Rural America doesn?t want to be left out if the Trump administration begins to make infrastructure improvements.
Farm groups sent a letter to the president Wednesday, asking for projects in rural America to be included in any future infrastructure improvement plans.
The Trump administration has hinted at funding an infrastructure improvement package for the nation.
Andrew Walmsley, a congressional relations director for the American Farm Bureau Federation, says any infrastructure plan needs to include rural America.
“We’ve heard a lot of talk from administration on the hill about an infrastructure package whether it’s this year or next year looking at putting a lot of money and resources towards infrastructure projects. While we value that and think there is a need to update, modernize, and repair a lot of our infrastructure projects the real point of this letter was to address and remind folks of the needs in rural America.?
Walmsley says the number of groups signing the letter shows the need to address infrastructure concerns in rural America.
“We saw some stimulus packages over the past couple of years, but there wasn’t that much that went to rural infrastructure,” Walmsley says” “So, if we’re going to go down this path again, it’s important for all of us to ring the warning bell that there is a real need and the countryside of America to address these infrastructure concerns.?
With more than 60 percent of U.S. exports moving down the Mississippi River, Walmsley says improving waterways infrastructure in rural America will keep U.S. farmers competitive in global markets.
“We have been competitive because of our fine infrastructure. We can’t let it lax, and fall behind.?
