Friday, August 10, 2007


Aug. 10, 2007 (US Newswire delivered by Newstex) --

To: TRANSPORTATION EDITORS

Contact: Joan Buhrman of the American Society of Civil Engineers, +1-703-295-6406, jbuhrman@asce.org

Civil Engineers Say Proposed Legislation Would Be One Important Part of Solution for the Nation's Infrastructure Systems


RESTON, Va., Aug. 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Statement attributable to Bill Marcuson, Ph.D., P.E., Hon.M.ASCE, president of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE):


'Sadly, it takes a terrible tragedy like the collapse of the I-35W bridge in Minneapolis to focus national attention on what has become an increasingly serious problem: the deteriorating and aging condition of the bridges, dams, energy, roads, water and other infrastructure systems we rely on every day.


'The announcement by Representative Oberstar (D-Minn.) of legislation to immediately address the public safety issues posed by the National Highway System's structurally deficient bridges is a promising display of support that has often been lacking on this issue, and will no doubt be a great service to the American public. However, it is essential to remember that this legislation, while a good first step, is not the sole solution.


'Successfully and efficiently addressing the nation's infrastructure issues, bridges and highways included, will require a long-term, comprehensive nationwide strategy - including identifying potential financing methods and investment requirements. For the safety and security of our families, we, as a nation, can no longer afford to ignore this growing problem. We must demand leadership from our elected officials, because without action, aging infrastructure represents a growing threat to public health, safety and welfare, as well as to the economic well-being of our nation.'


For more information on ASCE's Report Card for America's Infrastructure and ActionPlan for the 110th Congress, please visit:  http://www.asce.org/reportcard.


Founded in 1852, the American Society of Civil Engineers represents more than 140,000 civil engineers worldwide and is America's oldest national engineering society. In March 2005, ASCE released its 2005 Report Card for America's Infrastructure, with grades in 15 categories. For more information, visit  http://www.asce.org.





SOURCE American Society of Civil Engineers

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