Maury River Dam Situation Underscores U.S. Infrastructure Crisis

The Roanoke Times recent article documenting the Maury River dam’s poor condition (Lexington City Council votes to remove dam on Maury River (June 15)) highlights a major problem that localities across the country are facing due to a failure to adequately invest in our nation’s crumbling infrastructure.

Whether it’s structurally deficient dams, levees and bridges or inadequate roads, airports and pipes, America’s infrastructure is insufficient, and our leaders in Washington can no longer forsake responsibility when it comes to much-needed maintenance and improvements.

Like the residents of Lexington, communities across the country are affected because necessary upgrades are deferred, putting lives and the local economy at risk. While the Lexington City Council was forced to make a tough decision that has divided the community, had Congress made necessary investments in our crumbling infrastructure, the condition of the Maury River dam might not be an issue at all.

Our infrastructure is the lifeblood of our economy. It impacts our quality of life, the competitiveness of our businesses, and the safety and security of our country. All this while spurring economic growth and creating well-paying jobs.

I urge Sen. Mark Warner, Sen. Tim Kaine and Rep. Bob Goodlatte to work in a bipartisan manner with the Virginia congressional delegation, their colleagues and the Trump administration to immediately address the nation’s infrastructure crisis. Further delay is unacceptable to Virginians and the rest of the country.

Brian P. McGuire

President & CEO

Associated Equipment Distributors

650 East Algonquin Road

Schaumburg, IL 60173