Long-range public investment
Subtitle: the forgotten legacy of the New Deal
By: Robert D. Leighninger Jr
Series: Social problems and social issues; Social problems and social issues (Columbia, S.C.)
Publisher: University of South Carolina Press
Published: 2007
Place of publication: Colombia, S.C
Language: eng
Number of pages: 265
ISBN-13: 9781570036637
Subjects: Public works -- United States -- History -- 20th century; New Deal, 1933-1939; United States -- Economic conditions -- 1918-1945
Description: In this comprehensive survey combining architectural and social policy studies, Robert D. Leighninger Jr. reappraises the enduring achievements of public investment during the New Deal era. Leighninger argues that, though these initiatives produced the lasting backbone of the U.S. physical and cultural infrastructure, the value of these long-range investments is now being forgotten. In response Leighninger systematically assesses the schools, housing, bridges, roads, power plants, courthouses, hospitals, museums, stadiums, zoos, parks, and other public facilities built under the auspices of the New Deal. Many of the structures are still in use today. Although a multitude of studies have focused on specific agencies, Leighninger offers an exhaustive survey of all the building agencies established as part of the New Deal. In addition to reviewing the large- and small-scale objectives of such operations as the Public Works Administration, Civilian Conservation Corps, Works Progress Administration, and Tennessee Valley Authority, Leighninger applies the New Deal experience to current public policy issues. He evaluates the impact of public works on stimulating the economy, the role of public jobs in a national employment policy, the means of financing infrastructure, and the paradox of viewing public works as "pork." Leighninger concludes that the physical accomplishments of the New Deal have served as the core of the U.S. education, health, recreation, transportation, justice, and civic administration facilities for decades. These findings, he contends, will not only remind current generations of their indebtedness to the New Deal programs but also spark renewed debate about the long-range implications of public works versus pork barrel politics. -- Back cover.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index
Table of contents: title: Programs. Public works in American history ; The Civilian Conservation Corps, 1933-42 ; The Public Works Administration, 1933-35 ; The Civil Works Administration, 1933-34 ; The Works Progress Administration, 1935-43 ; The Public Works Administration, 1935-42 ; The Tennessee Valley Authority, 1933- ; Housing ; Resettlement; title: Issues. Economic stimulus ; Public jobs ; Federalism ; The paradox of pork