Engineering group’s analysis finds investment and innovative solutions led to improvements in six sectors since 2009
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) released in March its 2013 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure, a comprehensive assessment of the nation’s infrastructure across 16 sectors. Updated once every four years, the latest Report Card found that America’s cumulative GPA for infrastructure rose slightly to a D+ from a D in 2009. The Report Card estimates total investment needs at $3.6 trillion by 2020 across all 16 sectors, leaving a funding shortfall of $1.6 trillion based on current funding levels.
The nation’s overall drinking water and wastewater infrastructure were each given a D, both up from their D-minus grades given in 2009.
None of the infrastructure categories received a lower grade than in 2009. Near-failing grades continue to be seen in numerous sectors that are crucial to the economy and Americans’ quality of life, said the ASCE upon release of its assessment. The grades in 2013 range from a high of B-minus for solid waste infrastructure to a low of D-minus for inland waterways and levees.
Encouraging trends were found in sectors where focused investments were made. In addition to the drinking water and wastewater sectors, solid waste, roads, bridges and rail also experienced incremental improvements since the last assessment.
Trends contributing to rising grades
Key trends driving improvements included:
- Renewed efforts in cities and states to address deficient roads, bridges, drinking water and wastewater systems
- Several categories benefited from short-term boosts in federal funding.
“A D+ is simply unacceptable for anyone serious about strengthening our nation’s economy; however, the 2013 Report Card shows that this problem can be solved. If we want to create jobs, increase trade, and assure the safety of our children, then infrastructure investment is the answer,” said ASCE President Gregory E. DiLoreto, P.E.
“We must commit today to investing in modern, efficient infrastructure systems to position the U.S. for economic prosperity,” added DiLoreto. “Infrastructure can either be the engine for long-term economic growth and employment, or, it can jeopardize our nation’s standing if poor roads, deficient bridges, and failing waterways continue to hurt our economy.”
Grades for water sectors
Frequent water main breaks, pipes and mains that are frequently more than 100 years old are reaching the end of their life cycle and require significant investment and continue to account for the low grade in the drinking water infrastructure sector.
“Not meeting the investment needs of the next 20 years risks reversing the environmental, public health, and economic gains of the last three decades,” the report says.
Capital-investment needs for the nation’s wastewater and stormwater systems, namely to fix and expand pipes to address sanitary sewer overflows, combined sewer overflows, and other pipe-related issues, are estimated to total $298 billion over the next 20 years.
“Other costs will result from stricter permitting standards, nutrient removal requirements, technology updates, and new process methods, among others,” the report warns.
The report offers several “solutions that work now” for both areas that include raising awareness for the true cost of water and reinvigorating the respective State Revolving Loan Fund (SRF) programs for the sectors.
New ways of delivering information
For the first time, the 2013 Report Card includes information on a state-by-state basis and highlights initiatives and innovations that are making a difference.
Also for the first time, the Report Card is available as a digital application that includes videos and other multimedia tools. Available for download from iTunes and Google Play, the app is supported across all major platforms and devices. It is also accessible online at www.infrastructurereportcard.org [1], and is supported across all major platforms and devices.
About the Report Card
Using a simple A to F school report card format, the Report Card provides a comprehensive assessment of current infrastructure conditions and needs, both assigning grades and making recommendations for how to raise them. An advisory council of leading civil engineers appointed by ASCE assigns the grades according to the following eight criteria: capacity, condition, funding, future need, operation and maintenance, public safety, resilience, and innovation. Since 1998, the grades have been near failing, averaging only Ds, due to delayed maintenance and underinvestment across most categories.
To view and download the Report Card, visit www.infrastructurereportcard.org [1]
Other articles in this issue:
- Director's Letter [3]
- Rural Developments (news briefs) [4]
- EPA survey shows $384 billion needed for drinking water infrastructure by 2030 [5]
- Five things you can do to improve a community through empowerment [6]
- So, you think you want to build a decentralized wastewater treatment system? [7]
- Rural practices meet public policy as RCAP staff go to Capitol Hill [8]