Report Warns of Strain on U.S. Cities to Build Infrastructure as Federal Funding Shrinks’

America’s infrastructure investments — levels of which have long trailed behind those of Asia and Europe — will be further stifled this year by pressures to cut federal spending and reduce the deficit, compelling cities to be evermore creative and resourceful in securing partnerships to start or continue infrastructure projects. That’s according to Infrastructure 2011: A Strategic Priority, a report recently released by the Urban Land Institute and Ernst & Young.

Outside of the United States, “in most of the developed world and in many emerging markets, countries have committed to fulfilling infrastructure agendas as essential for sustaining or enhancing living standards in an increasingly competitive global marketplace,” says the report, which looks at infrastructure investments on six continents. Among the countries in which infrastructure is a top priority:

1. The United Kingdom has committed $326 billion over the next five years for projects related to rail, energy production and broadband access.
2. France, Germany and Spain continue to build high-speed rail and freight networks between cities and as extended cross-border links.
3. Australia is focusing on port expansion, rail rebuilding and traffic congestion relief projects.
4. China is funding a host of wide-ranging infrastructure programs, including completion of a 10,000-mile high-speed rail network by 2020, as well as new airports, ports and transit systems.
5. India is actively seeking private financing for desperately needed infrastructure to sustain growth and meet its economic potential.
6. And Brazil is pushing ahead with road, transit and water projects to accommodate its fast-growing economy and to prepare for upcoming World Cup and Summer Olympics games.