Infrastructure and the Future
NOTES 1. Though the expectations of many for an infrastructural overhaul have not yet been met within the current administration, at the very least there appears to be a sympathetic and proactive desire for real action. The remarks of Barack Obama at the U.S. Conference of Mayors (June 21, 2008) tap Daniel Burnham in rhetorical tone: “Let’s re-commit federal dollars to strengthen mass transit and reform our tax code to give folks a reason to take the bus instead of driving to work—because investing in mass transit helps make metro areas more livable and can help our regional economies grow. And while we’re at it, we’ll partner with our mayors to invest in green energy technology and ensure that your buses and buildings are efficient. And we’ll also invest in our ports, roads, and highspeed rails… Now is not the time for small plans. Now is the time for bold action to rebuild and renew America. We’ve done this before. Two hundred years ago, in 1808, Thomas Jefferson oversaw an infrastructure plan that envisioned the Homestead Act, the transcontinental railroads, and the Erie Canal. One hundred years later, in 1908, Teddy Roosevelt called together leaders from business and government to develop a plan for a 20th century infrastructure. Today, in 2008, it falls on us to take up this call again—to re-imagine America’s land and remake America’s future.” http://www.usmayors.org/pressreleases/uploads/Remarksbyobama.pdf 2. “The cities will be part of the country; I shall live 30 miles from my office in one direction, under a pine tree; my secretary will live 30 miles away from it too, in the other direction, under another pine tree. We shall both have our own car. We shall use up tires, wear out road surfaces and gears, consume oil and gasoline. All of which will necessitate a great deal of work… enough for all.” Le Corbusier, The Radiant City (NYC: Orion Press, 1967), 74. 3. Doreen B. Massey, World City (Cambridge, England and Malden, MA: Polity Press, 2007), 22-23.
97