The American Jobs Plan is a chance to reimagine nature as infrastructure
As Congress debates making massive investments in America's aging infrastructure, and the Biden-Harris administration promotes its American Jobs Plan, there is a unique opportunity to drive a paradigm shift in how our nation approaches infrastructure solutions.
To address the threats ahead, with a changing climate at the forefront, our nation will need to focus on infrastructure that better integrates with the natural environment and builds resilience for urban and rural communities. And, because funding is not unlimited, we need to prioritize solutions that provide multiple layers of benefits - such as clean drinking water, enhanced fish and wildlife habitat, public access to outdoor recreation, and the next generation of jobs in America.
New technologies and engineering advancements have made it possible to blend natural or green infrastructure with traditional or grey infrastructure, or, in some instances, use natural infrastructure alone. The scientific and economic data is mounting to prove that these approaches can provide just as many or more jobs, support additional community benefits, and often do so at a lower cost to taxpayers.
And several regions are leading the way in prioritizing these projects.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/the-american-jobs-plan-is-a-chance-to-reimagine-nature-as-infrastructure/ar-BB1gLB6l