Obviously, the creation of such a potentially powerful organization would require careful thought. States will have to give up many of their rights. But today's projects of national interest cross state boundaries. Some oversight from elected officials would be necessary to ensure the best decisions are made and that appropriate budgetary constraints are abided by. But the budget for the authority should be insulated as much as possible from the current politics.

The U.S. used to be a nation of builders. Over the past few decades, it has somehow lost its ability to build. Today, in the current atmosphere of special interests and environmental impact studies, I doubt seriously if we could build a large project like the William Preston Lane Jr. Bridge, which spans the Chesapeake Bay at Annapolis, Maryland. Maybe the creation of a National Infrastructure Bank will be the start of recreating the U.S. as a nation of builders.

Dr. Claggett is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit: http://www.ccgp-fushun.com/opinion/node_7078635.htm