Bipartisan infrastructure bill signed into law: Engineers weigh in
Two experts say the new law could correct historical infrastructure disparities.
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President Biden has signed the infrastructure bill into law after it passed in Congress earlier this month. The infrastructure law, while more modest than originally outlined, totals more than $1 trillion in spending on roads, rails, bridges, broadband, the power grid and clean, safe water.
Michigan Engineering experts say the investment is a major opportunity to correct mistakes and assist those with greatest need.
Improvements that truly serve all
“We must not continue to neglect the many communities that already struggle with mobility for their residents,” said James Sayer, the director of U-M Transportation Research Institute.
“Whether it is communities of color, rural communities or those with significant socioeconomic disparities, we must ensure that all Americans benefit from the infrastructure improvements. This is an opportunity to correct some wrongs of the past and make improvements—first and foremost, for those already without adequate infrastructure.”
Sustainable water solutions
“The funds provided by the infrastructure bill will have a direct and rapid impact on critical needs for Michigan’s water infrastructure,” said Nancy Love, a professor of civil and environmental engineering. “I hope the state makes the most of this opportunity to address historic water infrastructure investment disparities while also advancing innovative water solutions that are more sustainable.”
Love is the Borchardt and Glysson Collegiate Professor and JoAnn Silverstein Distinguished University Professor of Environmental Engineering, as well as a licensed professional engineer with expertise in water quality engineering and design as it pertains to wastewater and drinking water systems.