The American Society of Civil Engineers stamped a near-failing grade of “D” on their 2005 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure, down from a “D+” in 2001.
The Report Card assesses 12 infrastructure categories. While there has been some improvement in aviation and schools categories from the 2001 Report Card, ASCE’s analysis reveals conditions have remained the same for bridges and dams and worsened for roads, drinking and wastewater facilities, navigable waterways and transit and energy systems.
American Road and Transportation Builders Association President Pete Ruane said the results shouldn’t be surprising to anyone who travels the nation’s highway, bridge and transit systems. He said the next report card would likely be a failing grade if the federal government doesn’t allocate increased funding soon.
Should the government allocate more money to infrastructure construction, contractors and construction equipment manufacturers would likely benefit.
ARTBA estimates a $60 billion federal investment is needed to improve current highway conditions. ASCE trumps that amount by suggesting the government spend at least $1.6 trillion during a five-year period to bring current infrastructure grades up to an “A.”
“We need to establish a comprehensive, long-term infrastructure plan as opposed to our current `patch and pray’ method to ensure a better quality of life for everyone,” said ASCE President William Henry.
Among the report card categories of interest to the construction industry, roads – with a grade of “D” – seem to be in the most critical state.
