Black & Veatch CEO urges infrastructure investments

OVERLAND PARK, KANSAS - Len C. Rodman, Chairman, President and CEO of Black & Veatch, said that stimulus funding in energy, transportation and water infrastructure will provide the greatest returns in achieving U.S. economic recovery, job growth, greater efficiency and productivity.

Rodman stated in a recent column that longer-term investments in foundational infrastructure are needed to provide a more stable base of employment and sustainable benefits.

“The goal of investing in the nation’s infrastructure as part of the economic recovery deserves widespread support and quick action,” Rodman said. “And we must look beyond simple U.S. roads and bridge infrastructure investments if we are to realize a wide-ranging and sustainable economic rejuvenation.”

In the column, Rodman explains how funding in such sectors as mass transit, railroads, energy and water not only helps jump-start and sustain the U.S. economy, but also leads to improvements in efficiency and better utilization of vital infrastructure.

In addition, Rodman advises that such investments will bolster the basic construction industry as well as technology and manufacturing industries where the use of equipment that supports these needs drives a much wider base of the economy.

“In the long-run it’s critical that the country gain competitive advantages that are part of the solution to repay the massive debt we are incurring,” Rodman said.