Apr 17, 2020 - Economy

Coronavirus crisis could provide opportunity to prepare America's infrastructure for the future

Joann Muller

Illustration of car on a map of Orlando, Florida. — Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

The next round of coronavirus economic stimulus could include money to rebuild the nation's roads and bridges, similar to the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956 that put millions of people to work building U.S. interstates.

Why it matters: America's crumbling bridges are in desperate need of repair, it's true. But this is also an opportunity to make sure we have the necessary infrastructure to support tomorrow's transportation needs.

What's needed: In a note to clients, Morgan Stanley analyst Adam Jonas suggests "10 things we gotta get right" in any potential infrastructure-related stimulus plan.

Electric vehicle charging infrastructure
Upgrades to the nation's electrical grid
Battery manufacturing
Battery recycling
Renewable power
5G networks for connected, automated vehicles
Hydrogen fuel networks
High-speed rail and hyperloop
Skyports for flying cars
Space launch facilities and spaceports

My thought bubble: We'll be lucky to get even a few of those done. Let's focus on EV charging and vehicle connectivity to start.

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Coronavirus crisis could provide opportunity to prepare America's infrastructure for the future

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