16.1: Introduction
In the past few chapters, specific types of infrastructure systems have been discussed. Infrastructure such as roadways and power generation is widespread and of great social importance. Organizations exist for the management of this infrastructure. While managers must consider inter-action and inter-dependency among different types of infrastructure, the institutional control over different infrastructure systems are typically independent.
Military bases, campuses, parks and ports are different with regard to institutional arrangements for infrastructure. Typically, a single organization is responsible for managing all of the infrastructure for these entities. Moreover, these integrated entities are generally sufficiently large to warrant employment of a professional staff of infrastructure managers. As a result, many professional infrastructure managers work in these integrated entities.
These facilities are also unusual in the types of infrastructure that may be included. Military bases have specialized infrastructure for their specific missions, such as ordnance storage facilities. Industrial and university campuses often have specialized laboratory equipment and facilities. Parks have historic buildings and priceless natural features. Ports have specialized equipment for handling freight and passengers. Even golf courses (considered here a form of parks) have special requirements for landscaping.
Figure 16.1.1 illustrates a former military base (Fort Jefferson) now located in a national park (Dry Tortugas) on an island remote from the mainland. This is a complicated facility, with historic structures for the fort and modern infrastructure to generate power, water supplies, wastewater and telecommunications. A small port is also on the island for both boats and seaplanes. As a national park, preservation of the natural eco-systems is a priority. Managing the infrastructure on this island is a complicated job for the National Park Service!
Figure 16.1.2 illustrates a university campus, which is another example of a single institution with multiple infrastructure systems. A university campus can rely on external infrastructures such as power generation and transportation services. But a multitude of services are provided on campus, including internal transportation circulation and parking, water and power distribution, and buildings.
Ports are another example of single-institution entities with a significant amount of infrastructure and specialized facilities. Airports, seaports, and inland waterways (as illustrated in Figure 16.1.3) are all examples of such entities.