Sprawl A Major But Ignored Factor in Infrastructure Costs

The federal stimulus package has made infrastructure into a hot topic among states. But, as Mary Newsom writes, states are not addressing the land use patterns that drive up the costs and bring down the efficiency of infrastructure.

1 minute read

March 1, 2009, 5:00 AM PST

By Nate Berg

"These days, recession-pummeled Americans are following the federal stimulus package almost as avidly as, in happier times, they obsessed over Anna Nicole Smith or Laci Peterson. They're arguing whether stimulus money should go to the arts, or to repair and expand infrastructure, such as fixing bridges, boosting transit or finishing urban loop roads."

"It's about time people noticed those public works projects."

"But is the welcome public attention also spotlighting one of the reasons our infrastructure spending is so high–the vast sums required by suburban sprawl? In fast-growing North Carolina, at least, it isn't."

FULL STORY: States Wear Blinders On The True Costs of Sprawl

Friday, February 27, 2009 in Citiwire

Infrastructure Land Use United States Sprawl Stimulus Package

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

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