It is more important than ever for our country to invest in areas that help get more people back to work. Lawmakers should prioritize the passage and implementation of a comprehensive infrastructure program that would immediately provide employment opportunities for many Americans.

The U.S. was in dire need of these upgrades even before the economic impacts of covid-19. Data from the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) revealed infrastructure investment before the pandemic was only one-third of what it was in 1960. The NAM estimates that underinvestment in U.S. infrastructure worsens by the year.

This is an important issue for manufacturers, who are currently relying on outdated roads, bridges, waterways, ports, runways and drinking water systems, many of which are more than 50 years old. More than 54,000 bridges across the U.S. are rated “structurally deficient” according to NAM. Roadways, ports and waterways are in disrepair. The American Society of Civil Engineers released a report card in 2017 of infrastructure in the country and gave the nation a rating of D+.

These deficiencies take an additional toll on manufacturers’ bottom lines, causing unreliable delivery times and increased fleet maintenance costs. Congested highway networks add $74.5 billion to transportation costs for manufacturers moving goods and raw materials by truck, according to the American Transportation Research Institute.

Manufacturing workers in the U.S., and all Americans, should refuse to settle for infrastructure that lags behind the rest of the world. China’s infrastructure investment is almost double the size of the infrastructure spending in the U.S., and India’s infrastructure investments are growing at triple the rate of infrastructure outlays in the U.S., Canada and Mexico combined. For America to remain globally competitive now and after this pandemic, our leaders must take the necessary steps to improve our infrastructure.

Our deteriorating national infrastructure is not solely a state or federal issue. It is not a small or large business issue. It is not a Democratic or a Republican issue. Infrastructure is an American issue that directly affects our ability to compete in the global marketplace and provide financial security for millions of American families.

The U.S. government must take action to rebuild our nation’s infrastructure. It would ensure that the nation emerges on the other side with a stronger, competitive economy. Infrastructure projects put people to work at high wages, create demand for materials and equipment, and generate tax revenues for governments at all levels. They build systems of lasting public benefit, improving the safety, convenience and efficiency of commerce, communication and travel.

Substantial investments in America’s infrastructure will not only put more Americans back to work, but it will improve the lives of workers while helping all manufacturers better serve their customers and communities. It will bolster the security of our nation, and strengthen the ties that bind us together as a country, improving commerce and communication and paving the way for the success of the next generation.

Congress must prioritize infrastructure funding now. I urge Democrats and Republicans to work together to swiftly move this important issue forward. It’s advantageous for our citizens, our economy, and our country to remain globally competitive. We cannot afford to wait.

Bryan Iams is vice president, corporate and government affairs, for PPG.

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