I intend to reintroduce a resolution urging the United States Congress to enact legislation to establish a new National Infrastructure Bank (NIB). Currently, the state of our Commonwealth’s infrastructure mirrors that of much of the nation. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) gave the country a C+ grade in its 2021 report card and estimated that the nation needs to spend $2.59 trillion to close the current infrastructure investment gap over the next 10 years.
The ASCE released their latest report where they gave Pennsylvania an overall grade of a C-, or "Mediocre: Requires Attention". Our grade remains the same from the 2018 report card, seeing little improvement across the spectrum of infrastructure sectors, with numerous key components of our state’s infrastructure grading lower than the overall. These include:
- D+ rating for bridges classified in poor condition;
- D- rating for wastewater collection and sewage treatment;
- D rating for transit service and supporting infrastructure;
- D rating for stormwater infrastructure; and,
- D rating for public drinking water systems.
Only the U.S. Congress can enact legislation to establish a National Infrastructure Bank to capitalize the estimated $5 trillion needed to bring our state and national infrastructure up to par. The financing of these projects and needs could repair and rebuild infrastructure not touched since government action during the Great Depression. This action not only built a vast amount of our country’s infrastructure, but also paved the way for the continued operation of our country’s industrial might, which was well prepared for massive demands and output in World War II.
Action has to be taken, and it is well beyond the capabilities of any one or several states to undertake on their own to address this growing problem. I urge you to join me in supporting this resolution, which will be disseminated to the Pennsylvania Congressional Delegation, the Governor, the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury and the President of the United States. Several other states and municipal governments have introduced NIB resolutions, with Alabama, California, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, New Jersey, and Nevada passing resolutions through at least one chamber.
Prior cosponsors of SR 145 of the 2023-24 Legislative Session included: Senators COSTA, HUGHES, TARTAGLIONE, SCHWANK, CAPPELLETTI, KANE, COLLETT, KEARNEY and COMITTA.