Senator Sherrod Brown

Improving Ohio's Infrastructure

Infrastructure systems built decades ago are increasingly strained by the daily demands placed on them.  Investing in our infrastructure means better roads, upgrades to water and sewer systems, and it means creating jobs in Ohio.   
From rising unemployment to the growing foreclosure epidemic, Ohioans are facing tremendous economic hardship.   In the past, the federal government has successfully averted economic crisis at the state level by investing in local economies. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, signed by President Obama in February 2009, includes billions of dollars in infrastructure investment.  Targeted investment in infrastructure brings far-reaching benefits to the local economy. It improves commerce, creates jobs, and increases safety for Ohio families. 

Investing in our Roads and Bridges

A strong infrastructure has been essential to the great strength and unparalleled economic growth of the United States.  Yet, in recent years needed repairs to vital roadways, bridges, and transportation systems across the country have been dramatically under-funded.  A report issued by the Federal Highway Administration in light of the tragic bridge collapse in Minnesota in 2007 found that Ohio has the highest number (54) of deficient truss-deck bridges in the country—more than double the next highest state.  

Programs created to keep our nation’s infrastructure in repair are also experiencing serious problems.  Necessary investments in maintenance and construction of our roads have been ignored as the purchasing power of the nation’s Highway Trust Fund has eroded.   Our nation can no longer afford to ignore this problem, and Congress must take significant steps to address our aging infrastructure.  I am proud to be a cosponsor of the National Infrastructure Bank Act, which would establish a steady source of funding for public works projects. 

Increasing Access to Clean Water

In parts of Appalachia, there are Ohioans who still do not have access to running water.  Updating our water infrastructure is one of our most significant challenges.  Ohio communities need water and sewer upgrades to keep the public safe and protect our water sources from pollution and contamination.  Current programs are underfunded and are spread too thin to help the communities that need them most.

To address these issues, I fought to include funding for rural development initiatives in the 2008 Farm Bill. Because of this effort, $120 million is now available for loans and grants to local communities to boost water and wastewater infrastructure.    In addition, in April 2009, Senator George Voinovich and I re-introduced the Clean Water Affordability Act.  This legislation would create federal partnerships with communities across Ohio to help them modernize aging water and sewer systems, ensuring communities have the resources and flexibility they need to update vital infrastructure.  By taking this common sense step now, we can help reduce large rate hikes in the future.

Access to safe and clean drinking water isn’t just a health issue, it’s an economic development imperative. I’ve held more than 140 roundtable discussions across Ohio. At almost every one of them, I hear how important water and sewer infrastructure is to economic competiveness.

While all Ohioans deserve access to clean water, too many communities are struggling to afford costly, but necessary, upgrades to sewer systems. This bill is about helping local governments make these renovations and investing in Ohio’s long-term economic development.

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