Dear Readers,

Many cities and projects are still awaiting funds from the $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). According to www.recovery.gov, of the total amount, $223 billion in tax benefits; $137 billion in contracts, grants, and loans; and $142 billion in entitlements have been distributed, with states like California, New York, and Texas receiving more funding than others. From April 1 to June 30, 2010, a reported 749,597 jobs have been reported.

In this issue, we cover many projects that received, or will receive, ARRA funding. Features include: the world’s largest desalination plant in El Paso; Texas, New York City’s upgrades and greening of its famous iconic infrastructure; a LEED-certified transportation center in Tempe, Ariz.; a $640 million renovation of the Mississippi River Bridge; a solid waste facility upgrade; and Maryland’s largest interstate project. Our contributing columnists also cover topics such as construction and water infrastructure investments to high-speed rail and community disaster recovery steps. At this time, I would like to thank all of our writers, especially three well-known mayors. I am honored and pleased to include an article from Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg issue’s city profile on New York City, in which he discusses NYC’s history and the 2007 launch of PlaNYC, a reduction in the city’s carbon emissions and protecting natural resources, and creating a more pedestrian friendly city. Mayor Bloomberg, I cannot thank you enough for your informative article and for providing wonderful photography of NYC.

Additionally, I would like to thank Mayor Gavin Newsom of San Francisco for covering the city’s use of more sustainable programs for transforming its streets. Finally, I would like to thank Mayor Gregory A. Ballard of Indianapolis for writing about his initiative for more efficient methods for green infrastructure solutions. As we continue to cover sustainable projects and green topics, we look forward to the next issue. If you have any infrastructure-related features or columns, please feel free to contact me. Keep strengthening our nation’s infrastructure, and see you soon!