The recent closing of County Bridge CR20 on Old Lincoln Highway over Simon Run Creek north of Crescent highlights a major problem that localities across the country are facing due to a failure to substantially invest in our nation’s crumbling infrastructure. Whether it’s structurally deficient bridges, dams and levees or inadequate roads, airports and pipes, America’s infrastructure is insufficient and our leaders in Washington can no longer forsake responsibility when it comes to much-needed maintenance and improvements.

Like the residents in Pottawattamie County, everyday Americans are affected because officials deferred necessary upgrades until shutting down an important bridge was the only option.

First responders are forced to reroute, delaying emergency services. Businesses are left without customers as detours divert traffic from main roads. Lost revenue and time wasted in traffic will never be recovered.

Our infrastructure is the lifeblood of our economy. It impacts our quality of life, the competitiveness of our businesses, and the safety and security of our country. All this while spurring economic growth and creating well-paying jobs.

I urge Sen. Chuck Grassley, Sen. Joni Ernst and Rep. David Young to work in a bipartisan manner with the Iowa congressional delegation, their colleagues and the Trump administration to immediately address the nation’s infrastructure crisis.

Further delay is unacceptable to Iowans and the rest of the country.