Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Infrastructure Report Card

Every four years the American Society of Civil Engineers publishes a report grading the country's infrastructure.  The 2013 report card has just been published.  The grades are based on on capacity, condition, funding, future need, operation and maintenance, public safety, resilience, and innovation.  And, surprise of surprises, there is an improvement over 2009.  It's not much - from D to D+ - but it is an improvement for the first time in fifteen years.

The grades in 2013 ranged from a high of B- for solid waste to a low of D- for inland waterways and levees.  Most grades fell below a C.  Solid waste, drinking water, wastewater, roads, and bridges all saw incremental improvements, and rail jumped from a C- to a C+.  No categories saw a decline in grade this year.

The report attributed the increased grade to greater private investment in the rail category, renewed efforts in cities and states and federal funding. 

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