Hartford Business Journal

www.HartfordBusiness.com • June 29, 2020 • Hartford Business Journal 25 OPINION & COMMENTARY OTHER VOICES A Marshall Plan for infrastructure can boost New England's economy By James T. Brett T he COVID-19 pandemic has impacted not only the physical health of almost 2 million Americans, but also the economic well-being of our region and nation. Congress has enacted several massive legislative packages to help tackle coronavirus, assist struggling businesses and reinvigorate the economy. Still, more must be done. One bold step that Congress could take to spur economic growth already has support from Democrats and Republicans on Capitol Hill as well as the White House: a major federal infrastruc- ture investment package, which would provide tremendous benefits to the nation and our region. As Washington considers such an investment, it is important that our elected officials take a broad view of what constitutes infrastructure. Traditionally, when we talk about infrastructure, the first thing that comes to mind is our transportation infrastructure, which all would agree needs repairs and modernization. Indeed, House leaders recently crafted a legislative framework that includes such improvements to the traditional components of America's surface transportation programs. We all know our region's roads and bridges are in rough shape. In fact, recent data shows that 8.4% of our bridges are structurally de- ficient, above the national average of 7.5%. Also, our roadways must be improved to accommodate the increased traffic we've seen over the years, not just for carpools and individual drivers but also incentiv- ize bus-rapid-transit. Besides addressing road needs, years of mass transit maintenance backlogs require a substantial investment. Bolstering transit throughout our region will ensure greater access for commuters, de- crease congestion and improve air quality. This holds true for Amtrak, particularly the Northeast Corri- dor, which must be upgraded. Moreover, Congress should give serious thought to funding regional rail expansion to better connect our region and spark economic de- velopment beyond traditional hub centers. We appreciate that the re- cent House bill aims to tackle these surface transportation priorities. Another traditional infrastruc- ture mode is air travel, which will no doubt rebound and even hit new heights, necessitating airport upgrades and new construction to meet increased passenger loads. Similarly, growth in trade will dictate a need for on-shore facility capabilities and channels that can accommodate the vessels bringing goods to and from our ports. However, as vital as our transpor- tation infrastructure is, it is critical that our leaders in Washington take a broader view of what constitutes physical infrastructure. If the coronavirus pandemic has demonstrated one thing, it is that hospitals must be considered part of our national infrastructure and funds for the construction and renovation of hospitals are neces- sary to ensure we can manage future potential health crises in our communities. Federal investments for physical and technological infrastructure on higher education campuses as well as for elementary and second- ary schools will ensure a modern education system that can accom- modate all students and prepare them for the jobs of the future. Water infrastructure systems demand constant attention, whether for drinking water or wastewater treatment facilities. Besides the need to meet new requirements for our growing region, aging systems — some approaching or surpassing a century old — need replacing as well. Energy reliability is critical to our economy and for our overall way of life, and Washington must pursue modernization investments that will enable the grid to safely and reliably accommodate new clean energy resources that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Finally, given New England's vibrant innovation economy, we must make investments in our "in- novation infrastructure." Connectivity has proven vital to our economy — especially during this pandemic — and any major in- frastructure investment must sup- port and expedite the deployment of broadband that can accommodate telework, telehealth and remote learning needs across the region. Further, support for America's research infrastructure is neces- sary to cement our overall research capabilities and boost our competi- tiveness for years to come. Also, whether it's new construc- tion or necessary upgrades, climate resiliency and cybersecurity pro- tections must be fundamental addi- tions to infrastructure components to guarantee the integrity of our investments. Congress and the White House have a once-in-a-generation op- portunity to enact a bipartisan infrastructure plan that will create jobs, boost the economy and meet existing and anticipated infrastruc- ture needs. Many have dubbed such an effort as a "Marshall Plan for Infrastructure" and that is clearly what the United States can and should accomplish in the wake of this pandemic. James T. Brett is president & CEO of The New England Council, a non-partisan alliance of businesses and nonprofits dedicated to promoting economic growth in New England. James T. Brett offers, but they can and should offer and recommend it to high-risk employees. If they wish to remain at the work- place, consider a change of schedule or work location if possible to mini- mize contact with others. High-risk employees should be informed that these are purely voluntary options; they are free to accept or reject them. In sum, Lamont's executive orders and guidance arise from good inten- tions and compelling public policy, but they create a risky legal mine- field for employers to navigate. Obviously, Lamont designed the re- opening guidance to curb the spread of COVID-19 and protect Connecti- cut's most vulnerable citizens, but a governor's executive order does not supersede federal discrimination law. In fact, it is unclear whether an executive order could "void" Connecticut's state employment discrimination laws, which are far more expansive and punitive for small employers. Employers should offer but not force accommodations. Robin B. Kallor is a partner at employment law firm Rose Kallor LLP. can continue to work hand-in-hand with human intelligence, in even newer and better ways. This will also mean new innova- tions and more outside-the-box thinking when it comes to the vital supply chain, which is essential to manufacturing success. Digital enhancements to the supply chain — cloud-based tech- nologies that allowed for quicker communication and more stream- lined collaboration during the crisis — brought some success. Enhanced use of big data also proved valuable and using AI to create predictive analytics helped suppliers better forecast what was coming their way. The spirit of innovation helped man- ufacturers adapt in real-time during the pandemic, and while challenges and concerns will naturally continue for at least the short term, that same spirit can lead them through recovery and into a bright future. Janet Prisloe is a partner and leader of the manufacturing practice with blumshapiro, a regional business advisory firm based in West Hartford.

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