Andres M. Roda, American Society of Civil Engineers
I recently read the editorial “America’s economic ‘backbone’ is crumbling,” posted Oct. 6. As the chair of the 2007 New Jersey Infrastructure Report Card Committee, I want tothank you for raising awareness to imminent crisis of infrastructure decay.
Recent news events tell the story. Modern ships cannot enter NY/NJ ports because the Bayonne Bridge is too low to allow ships to cross safely. Crowded NJ Transit trains struggle to keep up with demand. Traffic jams on highways and interstates are increasing. Posted bridges force truckers to detour their routes through local roads. Posted bridges can also affect school bus and emergency vehicle routes. The list goes on and on.
New Jersey is in a precarious position, with many of the funding sources simply drying up. The Transportation Trust Fund is broke, the Environmental Infrastructure Trust Fund lacks the staffing and funds to secure financing for all eligible water/sewer projects, and the AmericanRecovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) has been sufficient to fund only a small fraction of the overall infrastructure need.
New Jersey needs a new plan.
Andres M. Roda, P.E.
Director, NJ Section
American Society of Civil Engineers

