"Railway to the Moon"

In the first three sections of his book Wedding of the Waters, Peter Bernstein provides an interesting and in-depth history of the development and completion of the Erie Canal. He tells of how many politicians and enemies of DeWitt Clinton's fought mercilessly against the Canal, claiming it would be a great expense and a a failure. Opponents claimed that it would make more sense to build a "railway to the moon." Clinton also recieved atttacks from the large political machine of the time, Tammany Hall. However despite criticism and invigorating work, Clinton saw the development of the Canal during his term as governer of New York, and was there to symbolically pour ocean water into the Canal.
Shortly after the completion, New York state's economy boomed, and Clinton was seen as a hero. Those who doubted Clinton and the Canal were seen as foolish. Interestingly, the same controversies over transportation projects are apparent today. Issues such as money, the environment, and eminent domain surround any highway, bridge, or rail project in development. One can not deny the advantages of the interstate transportation system which grew to a great extent shortly after WW2. Interstate highways such as Route 80, which links New Jersey to California, made it easier, shorter, and cheaper to transport both people and goods throughout the country.
However, due to factors such as the environment, the economy, lack of land and eminent domain, highway projects are difficult to fund and complete today. They are met with hostility from both citizens and politicians. Talk has recently been circulating about a super-highway stretching from Mexico to Midwestern America. If this project were to take place, controversy would surely erupt from many people and organizations. However, highly demanded goods such as oil could be transported quickly and easily, which would be a great boost to the economy, despite the high costs of creating the highway system. There may not be a "railway to the moon" anytime in the near future, but it is interesting how themes and arguments from almost 200 years ago are still prevalent in our society and government today.