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ANALYSIS/OPINION:
The infrastructure in China is impressive. My recent
visit extremely impacted my perspective on the overall transportation
systems in the United States as I witness that China has a big
advantage with their wonderful airports, road systems and with their
unique Shanghai Maglev Train. I had the opportunity to ride on the
world’s fastest commercial train; it has maintained its record since
2004.
The train can speed up to 268 mph and can quickly travel 19 miles in
a short 7.5 minutes. This strategy saves valuable time and achieves
results that are more cost effective. We in America must satisfy
society and provide transportation methods that reflect the rapid
developments of the 21st century. Time is of the essence and we know
that fast turnaround ultimately closes the deal efficiently and
effectively. It was instructive to experience firsthand how a quicker
transportation system adds a lot of value to commerce — and for
traveling passengers as well. We need an innovative system to compete
with other leading countries around the world.
Private and public partnerships in transportation are key components
for government to obtain effective results. Partnerships will create
leverage for private sector entities to financially develop our
economy by integrating resources and also creating jobs. The overall
improvement of the U.S. infrastructure, particularly state and local
transit, can be made possible by partnering with public entities such
as non-profits to implement immediate results.
A source of revenue such as tolls or other public revenue is required
to pay back private investments, and the outcomes are likely to be
extremely rewarding. Our global economy thrives on time-saving
innovations. The quicker transport of goods inevitably leads to
increased productivity. By initiating and implementing new structures
in transportation a significant value would be added to our nation’s
infrastructure.
Private and public partnerships share a vision to regain our global
leadership in transportation such as the one we had in aviation for
so long. The country at large needs better trains and roadway
systems. We must also effectively secure our bridges to help
transport people and products in a timely fashion.
Intrastate commerce will also increase with an improved
infrastructure system. Our leaders should support President Trump’s
infrastructure plans for economic development with American labor,
energy, iron and steel industries. Nurturing existing private and
public partnerships as well as establishing new partnerships is
fundamental. Funding is being allocated to complete current projects
and to begin future projects on much needed improved roads, bridges,
tunnels, highways and airports.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration is working on accounting for
federal taxpayer dollars to ensure the progress of infrastructure
projects. Prioritizing local and state needs is a pressing concern
now since there are multiple action items lined up to address the
nation’s infrastructure problems. Last night, at a dinner with Mr.
Trump and a group of bipartisan U. S. senators including Sen. Joe
Manchin, West Virginia Democrat. Mr. Manchin has publicly pressed for
U.S. infrastructure buildup and was front and center in their
discussion.
President Trump is working in a proactive way to address many of his
priorities, and infrastructure buildup must be a bipartisan effort as
it is a winning issue for America, not simply a Republican or
Democratic initiative.
As Trump recently stated, new building projects inspire Americans,
and introducing new technology to our daily transportation needs will
elevate our global standing into the 21st century. The Chinese are
grateful for their commercial train system, and soon we will be able
to compete with their efficiency. At the same time, producing new
projects would create jobs and wealth in the U.S. The president and
Congress must come together to address the urgency of prioritizing
and executing actions immediately. I am certain our global economy
will flourish significantly once we are able to transport passengers
and goods efficiently throughout the entire nation.
• Art Estopinan, president of The Estopinan Group, is a
contributor to the American Project, School of Public Policy, at
Pepperdine University.
Copyright © 2017 The Washington Times, LLC.
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