WASHINGTON (March 2, 2021) — Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg called the upcoming boost to United States infrastructure a once-in-a-generation opportunity in an interview Tuesday.
“Of course, this is not the first time that a new administration has raised expectations and hopes around infrastructure,” Buttigieg said. “So, we’ve got make sure that this time we actually get to deliver. But I really believe because of the urgency of the moment, and frankly because of the impatience of the public, that with some support and prodding of Washington by local leaders like some of the folks we’re gathered with today, we really can get it done this time.”
Buttigieg also stated that his primary focus for the effort will be to “Fix it first.” This is in reference to what he called a “maintenance backlog” as infrastructure decay approaches $1 trillion in needed repairs.
This increased focus on infrastructure spending for the new administration comes as a debate continues about how to fix the aging American infrastructure and deal with changes to how the country gets around and connects with the world. Electric vehicles, the increased need for internet access, aging roads and bridges and electrical grid concerns are all problems that President Biden aims to solve with the upcoming increase on infrastructure spending.
