U.S. Physical Infrastructure: CRS Experts (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
April 25, 2017 |
| Report Number |
R44833 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
A nation's physical infrastructure (for example, its transportation, water, energy, and communications systems and structures) serves as arteries for its economic and societal activity. The infrastructure of the United States was considered to be among the finest in the world, as post-World War II growth saw large amounts of investment in much of that infrastructure. Since all infrastructure structures and equipment have a finite useful life, some would say that functionality of U.S. infrastructure has declined over time.
Estimates of cost to meet the needs of the infrastructure sectors come from a variety of sources, and are based on a number of different methodologies. These estimates generally do not consider the potential effects of measures that could limit demand for infrastructure, such as imposing variable tolls on highways (to discourage driving at times when roads are at capacity) and encouraging household energy conservation (to reduce the need for new power transmission and distribution lines).
Not all U.S. infrastructures depend on federal investment for maintenance or modernization. Different ownership and investment models can and do exist within the various infrastructure sectors. Some infrastructure sectors depend on state or local government for funding, while other sectors are entirely financed by private sector investment. In some sectors, it is ultimately the taxpayer or ratepayer who pays for infrastructure (as the cost of infrastructure is incorporated into the price charged) or the user of that infrastructure (if there are fees). For a general discussion of what constitutes infrastructure and the federal role, see CRS In Focus IF10592, Infrastructure Investment and the Federal Government, by William J. Mallett.
Given the potential links between infrastructure investment and economic performance, the Trump Administration has stated its intent to rebuild U.S. infrastructure. Congress has held initial hearings to evaluate infrastructure needs, and is planning further hearings to review federal funding for physical infrastructure.
