The Iron Workers (IW) has announced participation in the annual national advocacy and educational event, Infrastructure Week, May 13-20, 2019, to call for immediate action in addressing the nation’s crumbling infrastructure. Across the country, hundreds of businesses, labor organizations, elected officials, and more came together to spread the message that we must #BuildForTomorrow. Investing in infrastructure is one of the issues that has the strongest bi-partisan support from voters, with more supporters wanting action from government on infrastructure than almost any other issue.
When it comes to agreeing on a national vision for infrastructure, and a plan to pay for it, there is a long way to go. Regional projects with implications for the national economy aren’t getting the funding they need. And state and local projects that depend on federal funding, loans, permitting, and new regulatory action, aren’t breaking ground. False starts, delayed starts, deferred maintenance, and inadequate levels of investment are putting our infrastructure, health and safety, and economy at risk. Cities, counties, states and the private sector are working hard, but need a strong, reliable federal partner to get the job done.
Now in its seventh year, the Infrastructure Week is uniting everyone to send one message to leaders in Washington and beyond; Let’s #BuildForTomorrow.
“The nation’s crumbling infrastructure is one of the most pressing issues of our time and requires immediate attention,” says IW General President Eric Dean. “We need political courage and bi-partisan support to fund any infrastructure plan. We need new sustainable revenue for the Highway Trust Fund.”
Over 11 percent of highway bridges in the U.S. are classified as structurally deficient. Without action, the next generation will be left with dangerous, unsafe infrastructure. It’s time to #BuildForTomorrow.