Many of the original New Deal programs required heavy manual labor. WPA workers built hundreds of schools, health clinics, roads, park facilities, and community centers. Much of what we now call our 'infrastructure' - highways, buildings, power plants, etc. - is here thanks to thousands of WPA workers.

In this quote, Kathi Appelt reflects on the significant contributions of the Works Progress Administration (WPA), a key part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal programs during the Great Depression. She highlights that many of the original WPA projects involved heavy manual labor, with workers constructing critical infrastructure that continues to benefit communities today. Appelt emphasizes that the WPA workers were instrumental in building schools, health clinics, roads, park facilities, and community centers, laying the groundwork for much of the modern infrastructure we rely on.

Appelt further points out that the WPA was responsible for creating much of the infrastructure we now take for granted, including highways, buildings, and power plants. These large-scale projects were vital not only for economic recovery but also for shaping the physical landscape of America, providing long-term benefits to communities. The WPA played a critical role in building the foundational elements of society that continue to serve the public.

The origin of this quote comes from Appelt’s exploration of the lasting impact of New Deal programs. As an author and storyteller, Appelt often touches on historical events and their implications for future generations. Her words acknowledge the hard work of the thousands of WPA workers who, despite facing harsh conditions, contributed to the growth and development of the United States.

In a broader context, Appelt’s quote serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of government programs designed to address economic crises. The WPA was part of a broader effort to combat the effects of the Great Depression by providing jobs and building infrastructure that still plays a crucial role in today’s society. This historical reflection underscores the importance of such initiatives in shaping a country’s economic and physical landscape, leaving a legacy that continues to serve generations.