I’ve written a few times about how infrastructure is a topic that doesn’t receive the attention it deserves.  Not only can proper infrastructure stimulate the economy, it also has the power to make or break quality of life for people, especially if those individuals reside in marginalized communities.

So far, the Olympic Games in Rio have provided another example of just how crucial reliable and responsible infrastructure is.  The Associated Press conducted a five-month long investigation into the “chronically polluted” water where some of the events are set to take place.  A photo taken by British photographer Giles Prices brings attention to just how much the sewage and trash runoff from the construction has poisoned the water due to the expedited construction.  The Olympics have been so expensive for Brazil to host that the government will not be able to repair the damage the construction has caused.

For reasons like this, as many as 60% of Brazilians feel that the Olympic Games will ultimately do more harm to Brazil than good.  Specifically targeted infrastructure improves economic conditions because it can make transportation easier and provide jobs.  In Rio, much of the infrastructure will not benefit the local population and has been riddled with issues.  Some delegations recently abandoned their housing at the Games due to “abysmal living conditions” after encountering apartments with no hot water, faulty plumbing, and exposed wiring making it questionable whether the apartments will be useful after the games.

The ten-mile rail line installed near Olympic park is behind schedule, over budget, and is not one of the areas surrounding Rio that really needs more reliable transportation.  As the New York Times explains, extending that line meant not being able to install transportation where it was most needed because of the cost.  On top of all of this, the Washington Post warns that Brazil is not comparatively equipped to prevent and combat terrorist threats.  The poor infrastructure and civil unrest only make this worse.  Proper planning as well as making reliable infrastructure part of the priority agenda would mitigate all of these issues.

The United States ought to be looking carefully at the trials and difficulties of implemting a cohesive infrastructure policy from other developed nations. If Rio is an example of ineptitude and dire conditions, nations like France and Germany lead the way in developing vast high speed rail networks, high auto networks, impressive waterways and water delivery systems, and advanced build tunnels and bridges. China now is known for its impressive airports. Isn’t it time for an Eisenhower style infrastructure overhaul and advancement, as was delivered in the 50’s with our national highway system?

The time has come to lay out a BRAZEN plan for mass transit connecting major cities, from high speed railways to a revised air traffic corridor to rejuvenated and rebuilt tunnels, bridges, bold new airports, and in addition, an improved water and sewage management system. We are a great nation and we should once again showcase to the world that greatness by building, building, building.

With confidence, a revised and rebuilt infrastructure in the USA will lift the national psyche and provide a host of new employment to thousands upon thousands of citizens at a time of wage stagnation, economic unease, and international unrest. Instead of following Brazil through mindnumbing red tape and corruption, lets demonstrate the American spirit of drive and delivery.

Relax the regulation, partner the state to private industry, develop a renewed strategic plan and get started now. We must do it.