Imagine the U.S. crisscrossed with rapid, efficient, and accessible high-speed passenger trains. That is the ambition of the nation’s youngest Secretary of Transportation, Pete Buttigieg. Vision-casting in February, Buttigieg said he wants the United States to be “leading the world when it comes to access to high-speed rail.” This comment…
The federal government has spent vast resources to build and maintain the current administrative state, provide for defense, meet healthcare obligations, and more. With trillions allocated each year, spending often overtakes revenues creating massive deficits as much as a trillion dollars. But there is another trillion-dollar deficit that is draining…
The rail system has been used to transport freight since the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad became the first to commercially transport passengers and freight in 1827. Since then, rail has become a crucial part of transporting goods, growing in economic volume moved and longer trains. The rail industry’s evolution has…
Washington, D.C, June 16, 2021 — The Alliance for Innovation and Infrastructure (Aii) released its newest policy brief, America’s Top Infrastructure Challenges. The brief details top areas of infrastructure that need the attention of industry participants, state officials, and the federal government. Aii identified five infrastructure components that are most…
When ordinary folks or even experienced policymakers discuss natural resources, what specifically comes to mind? While minerals, oil wells, mines, and rich agricultural land come to mind for some, the term “natural resources” has seemingly undergone an evolution in meaning in the last few decades. This shift carries with it…
Excavation damages to underground infrastructure – or more simply, digging projects that hit things like pipelines and internet cables – are on a five year upswing. Every year, more sensitive and critical infrastructure is being struck, damaged, and shuttered. Shovels and power tools breaking ground and hitting these unseen service…
Railroads have served the needs of people and commerce in the United States for nearly 200 years. Since 1827, when the first steam-powered locomotive debuted, to America’s original 13-mile track and beyond, rail has been on a continuous journey of improvement. Today, approximately 139,679 miles of track facilitate the movement…
Seemingly the only area of public policy left unmarred by partisan politics is infrastructure. Both sides of the aisle agree that infrastructure maintenance, resilience, and investment are essential. While partisan differences emerge when defining the scope of infrastructure or the price tag, there is clear bipartisan support for revitalizing American…
PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release: Tuesday, May 25, 2021 CONTACT: John Cassibry, jcassibry@aii.org Washington, D.C, May 25, 2021 — The Alliance for Innovation and Infrastructure (Aii) released its newest policy brief, Building Back Better And Protecting What We’ve Built. The brief details the rising nationwide crisis of excavation damage…
The Biden Administration Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary, Jennifer Granholm, said Tuesday that “pipe is the best way to go” to transport fuel. The comments were made in response to the Colonial pipeline shuttering service due to a ransomware attack. The context is important, as Secretary Granholm’s comments were specific…
The recent Colonial pipeline cyber attack and ensuing disruption implicates excavation damage prevention. As industry stakeholders continue to strengthen their damage prevention systems, greater use and reliance on effective technology will be critical. Damage Prevention is the overarching process of avoiding harm to pipelines and other underground infrastructure when digging…
The word infrastructure can mean different things to different people. To some, infrastructure refers to the roads, railways, and other transportation systems that connect us. To others, it is the schools, hospitals, and physical buildings that are occupied by organizations that serve society. Both are correct, given that the word…
Potholes. Steel plates. Grooved pavement. Faults in America’s roadways seem to be increasingly common, as does the traffic from road work. The roadways that connect our homes, businesses, cities, and states are a crucial part of America’s infrastructure, but seem to be in terrible condition. Is it really as bad…
The relationship between pipelines and land is a central point of discussion whenever pipelines are in the headlines. Those who oppose pipelines may argue that pipelines infringe on private land, and those in favor of pipelines may point to the legal process designed to protect private citizens’ land from being…
The ground we walk on is covered with asphalt for roads, concrete for sidewalks, and is naturally decorated with grass, flowers, shrubs, and trees. Intermingled within are telephone polls, electricity wires, buildings, and other structures requiring power. We all understand that natural organisms have roots that ground them…
