Infrastructure

Build Resilient Infrastructure

We must revitalize our infrastructure to support the health of our people and our planet.

A 21st Century infrastructure will improve our quality of life from removing toxins like lead and asbestos from our homes to connecting communities with high-speed rail, to affordable high-speed internet for everyone.

  • The American Society of Civil Engineers assigned the United States a D+ grade when assessing our conditions of roads, airports and other infrastructure elements
  • We need a $2 trillion investment in our energy, water and transportation systems
  • The Highway Trust Fund is facing a shortfall of $18 billion
  • The Federal Communications Commission estimates indicate that $40 billion in funding is necessary to complete broadband internet service deployment so that 98 percent of the country has access to high-speed, reliable broadband

 

Vision and policy priorities

Transition to a 21st century infrastructure to transform our energy, water and transportation systems

  • Enact a comprehensive, bold infrastructure package that rebuilds our crumbling roads and bridges while also creating jobs, improving resiliency and investing in the green economy
  • Mandate local hiring in addition to raising the benchmark for locally prevailing wages in each area, increasing workers’ paychecks
  • Target employment for those who have been systematically shut out of economic growth
  • Invest in and prioritize communities of color and women-owned businesses, cooperatives and employee-owned firms, and community-owned and municipal enterprises

 

Address the national clean water crisis​

Our nation’s water infrastructure continues to age and suffer from a lack of repairs, while new water quality challenges are emerging and localities are being asked to do more with less support from their federal government.

  • Fully fund the Drinking Water and Clean Water State Revolving Funds
  • Create a new grant program for the repair and service of household drinking water wells
  • Increase funding to Indigenous governments for water infrastructure
  • Provide funding for public schools to test and replace drinking water infrastructure
  • Provide grants to replace lead service lines serving households

 

Ensure nationwide access to reliable, high-speed internet

  • Restore and protect Net Neutrality
  • Support the FCC’s “E-Rate” program which invests in broadband internet in rural, small towns, and underserved urban schools
  • Auto-enroll low-income American’s in the FCC’s lifeline program to make internet access more affordable and provide grants for these families to afford home computers or laptops so that they have the tools they need to fully participate in the economy
  • Provide digital health tools for health care professionals and remove geographic barriers for patient treatment
  • Provide a 21st century education for our youth, giving them the digital skills they need for a brighter future