Brian P. McGuire, president and CEO of Associated Equipment Distributors, issued the following in response to the U.S. Census Bureau’s recent Value of Construction Put in Place (VIP) survey, which shows public construction spending in the country hit a 24-year low in the second quarter of this year.

“With trillions of dollars of infrastructure needs in the United States, it’s disappointing that public construction spending is declining. However, it’s not surprising, considering our leaders in Washington continue to forsake their responsibility to invest in the nation’s infrastructure in a long-term, sustainable manner. It’s easy to talk about infrastructure investment, but it’s going to take bipartisan leadership and focus to do what’s necessary.

“Time is not on our side when it comes to our infrastructure. Structurally deficient bridges, dams and levees, inadequate roads, airports and pipes are in every community. Public safety is at-risk and economic growth, well-paying jobs and our international competitiveness are being squandered. The time has come for Congress to have a serious debate about infrastructure investment and AED members are ready to work with members of both parties to help make this a reality.”