On January 3, 2020, Mandy MacVey was quoted in Law360 on the key trends construction attorneys are keeping an eye on in the new year, including federal support for infrastructure projects.
According to the article, addressing the country's infrastructure is seen by some as a goal that crosses the political aisle for its potential economic impact and urgency. In a 2017 report, the American Society of Civil Engineers gave the U.S. a grade of D+ for its overall infrastructure, which includes assessments of the country's airports, schools, and drinking water systems.
On its website, the Biden transition team specifically mentions investing in the nation's infrastructure as part of its goal to address the dangers of climate change. The section says the incoming administration wants to help create millions of union jobs by encouraging projects that improve infrastructure, such as the country's roads, bridges, water systems, electricity grids, and universal broadband.
MacVey said that in the current economic environment — where many municipalities are making budget cuts and the private sector is similarly reluctant to make major investments — an infrastructure bill could be a bright spot for the construction industry.
"I think the expectation is that there will be a federal stimulus bill of some sort focusing on infrastructure and shovel-ready projects," MacVey said.
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