AEM urges lawmakers to reclaim U.S. infrastructure advantage

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), based in Milwaukee, has released “The U.S. Infrastructure Advantage™,” a report that outlines steps lawmakers should take to reclaim the country's infrastructure advantage.

With the U.S. currently ranked 11th in the world in infrastructure competitiveness, equipment manufacturers believe it is essential to modernize and rebuild America's core infrastructure network to retain the country’s position as the world's strongest economy.

The report 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 Dennis Slater, AEM president. "Our infrastructure competitiveness and our economic competitiveness are linked. This set of policy recommendations … speaks to that connection and outlines what government officials should be thinking about as they consider future legislation."

The report offers five key steps that policymakers and infrastructure stakeholders can use to ensure that policy proposals help bolster U.S. infrastructure:

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.

The report also provides firsthand perspectives from equipment manufacturers about the importance of infrastructure to the U.S. economy.

"Equipment manufacturers depend on an efficient infrastructure system—directly in their day-to-day operations, as well as indirectly to sustain the economic health of other sectors that rely on our industry," added Slater. "They also make the equipment that builds and supports U.S. infrastructure construction and operation."

The report was developed by a task force of executives from the equipment manufacturing industry following a two-year process of discussion and engagement with a variety of infrastructure stakeholders.