Unfortunately, this is kind of the way our country works. Everyone could say, "oh that bridge should have been replaced." But the politicians will reply, "Oh we don't have enough funding, we need higher taxes." And the people don't like taxes (I mean, I don't), so then they do something that costs less, like inspections and sticking a finger into a leaking dam. So unfortunately, it does take an event like this to promote change. Unfortunately, sometimes it is we, the people, who need the changing. After all, many a politician have won elections with things like, "No new taxes."
I remember when WA state passed a gas tax a few years back. I wasn't too pleased with it, but that funding was to be put towards roads/transportation. Now when I look back, maybe it wasn't such a bad idea after all.