Desert, rainforest the coastline within a four or five-hour drive to Seattle. You have virtually every known type of terrain. It s very unique in that way. To accommodate significant population growth, well-planned and adequately maintained capital infrastructure is vital. But while withholding investment may temporarily slow the influx of people and inhibit economic activity, it also causes leap-frog development, sprawl, and poorly planned communities, compromising the integrity of existing systems, jeopardizing public safety, economic vitality, and, ultimately, our quality of life.
Infrastructure is like clean air and water.
Everyone takes it for granted until there is an obvious problem. Unfortunately, local and national studies tell us that problems with our infrastructure have become obvious. Assessments show roads, bridges, water systems, and waste disposal facilities as well as dams, schools, airports, and transit systems need billions of dollars of repairs, upgrades, and additions. The worst mark an F went to schools. Roads and hazardous waste received D minuses.