A new study commissioned by HNTB Corp. found that Americans overwhelmingly believe the nation's infrastructure is crumbling and are willing to spend more of their tax dollars to fix it. They also recognize improving infrastructure creates jobs and improves quality of life.

In the nationwide survey conducted earlier this month, more than four in five (81 percent) Americans agree making sacrifices to pay for infrastructure improvements now will make the difference between a more prosperous or a more difficult future for the next generation. Almost seven in ten (68 percent) are willing to pay more taxes to support highway and bridge maintenance and new construction.

HNTB's America THINKS survey polled a random nationwide sample of 1,007 Americans Jan. 27-Feb. 1, 2009. It was conducted by Kelton Research, which used an e-mail invitation and online survey.

When asked specifically about infrastructure spending in the economic stimulus package, six in ten (60 percent) Americans said highway and bridge maintenance and new construction was most important to them, followed by public transit maintenance and construction (21 percent), and improving safety and congestion at airports (8 percent).

Respondents clearly see the transformational nature of new rail systems as well, with more than eight in ten (81 percent) agreeing that the expansion of such systems can transform American travel and commerce, just as the Interstate Highway System did during the 20th century. Fifty percent believe spending on highway projects should equal spending on public transportation, while nearly two in three (66 percent) believe freight and passenger traffic should be separated on the roads and rails.

To view the report, click here.