Build

Having emerged from the worst recession in generations, we must do what we can to broaden the recovery and spur job creation across the country. We also must look to the future and prepare to create the jobs and industries of tomorrow in an increasingly competitive global economy. That will take out-building the rest of the world; in today’s global economy, infrastructure is critical to economic growth and competitiveness.
- President Barack Obama, State of the Union, 1/25/11

To build the infrastructure we need to win the future, the Budget includes:

As part of a $556 billion comprehensive surface transportation bill, the Budget creates hundreds of thousands of jobs in the short term with a $50 billon up-front investment; establishes a National Infrastructure Bank to support projects of national importance; and brings access to high-speed rail to 80 percent of Americans within 25 years.
- Consolidates 60 duplicative, often earmarked programs into five. Investment will only be made if bipartisan financing is found to ensure that it does not increase the deficit.
Builds a next-generation, wireless broadband network to bring high-speed Internet access to 98 percent of Americans, and establish an interoperable network for public safety.
- Plan is fully paid for, and the sale of spectrum provides nearly $10 billion for deficit reduction.

Infrastructure Investments

To attract new businesses to our shores, we need the fastest, most reliable ways to move people, goods, and information -- from high-speed rail to high-speed Internet. Our infrastructure used to be the best, but our lead has slipped… We have to do better. America is the nation that built the transcontinental railroad, brought electricity to rural communities, constructed the Interstate Highway System. The jobs created by these projects didn’t just come from laying down track or pavement. They came from businesses that opened near a town’s new train station or the new off-ramp.

Infrastructue Investments as a percentage of gross national profit

White House White Board

In this White House White Board Austan Goolsbee, Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, explains the National Wireless Initiative, which will help America win the future by building a 21st Century infrastructure.

Vice President Biden & Transportation Secretary LaHood on High Speed Rail Investments

Vice President Joe Biden speaks about the Administration’s plan to build a 21st century infrastructure with investments in roads, bridges and high-speed rail as he visits Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station.

Read the blog post