ASCE Hands Out Poor Grades for U.S. Infrastructure

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has handed out its annual grades for the quality of U.S. infrastructure, and the report card delivers the same message as in previous years: U.S. infrastructure is in overall poor shape.

ASCE estimated that the investment needed to rehabilitate water and wastewater treatment facilities, transportation infrastructure, dams, schools, parks, and other categories of infrastructure could total up to $2.2 trillion just to bring U.S. infrastructure up to par.

ASCE gave grades of “D-minus” to U.S. drinking water and wastewater systems and waterways; “D” to dams; “D-minus” to roads; “C” to bridges; “D” to airports and public transit systems; “D-plus” to energy infrastructure; “D” to school buildings; “C-minus” to rail transportation; and “C-minus” to parks, beaches, and other recreational facilities.

“Our leaders are looking for solutions to the nation’s current economic crisis,” said ASCE President D. Wayne Klotz in a statement. “Not only could investment in these critical foundations have a positive impact, but if done responsibly, it would also provide tangible benefits to the American people, such as reduced traffic congestion, improved air quality, clean and abundant water supplies, and protection against natural hazards.”

Source: Environmental Business Journal