Dr. Keppler

Sometimes, we focus so much on the trees that we truly lose sight of the forest.

As both sides debate various economic theories and schools of thought regarding the jobs bill, they completely miss one fundamental and powerful economic principle that has stood the test of time. It is the fact that no healthy economy can exist without a healthy and vigorous construction industry. For anyone who does not believe this assertion, I simply invite them to look and count the number of construction cranes on the Beijing skyline or any other major Chinese city for that matter.

The fact that construction is the backbone of any healthy economy has been well known throughout history. Our ancestors understood this fact; every great civilization on the planet has left us in awe of its construction marvels. The pyramids in Giza, the Great Wall of China, the Greek Pantheon and the Coliseum in Rome all remain as a powerful testament to the power of economic development that accompanies ambitious construction projects. It’s time for us to be thinking of what marvels we will build for our future generations to utilize and admire.

There are a number of powerful reasons that make construction the primary engine of growth for any healthy economy. The construction industry is unique in many respects. First of all, Construction not only builds the infrastructure and foundation that is essential for any healthy economy. It is also one of the few industries remaining in this age of automation that actually demands and engages extensive human labor. Furthermore, the types of jobs that it provides are skilled and well paying jobs. Perhaps most important of all they are local jobs for local people. In addition, the economic benefits and ripple effects of a vibrant construction industry extend far beyond the construction industry.

Let us simply begin by looking at the early stages of any construction project, initially in the development, planning and design stages of a construction project , the project will employ a host of architects, civil engineers, structural engineers, electrical engineers, mechanical engineers and consultants. Moreover, the planning phase will also involve a number of municipalities and regulatory agencies all of which employ more architects, engineers and other design professionals.

In addition, construction projects typically will involve the use of a wide range of heavy equipment, machinery and tools. These are supplied by equipment manufactures and equipment rental agencies that in turn also employ people. Then of course, once a project breaks ground, there are the many layers of contractors and subcontractors that will perform the actual construction work. There are the general contractors, the excavators, the plumbers, the electrical sub contractors, the mechanical contractors, the framers, the painters along with many other trades. Not only does every construction project create jobs for a variety of sectors in the industry, the work has to be performed by licensed individuals in the U.S.

There is also a plethora of materials and material manufactures that are involved in any construction project. Plastics, metals, glass, rubber, composites, lumber, fiberglass, cement, asphalt, concrete, stone, brick, mortar, paint and coatings just to name a few. It is important to understand that every one of these industries also employs people. As demand increases for their products, their need for employees will also increase, thus creating more jobs.

The economic benefits of a construction project do not end with the completion of construction, on the contrary the economic benefits continue for many years beyond. The completed structures whether a roadway, an airport or a bridge will facilitate commerce and trade and naturally this will also contribute to creating additional jobs. A new school will require teachers, administrators in addition to educating a future generation of young Americans. A new hospital will require a multitude of skilled medical and administrative staff. In addition to providing healthcare services to the local community.

Once, people are introduced to a new economic perspective and allowed to understand the multitude of benefits that will accompany the funding a public works program. The debate should change its focus from the stale arguments of whether or not we should be spending the money to a new debate about the types of projects that are worthwhile, and whether or not the proposed $447 billion are in fact adequate to propel the American economy as a leader in the next century.

A robust investment in our future will benefit the young and the old as well as the rich and the poor. We simply cannot afford the arguments of fear about deficits, we must allow ourselves to look beyond the losses of today and realize that an investment and a clear vision are essential for a prosperous tomorrow.

The American entrepreneurial spirit must be allowed to flourish; an entrepreneur is always willing to borrow money today to realize a vision and to create a dream for tomorrow. If we allow ourselves to think out of the traditional economic box, we will quickly realize that the dollars spent today will be an insignificant cost as we reap the economic rewards in the future. We simply can no longer afford to be penny wise and dollar foolish. The time has come for us to be confidently discussing our future vision for our nation and not bickering about deficits, there is no doubt construction will help generate new jobs and stimulate the economy. We should be exploring new ideas for new projects even beyond our roads and bridges. As a nation we need to think big, think bold and to think positively about the future. Construction has always been the hallmark of all great civilizations. It is time for us to contemplate the wonders that we leave for our children and future generations to come.