Contact: 
Olivia S. Goodheart, director, public relations, 601.979.1483, olivia.s.goodheart@jsums.edu
Jim Ewing, media specialist, 601.979.2950, james.h.ewing@jsums.edu
 
Expert/professional contacts:
Dr. Daniel Watkins, dean of the College of Education and Human Development at JSU; 601-979-3415 (office); 601-260-7557 (cell); email: daniel.watkins@jsums.edu
Dr. Farshad Amini, professor and chair, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Science, Engineering and Technology at JSU; 601-979-3913 (office); 601-983-7528 (cell); email: farshad.amini@jsums.edu
Dr. Otha Burton, executive director, Institute of Government; 601-979-2339 (office); email: otha.burton@jsums.edu
National Poll:  Americans See Significant New Funding Required to Move Infrastructure to “Good” Status
Strong Majorities of Americans Say Parents Don’t Move to Towns/Cities With School Buildings in Disrepair
Similarly, Majorities Say Businesses Don’t Move to Towns/Cities with Infrastructure in Disrepair
Majorities Say They’ll Pay More in Taxes to Improve Infrastructure Safety and Quality
Large Majority Sees Increased, Long-Term Investment in Infrastructure for Economy to Grow and Add Jobs
Compared to Five Years Ago, Americans See Infrastructure Decline
Jackson, Miss. – The Polling Center at Jackson State University’s Institute of Government has released a national survey of 908 adults. The Poll, covering issues surrounding public infrastructure issues was conducted November 24 – December 5, 2014.   
Americans mostly think of roads, streets, bridges, water delivery systems, public school facilities and waste / drainage systems when they think of “infrastructure.” 
Just over one-half, 58.1%, suggested they follow infrastructure issues very (11.9%) or somewhat closely (46.2%).
A large and growing percentage of Americans see their local infrastructure in dangerous disrepair – 28.9% today and 25.4% five years ago.
Similarly, a growing percentage of Americans see their national infrastructure in dangerous disrepair – 38.2% today and 23.8% five years ago. 
Importantly,
A large majority, 80.2%, agreed that we need increased, long-term investment in the national infrastructure in order for the national economy to grow and add new jobs;
Many (80.1%) agreed that if it’s not an emergency, too many needed infrastructure improvements are “kicked down the road”;
Three-quarters, 78.6%, agreed that businesses don’t move to towns/cities with infrastructure in disrepair;
Inaction or failure to improve the infrastructure will make international competition in economic terms difficult according to 78.6%;
While 60.3% are willing to pay more in taxes to improve the safety and quality of their respective community infrastructure, 71.3% would prefer to see funds moved from other programs or services;
Parents don’t move to towns/cities with school buildings in disrepair according to 69.6% of those surveyed; and
Impressively, 65.5% agreed that they and friends/neighbors can have an impact on improving public infrastructure.
Americans see significant new funding required to get the infrastructure to where it could be considered “good”.  Three-quarters, 75.7%, noted the investment required will be significant (39.0%) or somewhat more (36.7%).
“This is significant because if we wait, infrastructure will only get worse,” said Dr. Daniel Watkins, dean of the College of Education and Human Development at JSU. “We need the best minds to find solutions. Americans will pay for new innovative ideas.”
“We know from the assessment the overall state of the infrastructure is very poor, and that investment in infrastructure is absolutely necessary to support healthy, vibrant communities. The polling results confirm this assessment. Infrastructure is also critical for long-term economic growth and stability, increasing GDP, employment, equality, and household income,” said Dr. Farshad Amini, professor and chair, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at JSU.
ABOUT THE POLL:  The Poll was conducted by The Polling Center at Jackson State University’s Institute of Government.  Polling by the Center is conducted on a regular basis and may also include spontaneous polling on occurring events.
METHODOLOGY:  The Poll sampled opinions of 908 approximately proportional to state population contribution nationwide.  The survey was conducted November 24 – December 5, 2014. All surveys were conducted using an online survey instrument. The poll has a +/- 3.5 percent margin of error at a 95 percent confidence level on a composite basis.
ABOUT JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY: CHALLENGING MINDS, CHANGING LIVES
Jackson State University, founded in 1877, is a historically black, high research activity university located in Jackson, the capital city of Mississippi. Jackson State’s nurturing academic environment challenges individuals to change lives through teaching, research and service. Officially designated as Mississippi’s Urban University, Jackson State continues to enhance the state, nation and world through comprehensive economic development, health-care, technological and educational initiatives. The only public university in the Jackson metropolitan area, Jackson State is located near downtown, with five satellite locations throughout the area. For more information, visit www.jsums.edu or call 601-979-2121.