Responding to the editorial Monumental Construction Is an Economic Barometer which appeared in the 2005 Global Construction Sourcebook, December 2005:

Don't Write Off the U.S. Yet

I would agree that construction industries are roaring in developing countries like China and India. This is expected, as these countries along with others are finally transforming themselves from third world to second world or possibly first world status. The U.S. went through a similar phase in the 1930s and throughout the rest of the 20th century. To claim that the monuments being built in China and India will most likely surpass (whatever that means) such structures as the Golden Gate Bridge, the Empire State Building, Hoover Dam and others is wrong. With the technology available to contractors today, anybody can build a large dam or skyscraper. But to build gems like these in the 1930s during an economic depression with basic construction methods shows the pride, skill and determination those people had a perseverance that will never be usurped by anyone..

Stating that the U.S. in a non-contender in building monuments is a little short-sighted too. What about all the segmental box girder and cable-stay bridges being built in Florida, South Carolina and Boston? These are not structures to scoff at. What about the Freedom Tower and the replacement of other WTC skyscrapers as we speak? And we must not forget the massive sporting arenas that are built each year, and large airport expansions too.

Maybe the U.S. isnt investing the hundreds of billions of dollars each year on infrastructure that developing countries do, but who cares? We already have a fully-developed interstate highway system; we have thousands of skyscrapers, airports, marine facilities, bridges, dams, etc. Things developing countries dont have yet. Maybe the US doesnt invest huge amounts of capital in monuments because it doesnt need to and doesnt see the need to build a monument just for its own sake. With tight budgets and serious concerns like fighting wars and terrorism, I would rather the government spend money on keeping the country safe than building a dam just for the sake of building a dam.

Brian Tomcik, P.E.
Indianapolis, Ind.