[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 86 (Thursday, May 18, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E660]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          INVESTING IN AMERICA'S FUTURE THROUGH INFRASTRUCTURE

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 18, 2017

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to act to 
improve the sad state of our nation's infrastructure.
   This week is national infrastructure week, where we recognize 
America's infrastructure. Sadly, what we have to recognize isn't 
particularly positive.
   This year's infrastructure grade from the American Society of Civil 
Engineers is a ``D+.'' Sound infrastructure is literally and 
figuratively the foundation of our nation's economy. We must do better 
than a D+.
   We know from our country's history that infrastructure projects move 
forward most effectively when local, state, and federal governments all 
do their part.
   We, in California, are no strangers to infrastructure problems 
caused by a lack of investment, but we are stepping up to make crucial 
improvements. In my district, Merced, Madera, and Fresno counties have 
all increased their local sales taxes in order to pay for crucial road 
repairs, new roads and highways, and other essential transportation 
projects. Last month California enacted a bill to increase the state 
gas tax and vehicle fees to pay for road, bridge, and other 
transportation improvement projects. Clearly these tough decisions come 
with policy implications and political risks. This includes Governor 
Brown's decision to pursue high speed rail, which the President 
supports.
   There is a reason we are no longer investing in our infrastructure, 
and it is lack of political will.
   Now it is time for the federal government to face this challenge 
head on, and we know we can because we have begun the process in 
California.
   In the Valley, we have serious challenges with our water 
infrastructure. We need significant improvements to our water storage, 
water delivery, and drinking water systems. We have taken some initial 
steps to resolve these challenges, by acting at the state and federal 
level. In 2014, California passed Proposition 1, which authorized $7.12 
billion for state water infrastructure projects. Late last year, after 
years of hard work by myself and my colleagues in the California 
delegation, the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act, 
or the WIIN Act, became law. This law authorizes vital water projects 
across the country, including projects in the Valley, such as 
additional storage at the New Exchequer Dam and San Luis Reservoir in 
Merced County and increased funding for water recycling projects, like 
the North Valley Regional Recycled Water Program, which will provide 
50,000 acre-feet of new water for Merced and Stanislaus counties.
   Although more must be done to improve California's infrastructure, 
this good first step demonstrates the type of success we can achieve 
when all levels of government work to do their part on a bipartisan 
basis.
   President Trump has stated that significant investment in 
infrastructure is one of his Administration's highest priorities. This 
is an opportunity for Congress and the Administration to work together 
on a bipartisan basis to invest in the future of our nation.
   But he must be more specific about the breadth and width of his 
vision. He needs to answer the following questions: How much will it 
cost? Where will the money come from? How will he incentivize state and 
local governments to come up with matching funds and get the private 
sector to invest? Equally important, what will the breakdown of 
investment be in the various types of infrastructure, such as 
transportation, port and harbor, and water infrastructure?
   If the President works with members of Congress to create a serious 
and smart plan here, there is great possibility for bipartisan support 
because no bridge, road, or dam is Democratic or Republican.

                          ____________________