San Francisco Bridge and Outsourcing: Is 6% Worth it?

California is replacing the San Francisco - Oakland Bay Bridge. It sounds like the type of large public works project that will provide needed jobs to Americans.

However, it is keeping hundreds of Chinese workers employed. To save money, California outsourced the construction of the bridge to China. The bridge pieces will be shipped to the U.S., and assembled by Americans.

California is risking criticism in three ways:

1. They outsourced jobs.

2. If there are any problems - especially fatal accidents - they will be accused of overlooking China's reputation for poor quality and cutting corners. Not to mention the possibility of damage from overseas shipping and the need to meet strong earthquake standards.

3. According to this New York Times article, in order to not buy American, they gave up federal funds.

Were these risks worth taking? Well, according to this article, the project will cost $7.2 billion, and they expect to save $400 million from having the Chinese do so much work.

That means that the total cost to get the bridge built completely by Americans would have cost $7.6 billion. Thus, California saved about 5.5%

To me, saving only about 6% is not enough compensation for risking quality, safety, earthquake standards, and not employing Americans.