'Some of the delay is needless'

Workers repave a road in Alhambra, California, in 2021.

Construction delays 'often result in higher costs on labor, materials and financing'

(Image credit: Frederic J. Brown / AFP via Getty Images)

published 9 October 2024

'Can Kamala Harris cut red tape on construction?'

William A. Galston at The Wall Street Journal

Construction delays "often result in higher costs on labor, materials and financing," says William A. Galston. On "private projects, it hurts businesses. On public projects, it hurts taxpayers." The "flow of infrastructure funds, for example, could be made contingent on expedited reviews at all levels." Government trust is "near a record low, partly because officials make promises on which they fail to deliver." Reforms that "restore our country's capacity to build quickly would help restore trust — and accelerate economic growth."

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Justin Klawans has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022. He began his career covering local news before joining Newsweek as a breaking news reporter, where he wrote about politics, national and global affairs, business, crime, sports, film, television and other news. Justin has also freelanced for outlets including Collider and United Press International.