WASHINGTON — The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) is calling on Congress to invest in the U.S. infrastructure in order to create jobs and help the economy. According to the organization, the nation’s lack of investment in critical infrastructure systems is costing the American public time and money and affecting quality of life. AGC listed roadways, bridges, electrical grids, drinking water systems, and public works to be in desperate need of repair.

“We can’t have a first-class economy without a first-class infrastructure,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, AGC CEO. “The federal investment in our nation’s infrastructure has not kept pace with inflation. The needs for building and maintaining safe and efficient roadways and sufficient energy distribution, and providing for our nation’s drinking water and wastewater needs must be a national priority.”

The recommendation from AGC comes after the recent release of the American Society of Civil Engineers’ (ASCE’s) 2003 Progress Report for America’s Infrastructure. According to the report, little progress has been made since the organization’s 2001 report, which rated 12 infrastructure categories at a D+ grade overall, with an estimated need for a $1.3 trillion investment to bring conditions to acceptable levels.