Schwarzenegger: US Infrastructure "Like a Developing Country" March 3, 2009

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Complete video at: http://fora.tv/2009/02/21/Infrastructure_Debate_Policy_Challenges_Facing_Nation

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger advocates for a high-speed rail system to modernize US infrastructure, which he considers to be on par with that of a developing country. He says, "Our trains go the same speed today as they were 100 years ago," Schwarzenegger says. "So where is the progress?"

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America's infrastructure is in grave disrepair. Analysts have determined that one-third of the nation's roads are in poor or mediocre condition, and the Federal Highway Administration recently estimated that one out of every four bridges is either structurally deficient or functionally obsolete.

Every infrastructure sector, from rail, air and seaways, to water supply, sewage and irrigation, to energy pipelines and the electric grid, are in need of significant capital. The American Society of Civil Engineers says it will take an investment of $1.6 trillion over the next five years - double the current outlay - just to bring the nation's infrastructure to acceptable levels.

This figure even excludes innovative projects like high-speed railways, GPS integration, and broadband expansion. -- Miller Center of Public Affairs

Arnold Schwarzenegger is an Austrian-American bodybuilder, actor, businessman, and politician, currently serving as the 38th Governor of the state of California. In May 2004 and 2007, he was named as one of the Time 100 people who help shape the world. Schwarzenegger is married to Maria Shriver and has four children.