Heartland Infrastructure Development Bank

Infrastructure investment has been crucial to economic development throughout American history. Today there is a need for a sizeable investment in infrastructure, particularly in rural America and especially with respect to transportation and telecommunications. New facilities to distribute food and energy resources to the rest of the country will be needed. There is also a need for investment in highly specialized, advanced infrastructure, such as high-speed optical networks, university research and laboratory facilities, technology and training centers, and research parks. Rural infrastructure needs are becoming critical while public sector resources are coming under intense pressure. Cash-strapped governments around the world are viewing private investment as an increasingly important piece of the infrastructure investment solution. That has given rise to a new generation of private infrastructure funds that have attracted individual and institutional investors alike, beyond traditional equity investment, public utility bond issues and into public/privatization of assets. This research will determine the feasibility of organizing, capitalizing and operating the Heartland Infrastructure Development Bank to make infrastructure investments in rural America.