By Arthur Holst, Ph.D., Governmental Affairs Manager, Philadelphia Water Department

In 2008, Pennsylvania finds itself in a precarious position due to long overlooked framework by which this state operates—its infrastructure.

It’s true that we’ve seen no great infrastructure disasters thus far. And one could argue that we might not see one just yet, that Pennsylvania infrastructure can tough it out a few more years. But then again, why risk it?

Our infrastructure is already falling behind that of other states, and no one’s sure how long the infrastructure we have will last. To remain competitive with other states in 2008, Pennsylvania must start offering superior infrastructure.

As we enter 2008, Pennsylvanians are left with systems that are in decline. The state cannot expect to attract businesses and citizens if it continues to present aging water and road networks. And as these resources age, maintenance costs only go up as more funds are required to keep them running.

Water, wastewater, solid waste, and hazardous waste management systems are beginning to crumble and require renewal, if not complete replacement, to ensure the health and safety of Pennsylvania’s citizens. Drinking water and wastewater infrastructure need $24 billion over the next twenty years.

Our state has 757 high-hazard dams that require about $650 million just to rehabilitate the most critical structures. Around 46 percent of Pennsylvania’s major roads are in mediocre or poor condition, which directly cost Pennsylvania drivers $2.8 billion in additional repairs. Some 42 percent of bridges in Pennsylvania are “structurally deficient or functionally obsolete”. This causes traffic backups during repairs and endangers motorists.

Our infrastructure is in desperate need of attention.

If nothing is done soon, accidents, such as the Interstate 35W Bridge collapse in Minnesota, may wait just around the corner.

The onset of 2008 is a bright opportunity to turn the situation around, and begin taking the right steps toward effective, sustainable infrastructure. Not only would renewal retain the quality of Pennsylvania’s infrastructure and its status within the U.S., but there are undeniable benefits to future upkeep costs, public wellbeing, the economy, and the environment.

When infrastructure is renewed, it is engineered to be more efficient by raising productivity, lowering maintenance costs, and increasing lifespan. These effects will reduce long-term expenses substantially, and eventually save more than the one-time cost of renewal.

The benefits extend to public wellbeing by creating safer roadways, cleaner drinking water, visual splendor, etc. These effects protect constituents against diseases, accidents, and other misfortunes, thus lowering healthcare, emergency rescue, and other costs.

The economy gains by attracting investment that adds to income and property taxes to all levels of government. Lastly, the environment is in need of consideration that was not offered when current infrastructure was designed.

Today, the public, private, and governmental sectors are concerned with how we are affecting our environment, and infrastructure renewal would allow more ecologically mindful designs to be implemented.

The present-day road to this kind of reform is not easy. Pennsylvania’s budget is already strained, and prior policy has led to a lack of the fundamental internal budgetary mechanisms to fund infrastructure renewal. Certainly grant applications and increased lobbying efforts for more federal funding are possible.

Budget appropriations could be made to increase financial support for infrastructure renewal. Funding will likely come from tactical changes that will cause controversy.

Tax increases, particularly the gas tax has been discussed, given the already high gas prices and the fact that Pennsylvania already has some of the highest gas taxes in the country.

Another idea is to make Interstate 80, which travels eastwardly across Pennsylvania’s middle, a toll road. Nearby citizens and businesses are already expressing concerns about extensive costs they will incur if the much-frequented highway begins to weigh into their pockets.

Unfortunately, there is no one solution that will please everyone this year. A serious effort at funding major infrastructure renewal is no longer an option—it is a necessity.

We must make a change in 2008 for Pennsylvania’s future benefit.

Arthur Holst, Ph.D., Governmental Affairs Manager, Philadelphia Water Department, can be contacted by writing 504 Overhill Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19116, calling 215-685-6143 or by sending email to: Arthur.holst@phila.gov .

1/4/2008