Obama’s State of the Union calls for Infrastructure Spending. Huler’s “On The Grid” Explains Why.

Scott Huler’s book, On The Grid (2010, Rodale), should be required reading for every voter in the United States.

I limit it to voters, because they will ultimately determine how our citizenry stays connected – and I mean physically connected.

In a humorous and very readable narrative, Scott overviews the critical infrastructure that literally ties our country together. From land development and geographic information systems, to sewer and water pipelines, roadways, airports, energy and communication systems, On The Grid provides a compelling tour of the importance of our utilities.

While the book is encompassing, and provides intriguing historical references, it is surprisingly compact and technically attainable. After reading it, I appreciate so much more the serious, and critical work (not to mention investment) involved in constructing and maintaining the systems I access by simply dialing a phone number, flicking a switch, or even more basic: flushing my toilet.

Now I am thinking more about what it means to run my garbage disposal, leave my lab top plugged in, and about the men and women I see fixing a broken water main.

Finally, Mr. Huler’s book has made me realize how dependent we are On The Grid and how we’ll never be able to get off it. Consequently, I’m ready to support its maintenance with my vote and tax dollars.

Check out this great On the Grid web site that will help you learn more about your sewer, water, gas, electric, communications and roadway systems:

On the Grid: A Plot of Land, an Average Neighborhood, and the Systems that Make our World Work