Associates with Butler,
Fairman, Seufert Inc.
State Road 56 Bike and Pedestrian Facilities in Pike County:
This project designed and built bike and pedestrian facilities
on State Road 56 in Petersburg.
It built by contractor JBI Construction and designed by
Bernardin Lochmueller & Associates.
State Road 19 Improvement Project in Miami County: This
improved State Road 19 in the town of Amboy, including new
pavement, rebuilt sidewalks and a new curb.
It was built by contractor E & B Paving and designed
by INDOT.
U.S. 421 Reconstruction in Hamilton County: This included
the total reconstruction of U.S. 421 from nearly a mile north
of Interstate 465 to more than half a mile north of State
Road 334 in Zionsville. Improvements added travel lanes, drainage,
signs, a bridge and a traffic signal.
It was built by contractor Rieth-Riley Construction and designed
by Strand Associates.
The Indiana Department of Transportation and Indiana Partnership
for Transportation Quality announced the honors.
The IPTQ comprises INDOT, the Federal Highway Administration,
Purdue, the Indiana Local Technical Assistance Program and
related industry associations. Each year, the IPTQ selects
the winners of the Quality Achievement Awards from nominations
submitted by the state, cities, contractors, designers and
county contracting authorities.
|
print this page
e-mail this page
