Brian McGuire: Lanesboro Dam Highlights U.S. Infrastructure Crisis
The Winona Daily New in Winona, MN published this article from Brian P. McGuire, president & CEO Associated Equipment Distributors.
The Winona Daily News’ recent article documenting the 150-year-old Lanesboro dam’s deteriorating condition (Legislators look at leaky Lanesboro Dam, April 14) 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 dams, levees and bridges 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 of Lanesboro, all Americans are affected because officials deferred necessary upgrades, putting lives and the local economy at risk. Each day parents leave for work or drop off their children at school worrying that the dam’s imminent failure could shatter the community.
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. Amy Klobuchar, Sen. Al Franken and Rep. Tim Walz to work in a bipartisan manner with the Minnesota congressional delegation, their colleagues and the Trump administration to immediately address the nation’s infrastructure crisis. Further delay is unacceptable to Minnesotans and the rest of the country.
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