The American transportation system is one of the largest in the world and includes highways, roads, airports, railroads, and waterways. The American Society of Civil Engineers is committed to protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the public and, as such, is equally committed to improving the nation's public infrastructure. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers' 2013 Report Card, America's overall infrastructure grade was D+. The best sector, the one that sold the waste, got a B-. Other sectors, such as public transportation, roads, schools and drinking water, scored only D or D-. The estimated investment needed by 2020 is $3.6 trillion. (ASCE, 2103) Like the State of Indiana, Indiana's overall infrastructure grade is D+. To maintain and upgrade the systems over the next 20 years, we still need $5.9 billion for drinking water and $7.1 billion for wastewater. By 2020, we will still have 2,036 structurally deficient bridges, and 17% of major roads are of poor or mediocre quality. (ASCE, 2013) Approximately one in four bridges are considered deficient and in need of repairs or upgrades. Traffic congestion continues to worsen, costing the U.S. economy $87 billion each year in the form of lost hours and 2.8 billion gallons of wasted fuel. Between 1995 and 2004, highway mileage grew at an average rate of 0.2 percent, while vehicle miles traveled increased by an average of 2.5 percent, causing more congestion. In 2008, $10.7 billion in trips were taken on U.S. public transportation, the highest amount in more than fifty years. (APWA, 2013) Investments in infrastructure are not only necessary for economic development, but have a direct impact on income inequality. As people gain access to roads, electricity and telecommunications, they have better opportunities to earn more, ... middle of paper ... be an essential part of economic growth and development, in all countries. (WM, 2013) Public infrastructure spending stimulates the U.S. economy in the short run. Investments in infrastructure go beyond simply improving the quality of roads, highways, sewers and power plants. These investments also generate significant economic returns for other portions of the U.S. economy and substantially increase final tax revenues for the government. To adequately finance public infrastructure, the United States must seek new, innovative financing mechanisms that do not burden growing deficits, and likely must stimulate the private sector. Programs such as public-private partnerships, individual and corporate contributions to road financing, and toll lanes are potential mechanisms through which public infrastructure spending can be supplemented beyond the gas tax..