The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) has unveiled a new policy report for the country called “The U.S. Infrastructure Advantage™” which makes the case for a U.S. infrastructure system that supports the safe and efficient movement of people and goods; provides connectivity between and within rural and urban America; and fosters strong economic growth and robust job creation.

“The United States once had an infrastructure system that was the envy of the world,” said AEM President Dennis Slater. “Now we are really are living off the past of that infrastructure. Over the last decade we’ve been doing nothing more than repairing and doing patch work.”

The report offers five key areas to help reclaim the U.S. Infrastructure Advantage:
1. Focus on networks and systems
2. Maximize use of smart technology
3. Ensure rural-urban connectivity
4. Expedite project delivery
5. Provide adequate and reliable resources

Slater says they have been very encouraged by President Trump’s interest in infrastructure improvement and his plan released last week. “The president’s plan probably touches on each of these areas,” said Slater. “He mentioned infrastructure on the night he was elected and that gave us hope finally that it was part of the conversation.”

The report was developed following a two-year process of discussion and engagement with a wide range of infrastructure stakeholders through AEM’s Infrastructure Vision 2050 thought-leadership initiative.

Slater explains more in this interview: Interview with AEM president Dennis Slater