>>1587061Well, I believe states need to show some funding as a sign of good faith, in a way. Evidence they will be able to fund the system or infrastructure long term, unless we are talking about critical infrastructure. Otherwise, I've heard of assorted cities instituting certain taxes as a means of funding different transportation projects, like Phoenix with its light rail (and I believe some highways too, previously).
Corporations might be the cash cow looked toward for funding, but the oil industry and the dollar's intrinsic link with it, makes the idea that electrified rail or other alternatives to be coming in short order something that seems outlandish for now. Some light rail projects are in the works because of traffic issues in certain cities, but there are areas desperate for commuter rail that I think could be decades away. Other rail services are being built, but even then, I think the pace is basically a joke compared to other countries, but I understand why.
As for the nature of American debt, well... as long as we have a powerful military and the proper intrigue on other powerful nations, we can ramp that debt up to presumably Japan-levels, but that will just increase the anger other nations have toward America if we don't spread the wealth because of how the US reverse currency system works, so I guess there is a balance struck, and Americans miss out on some major projects but do get nice enough purchasing power compared to our output.
