WHEREAS, The week of May 16 to 23, 2016, inclusive, is being observed at the state and national levels as Infrastructure Week; and

WHEREAS, Infrastructure Week represents the largest, most diverse, nonpartisan coalition of organizations representing America’s business, labor, and policymaking leadership from all sectors of America, the economy, and civil society dedicated to strengthening America’s competitiveness by building and rebuilding our infrastructure systems; and

WHEREAS, During the week, focused advocacy, media coverage, and other efforts around the country will tell the story of America’s infrastructure and its impact on our communities, economy, and quality of life; and

WHEREAS, California’s infrastructure also is aging and presents a public safety and quality of life issue for all residents; and

WHEREAS, Many of the bridges and highway roads in California were constructed more than 50 years ago and, according to “The Road Information Program,” driving on deficient roads costs California motorists a total of $44 billion annually in the form of additional vehicle operating costs, congestion-related delays, and traffic crashes; and

WHEREAS, It is not uncommon to have 100-year-old water mains running throughout towns, and the state estimates that California’s water distribution systems lose up to 228 billion gallons annually — more than enough to supply the entire city of Los Angeles for a year; and

WHEREAS, The American Society of Civil Engineers gives California’s infrastructure an overall rating of “C” and calls for additional investments to maintain and continue to improve California’s infrastructure through 2020; and

WHEREAS, It is recognized that the success of California over the past 100 years can be traced to its highly advanced infrastructure system consisting of the interstate freeway network, bridges, State Water Project, electrical distribution grid, and wastewater treatment facilities; and

WHEREAS, According to studies such as a May 2014 report from Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, every dollar invested in infrastructure generates nearly two dollars in economic output; and

WHEREAS, California leaders recognize the importance of investing in infrastructure now to avoid future problems; and

WHEREAS, Infrastructure Week challenges policymakers and the public to address head-on the challenges facing infrastructure in the United States, to move beyond short-term fixes and deferred maintenance, and to envision the innovative solutions, technologies, policies, and investments that will improve America’s infrastructure today and for the future; now, therefore, be it