By Rahul Bhushan, Managing Director and Global Head of Index at ARK Invest Europe
The recent collapse of the Baltimore Bridge has starkly highlighted the crumbling state of America’s infrastructure, sparking a nationwide introspection about the resilience and safety of our structural backbone. This incident, while rare, underscores a broader, alarming trend of infrastructure neglect that risks public safety, economic stability and national prosperity.
America’s infrastructure, once the envy of the world, now teeters on the brink of failure. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has given the nation’s infrastructure a “C-minus” in its 2021 report card, noting an infrastructure investment gap of nearly $2.6 trillion needed this decade.
Without addressing this gap, the U.S. could face $10 trillion in lost GDP by 2039 (Source: Council on Foreign Relations). This is not merely a matter of inconvenience but a critical economic issue that could stunt growth and competitiveness for years to come.
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) of 2021 represents a significant step forward, allocating $40 billion for bridge repairs and a total of $1.2 trillion for various infrastructure improvements (Source: Brookings). Yet, this investment, while historic, barely scratches the surface of the estimated $320 billion needed to modernise America’s bridges alone (Source: Transportation.gov).
Not just bridges and roads
The crumbling infrastructure is not just about bridges and roads— water systems, electrical grids and internet access all fall dangerously short of serving the public’s needs. For example, the Environmental Protection Agency estimates that drinking water and wastewater systems require at least $744 billion in investment over the next decade (Source: Council on Foreign Relations).
Moreover, millions of Americans in rural and low-income communities lack reliable, fast internet access, despite the IIJA’s commitment to invest $45 billion in broadband infrastructure by 2030 (Source: Council on Foreign Relations).
Internationally, the United States lags its peers in infrastructure quality and investment. U.S. passenger trains, for instance, average just half the speed of Europe’s high-speed rails. U.S. airports fare no better, with only one ranking among the top fifty worldwide. This gap in infrastructure quality not only affects the quality of life for Americans but also hampers the country’s competitive edge on the global stage (Source: Council on Foreign Relations).
Despite the IIJA’s ambitious scope, its execution is pivotal. As of its two-year anniversary, the implementation is hitting its stride, with $306 billion already injected into state coffers and direct investment projects. Yet, with competitive grant making steadily increasing, careful prioritisation of projects that deliver long-term value is essential (Source: Brookings).
In the quest to rejuvenate America’s infrastructure, the roles of public-private partnerships (PPPs) and the commitment to sustainable development cannot be overstated. PPPs unlock private sector innovation and capital, expediting projects that might otherwise languish in the planning stages. This collaboration can introduce cutting-edge technologies and efficiencies, offering a robust response to the current infrastructure deficit.
Sustainability forms the cornerstone of future infrastructure projects, embedding resilience against climate change and ensuring equitable access to improved services. By prioritising green energy, efficient public transport and smart water management, we’re not just repairing the old but forging a new path that respects our environmental limits and social needs.
Thus, the IIJA signals a new era of infrastructure development—one that leverages both private ingenuity and public commitment to sustainability. This balanced approach promises not only to mend our physical structures but to transform them into resilient, inclusive networks that propel us into a sustainable future, setting a global standard for infrastructure development.
Investment opportunity
The U.S. is not alone in its urgent need for a comprehensive infrastructure overhaul. The investment gap of approximately $2.6 trillion in the U.S. highlights a massive opportunity for companies spanning various sectors, from construction and transportation to technology and utilities.
For instance, Ormat Technologies, a leader in geothermal energy, offers a sustainable solution to the growing demand for renewable energy sources. SBA Communications and Crown Castle Inc, with their extensive portfolios of communication towers, are pivotal in enhancing the nation’s digital infrastructure, ensuring broader and more reliable internet coverage.
Additionally, American Water Works represents a prime example of investing in water infrastructure, a critical yet often overlooked component of the U.S.’s infrastructure puzzle. These companies exemplify the diverse investment avenues available to those looking to contribute to the vital funding needed for U.S. infrastructure, promising not only to bridge the current gap but also to pave the way for a more sustainable and technologically advanced future.
