Engineers’ report gives US infrastructure failing grade

RESTON, Va. — A report released by the American Society of Civil Engineers  grades America’s Infrastructure. And America’s report card was not very impressive, according to ASCE, recording a cumulative D grade for roads, bridges, water systems and other critical foundations.

The report concludes that with a little ingenuity and the right amount of commitment (ie ‘money’) from decision makers, the infrastructure crisis is solvable. A five-year $2.2 trillion investment should do the trick.

"Increasing our investment in infrastructure is important, but the solution will involve more than just money," said ASCE president D. Wayne Klotz. "It will take sound technology, wise community planning and involved citizens willing to partner with the government and private sector to make real change."

While the comprehensive Report Card provides information on the impact of failing infrastructure, it also focuses on ways the nation can begin addressing these critical deficiencies.

The report also presents detailed breakdown of the investment needs across all 15 categories assessed, including current spending estimates, five-year needed investments, funding provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and the remaining shortfall.

The 2009 Report Card was developed by an advisory council of 28 civil engineers representing each of the infrastructure categories, as well as a broad spectrum of civil engineering disciplines.