America’s Infrastructure Improves from D to D+ on National Report Card

RESTON, Va. (March 19, 2013) – The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) today released its 2013 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure, a comprehensive assessment of the nation’s infrastructure across 16 sectors. Updated once every four years, this year’s 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 grades in 2013 range from a high of B- for solid waste infrastructure to a low of D- for inland waterways and levees. None of the categories received a lower grade than in 2009; however, near-failing grades continue to be seen in numerous sectors that are crucial to the economy and Americans’ quality of life.

Encouraging trends were found in sectors where focused investments were made. Six sectors (solid waste, drinking water, wastewater, roads, bridges, and rail) each experienced incremental improvements since the last assessment. America’s rail sector saw the largest improvement, moving from a C- to a C+.

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;
Private investment for efficiency and connectivity brought improvements in the nation’s railways, ports, and energy grid;
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.

For the first time, the 2013 Report Card includes information for all 50 states and highlights initiatives and innovations that are making a difference. For example, Oklahoma created a plan to replace or rehabilitate over 950 structurally deficient bridges between 2013 and 2020. Philadelphia implemented a program to improve resiliency and address combined sewer overflows using green infrastructure, capable of capturing water from all but the most severe storms.

“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.”

REPORT CARD GRADES FOR SPECIFIC INFRASTRUCTURE SECTORS

Water and Environment

Dams again earned a grade of D, in part because of the increase in the nation’s aging and high-hazard dams. In fact, the average age of the country’s 84,000 dams is 52 years old.

Drinking Water systems improved slightly to a grade of D. 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.

Hazardous Waste systems’ grade remained unchanged at a D. The undeniable success in the cleanup of the nation’s hazardous waste is diminished by a severe budgetary shortfall for Superfund and brownfield site cleanups. More than 400,000 brownfield sites await cleanup and redevelopment.

Levees again earned a near failing grade of D-. The U.S. does not have a levee safety program. Public safety remains at risk as roughly $100 billion is needed to repair the nation’s estimated 100,000 miles of levees that increasingly are protecting developed communities. However, the return on investment is clear. Levees helped to prevent more than $141 billion in flood damages in 2011.

Solid Waste systems earned the highest grade in 2013 of a B-. In 2010, Americans recycled 85 million tons of the 250 million tons of trash generated. This represents a 34 percent recycling rate, more than double the 14.5 percent recycled in 1980.

Wastewater systems improved slightly to a grade of D. 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.

Transportation

Aviation again earned a D grade. The number of commercial flights continues to rise, despite the effects of the recent recession, stretching the system’s ability to meet the needs of the nation’s economy. The FAA estimates that the national cost of airport congestion and delays was almost $22 billion in 2012 and will rise to $34 billion by 2020 and $63 billion by 2040.

Bridges improved to a grade of C+ given that the overall number of structurally deficient bridges continues to decrease. However, one in nine of the nation’s bridges are still rated as structurally deficient and the numbers in urban areas are rising.

Inland Waterways received a D- grade once again, as conditions remain poor and investment levels stagnant. The nation’s inland waterways and rivers carry the equivalent of about 51 million truck trips each year. Despite being essential for commerce, many portions of the inland waterways system have not been updated since the 1950s. There are an average of 52 service interruptions a day throughout the inland waterway system, and a backlog of projects with estimated completion dates stretching to the year 2090.

Ports received a C grade in its 2013 debut for assessment. More than 95 percent (by volume) of overseas trade produced or consumed by the United States moves through the nation’s ports. With the anticipated Panama Canal expansion, there has been a 9 percent increase in the size of ships calling at U.S. ports. Despite the global economy continuing to grow, federal funding has declined for navigable waterways and landside freight connections.

Rail saw the largest improvement, moving up to a C+ in 2013. America’s freight rail industry invested more than $20 billion each year from 2009 through 2012 to modernize its network.  In 2012, Amtrak recorded its highest year of ridership, benefiting from federal investments in tracks, bridges, tunnels, and increased capacity from both freight and passenger operations.

Roads saw a slight improvement with a grade of D, yet America’s highways face a 42 percent congestion rate. That congestion costs the economy an estimated $101 billion annually in wasted time and fuel.

Transit’s grade remained at a D as transit agencies struggled to balance increasing ridership with declining funding, and 45 percent of American households lack any access to transit. Although access to and investment in transit has increased, deficient and deteriorating transit systems cost the U.S. economy $90 billion in 2010.  Many transit agencies are struggling to maintain aging and obsolete fleets and facilities amid an economic downturn that has reduced their funding, forcing service cuts and fare increases.

Public Facilities

Public Parks and Recreation’s grade remained unchanged at a C-. The popularity of parks and outdoor recreation areas in the United States continues to grow, while localities continue to struggle with an estimated $18.5 billion in unmet budgetary needs according to 2011 numbers. The federal government is also facing a serious challenge with the National Park Service, estimating its maintenance backlog at approximately $11 billion.

Schools received a D again this year. Almost half of America’s public school buildings were built to educate the baby boomers – a generation that is now retiring from the workforce. Experts estimate the investment needed to modernize and maintain the nation’s school facilities is $270 billion or more.

Energy

Energy’s grade remained the same at a D+. The U.S. relies on an aging electrical grid and pipeline distribution system, some of which originated in the 1880s. While demand for electricity has remained level, the availability of energy will become a greater challenge after 2020 as the population increases. Although about 17,000 miles of additional high-voltage transmission lines and significant oil and gas pipelines are planned over the next five years, permitting and siting issues threaten their completion.

To view and download the 2013 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure, visit www.infrastructurereportcard.org.