When my cousin and her husband moved from Michigan to Texas, she wondered if hurricanes in Houston destroy infrastructure like the freeze and thaw ruin our roads in Detroit. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), “Hurricanes can damage homes, buildings, and roads; cause power, water, and gas outages; pollute drinking water systems; damage infrastructure and lifelines; disrupt transportation routes and commercial supplies; cause environmental problems; and displace hundreds to thousands of people,”.
So yes, yes it does. Almost sounds worse than the abuse our roads get from all the salt that goes along with the freeze. It really does not matter where you are in the world, as our infrastructure will be affected by temperatures, weather, and our area’s most prominent natural disasters, which will inevitably come through.
However, issues will arise when it is finally time to upgrade the aging infrastructure that every state has. When any city experiences a resurgence of downtown living and economic growth like Detroit or Houston, the demand for infrastructure will continue to grow. People, business owners, and government agencies are all affected. Below are some tips for creating the most value when upgrading an existing aging infrastructure:
- Be prepared to know the unknown
- Be flexible and “flow with the design”
- Look to the future
The need to improve our crumbling infrastructure isn’t going away anytime soon since millions of United States citizens rely on roads, rails, and bridges every day for travel. Whether we’re going to work, picking up the kids from school, visiting the doctor, moving across town, or moving goods to various parts of the country, the necessity to improve the roads is undoubtedly imperative to the sustainability of our country.
From the U.S. White House, “From roads and transportation systems, to water and waste transport, to broadband, to the power grid, infrastructure enables the economy to function. Time and again, analyses quantifying the effects of this kind of public investment show that they support economic growth,”.
How can infrastructure be improved?
Firstly, we need to get the right people behind supporting improved infrastructure. People like politicians, lawmakers, local government, and community leaders must prioritize infrastructure upgrades.
Investment in advanced technologies, such as smart grids and sustainable construction materials, can lead to more resilient and efficient systems. Leveraging public-private partnerships could provide necessary funding while utilizing innovative methodologies.
Additionally, involving local communities in the planning process ensures that infrastructure meets the actual needs of the population and fosters a sense of ownership. Education and advocacy are also crucial to garner public support and investment in these projects. Here are a few ideas we found across the web:
- Create markets the markets for the projects and services
- Privatize infrastructure
- Enhance the look of infrastructure projects for private funding
- Overhaul for radical innovation and productivity growth
- Implement new technology
- Develop high-speed rail
- Improve surface transportation
- Continued infrastructure assessment and monitoring
We’re in a time when cities all around are starting to breathe new life into their urban centers, and a big reason behind this is the idea that boosting the heart of the city can help the local economy. There’s a lot to love about downtown living. However, as you move further from the core concept of “city living,” the appeal tends to wane.
How has infrastructure historically promoted inequality?
I’m not sure what it looks like in Houston. I’ll have to ask my cousin, but you can clearly see the difference in the roads and bridges within Detroit versus those in the more affluent suburbs outside of the City. It’s disgraceful, in my opinion. I understand that it depends on tax dollars, but Detroit is within Wayne County, which is the most populous county in Michigan.
Public Broadcasting Station (PBS) states, “One of the clearest examples of inequity in infrastructure is the interstate highway system… when it came to where those highways would be built, many communities of color were uprooted to make way for construction, Avila said. In a 2016 speech at the Center for American Progress, then-Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said the first two decades of the federal interstate system displaced 475,000 families and more than one million people.
One of those affected communities was Overtown, an economically and culturally vibrant Black neighborhood in Miami where about 10,000 people were displaced in order to build a section of Interstate 95,”.
My mom was a hippie and spoke freely of the disgraceful divide between the “haves” and the “have-nots.” She was a promoter of civil rights, equal rights, peace, love, and inclusion. What I know deep in my heart to be true about the inequality in infrastructure sickens me. How could we still be doing these atrocities to our fellow citizens? Hopefully, with the new plan, we will correct the wrongs of those who came before us.
Historically, disadvantaged communities have often borne the brunt of infrastructure projects that indeed benefit society at large but disrupt localized life significantly. As we move forward, it’s crucial to address these past wrongs and ensure inclusive planning. Ensure that the communities affected have a voice in decisions and that resources are equitably distributed. This is not just an ethical imperative but a practical one; resilient, inclusive infrastructure boosts the overall economy and enhances social cohesion.
Furthermore, modernization cannot be at odds with environmental sustainability. Integrating green practices in infrastructure development, like renewable energy sources and eco-friendly materials, makes both economic and environmental sense. It reduces long-term costs and ensures a healthier planet for future generations. Implementing these strategies could help our cities meet global sustainability goals.
Why infrastructure is important
The need for improved infrastructure is not going away anytime soon since millions of us rely on roads, rails, and bridges every day to travel to work, pick up our kids from school, or get to the doctor. The United States has come a long way since its inception, but many obstacles prevent us from achieving our potential for greatness.
As infrastructure continues to get older and more dangerous, it is time for our Government to take this issue seriously, but states and local governments will have to show the way if they fail to do so. To quote Michigan’s Governor, “Fix the damn roads.”
Infrastructure is more than just physical constructs; it’s the backbone of economic growth, social equity, and environmental stewardship. The importance of strategic planning, community involvement, and embracing technological advancements cannot be overstated. Through collaborative efforts, intelligent resource management, and an unwavering commitment to equity, we can build infrastructure that serves everyone efficiently.