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Loading ...ASCE Assigns Grade of D to Nation’s Infrastructure
I came across this article from the ASCE’s website and I thought it would be appropriate if I shared it.
The entire copy of the article can be found on the ASCE’s website.
American_Crumbling_Infrastructure
Because decades of underfunding and inattention have endangered our nation’s infrastructure, $2.2 trillion in repairs and upgrades is needed over the next five years to meet adequate conditions. That’s the conclusion of ASCE’s new 2009 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure, which assigns an overall grade of D to the nation as well as individual grades in 15 infrastructure categories. Since ASCE’s last assessment in 2005, there has been little change in the condition of America’s roads, bridges, drinking water systems, and other public works. With the nation’s infrastructure receiving renewed attention from the White House, Congress, and the public as a vital part of an economic stimulus package, the Report Card offers informed guidance from professional engineers on where funds would best be spent.
- Your voice is still needed in Congress — now more than ever! As the Senate and House work to iron out the differences between each chamber’s economic stimulus plans, let them know that the final package should contain more investment in infrastructure. Contact your legislators today via ASCE’s online tool here.
- Details of the new Report Card, including grades in the 15 categories, suggestions for solutions, and more, are available here.
- Share your comments and track the progress of action in Washington in ASCE’s blog, Our Failing Infrastructure.
- ASCE has issued a series of Principles for Infrastructure Stimulus Investment to guide Congress and the White House in developing an effective economic recovery package. Read the criteria here.
- ASCE President Wayne Klotz discusses the Report Card findings in a video interview with Environment & Energy’s E&ETV; watch it here. Klotz also explains why more infrastructure funding in the economic recovery package would make it a stronger stimulus. Read his op-ed piece in the Houston Chronicle here.
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It is deplorable that America’s infrastructure is in such disrepair. There are many reasons but two stand out. Compared to Europe, the U.S. is ancient. Much of their infrastructure has been rebuilt since 1945, while the U.S did not suffer any comparable damage at home from World War II. Also, taxes paid in Europe can be applied more for social services including infrastructure, while the U.S. is obligated to spend a disproportionate amount on military adventurism, empire building and high profit military contracts supported by both political parties. The chances of this being changed are virtually nil. Get used to it.