During the Great Depression of the 1930s, the federal government, under the New Deal of Franklin D. Roosevelt, invested in public works projects of all kinds, through the WPA (Works Projects Administration), PWA (Public Works Administration), the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps), the NYA (National Youth Administration) and other government agencies.
Improvements and expansion of bridges, tunnels, canals, highways, national parks, national forest land, schools, libraries, hospitals, post offices, military and naval bases, city and state public buildings, and support of historical projects, artistic work, music, theater, and other creative activities, all gave hope to millions of Americans and improved the quality of life in America!
Here we are 80 years later, and the same challenges beckon us, as there is a terrible crisis of work NOT done on transportation, conservation, education, health care, homeland security and a myriad of other activities that need public investment and support!
What are we waiting for? How can we remain competitive if we do not invest in the future of our nation?
This is not the time for politics, but action!