Introduction to the Symposium: Redundant, Abandoned, Idled, and Neglected Infrastructure: Problems and Solutions for the 21st Century

Abstract

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (P.L 177-58) authorized some $1.2 trillion to invest in infrastructure in the United States. The largest infrastructure investment in a generation, the bill combined funds for traditional infrastructure (roads, bridges, water, ports, etc.) with money for broadband internet, electric vehicle charging, clean energy, and other uses. However, only a small portion of the funds are available to address redundant, abandoned, idled, or neglected (RAIN) infrastructure. This article presents the broader issues associated with RAIN infrastructure, (i.e., costs and equity) and introduces the papers that comprise the RAIN symposium. We conclude that there is a significant need for further scholarly and policy attention within the U.S. and elsewhere, so that the myriad of issues relating to existing infrastructure may be adequately addressed.