Infrastructure exchange traded funds (ETFs) may be just what your town or country needs to get a good face lift.

Gary Gordon on ETF Expert refers to infrastructure improvement as the need for both developed nations and emerging countries to create certain facilities. Areas that are in need of transportation, communication networks, power plants, drinking water and wastewater systems, possibly in the most environmentally friendly way possible, can be lumped together under the heading of "infrastructure."

There are two of these specific funds:

• iShares Infrastrucure Fund (IGF): "All-in-one" access to concept; down 8.3% year-to-date.
• SPDR/FTSE Macquarie Global Infrastructure Fund (GII): Tends to replicate utilities excluding energy infrastructure and transportation infrastructure; down 3.7% year-to-date,

Infrastructure involves a lot more than using water and turning on the lights. Companies that manufacture metals and industrial materials fit the bill, along with companies that build bridges, roads, railways, airports, hospitals and internet access, to name a few. Obviously, there is an array of ways to get some exposure to this sector.

And the good thing about infrastructure is whether it’s a developing country or one that’s already there, there are always improvements to be made and it’s a job that’s never done.

Gordon believes these ETFs touch down upon various infrastructure aspects, and all but one of them is sitting in positive territory for the year so far:

• Market Vectors Steel (SLX), up 29.9% year-to-date
• PowerShares Water Resources (PHO), up 3% year-to-date
• PowerShares Clean Tech (PZD), up 1% year-to-date
• Market Vectors Nuclear Energy (NLR), down 5.8% year-to-date
• iShares Global Materials (MXI), up 9.7% year-to-date

Tags: Emerging Markets, Energy, Infrastructure, Material ETFs, Metals & Mining, Sector ETFs, Steel, Transportation, Utilities, Water