There is widespread support for infrastructure spending from both Republicans and Democrats in Congress. Funding roads and bridges is good for the economy. It creates jobs, fuels growth, and helps Americans travel more quickly and safely. President Donald Trump promised a $1 trillion infrastructure spending plan as a part of his campaign as well as his presidency. Trump’s new budget has allocated $200 billion in federal money for infrastructure over 10 years, but also cuts programs he calls wasteful, including water facilities and airports. Listen to hear questions and concerns about where the money is going to come from.
Story Length: 3:44
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October 13, 2015
5:05
Hurricane Joaquin hit South Carolina bringing over 20 inches of rain. People were evacuated, homes flooded and roads collapsed. The cost of the damage is still being calculated and a few counties were declared disaster areas. People in South Carolina are very concerned about the failure of eleven dams that led to much of the flooding. Who is responsible? In some towns, the dams are owned by private homeowners, and have not gotten enough repair or attention. Listen to this story to hear about the damage from Hurricane Joaquin, and what can be done to prepare for future disasters.
Read MoreMay 20, 2015
2:50
Last Tuesday, May 12, 2015, an Amtrak train traveling from Washington, D.C. to New York City derailed when going around a sharp curve at over 100 miles an hour. At least eight people were killed and 200 injured. As the cleanup and investigation continues, people are looking for answers. Listen to this story about the history of Amtrak’s founding and funding and how this has shaped the troubled rail system’s infrastructure.
Read MoreFebruary 20, 2015
5:06
Large American cities are known for their traffic jams - roads full of cars going nowhere. A new report from the U.S. Department of Transportation predicts that in 30 years this gridlock will be occurring in nearly all cities. As the U.S. population and U.S. manufacturing grow, more people and manufactured goods will be on the move. Our current infrastructure of roads and bridges will need a major overhaul to keep up. Listen to learn more about the problems and proposed solutions to this infrastructure puzzle.
Read MoreJuly 8, 2014
7:54
Fire ants are known as nature's "engineers" for their ability to morph, heal, and flow through continuous team work. They can build bridges as well as self-sustaining water rafts that can float for weeks. Listen to this public radio story to learn how they do it.
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