Where the $3 trillion would be spent

The US would have to spend an estimated $3 trillion during the next eight years to keep public services at current levels, says Washington economist Pat Choate.

Compiling figures he gathered from local, state, and federal governments, Mr. Choate estimates as the most expensive items to repair and maintain: Highways and bridges outside of urban areas $1 trillion City streets $600 billion Municipal water systems $125 billion Ports, inland waterways $40 billion Construct and renovate up to 3,000 prisons and jails $15 billion Water pollution controls to meet current standards $100 billion Other projects include public libraries, schools, universities, fire-fighting, facilities, public energy plants, and dams.