Economic Analysis and Infrastructure Investment

Policy makers often call for increased public spending on infrastructure, which can include a broad range of investments from maintenance on and new construction of roads and bridges to spending on digital networks that will expand access to high-speed broadband. Some point to near-term macro-economic benefits and job creation, others to the long-term effects of infrastructure spending on productivity and economic growth. This volume explores the links between infrastructure investment and economic outcomes and analyzes key economic issues in the funding and management of infrastructure projects. It includes new research on the short-run stimulus effects of infrastructure spending, develops new estimates of the stock of US infrastructure capital, and explores incentive aspects of public-private partnerships with particular attention to the allocation of risk in such projects. The volume provides a reference for researchers seeking to expand the study of infrastructure issues and for policy makers tasked with determining the appropriate level of infrastructure spending.