How Big Should the Public Capital Stock Be?

The United States, Liek all Countries, invests heavily in its public capital stock-transportation sysems, such as subways and highways; water treatment plants and sewer systems; and public buildings, such as school, fire stations, police stations, and courthouses. Such investment is needed for a strong, flexible, and vibrant economy. Workers need to ride the subway or drive to get to work; companies need to ship goods; manufacturers need to use water and dispose of waste; future workers need to be educated; and businesses need to be protected from fire and crime.