Thompson calls for infrastructure investment

Eureka Times Standard

North Coast Congressman Mike Thompson insisted Wednesday, during a Committee on Ways and Means, that any additional economic stimulus package passed by the U.S. Congress include a significant investment in infrastructure.

”Investing in infrastructure is one of the best ways to create and sustain good-paying jobs,” Thompson said in a press release. “Every dollar we invest in infrastructure gives our economy a 59 percent return. Putting people to work fixing our aging roads and bridges and shoring up our levies will also build the foundation for future economic expansion.”

By focusing on projects that are ready to begin construction immediately, the American economy would receive an immediate boost, the country's ailing infrastructure would receive much-needed improvements and these projects would serve the needs of America for decades, according to the release from Thompson's office.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, $1 billion in infrastructure funding generates $1.3 billion of employment income and supports more than 36,000 jobs.

According to Thompsons' office, there are projects across the 1st Congressional District that would be eligible for this economic stimulus funding.

”These projects are more than job creators, they are also vitally important to our safety and security,” Thompson said in the release. “For example, if the levies in the Sacramento Delta were to break, towns would be underwater and 60 percent of Californians would be without drinking water. Investing in infrastructure just makes sense.”