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ASCE Report Card Reveals Infrastructure Needs

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has released its much-anticipated 2025 Report Card for America’s infrastructure, and for the first time ever, the overall infrastructure received a solid 'C' grade, an improvement from the previous 'C-' grade in 2021. This report, published quadrennially, evaluates various components of the U.S. infrastructure system, encompassing 18 key categories ranging from transportation to energy supply.

Darren Olson, the chair of the 2025 Report Card, expressed that this grade underscores the progress made since applicable legislation was enacted, specifically pointing out the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) passed in 2021. However, he emphasized that while the recent investments have initiated positive changes, they are insufficient to fully bridge the $3.7 trillion gap between the current investment levels and what is required to effectively modernize and maintain infrastructure.

The 2025 Report Card unveils a troubling reality: despite federal initiatives like the IIJA, more consistent funding and commitment from state and local governments, along with private sector engagement, is essential. The report articulates that failing to maintain these investments could lead to rising costs for American households and hinder economic growth. Notably, Olson remarked, "Better infrastructure is an efficient investment of taxpayer dollars that leads to a robust economy and prioritizes American jobs, resilience, and connectivity."

Key Findings from the ASCE Report Card

The ASCE’s report grades reveal a mixed bag of improvements and ongoing challenges. Notably, while ports received a 'B' grade and broadband was categorized for the first time, some areas like stormwater and transit are still sitting at 'D' grades. The grades are a reflection of progress in various sectors:

• - Ports: B
• - Rail: B-
• - Broadband: C+
• - Bridges: C
• - Hazardous Waste: C
• - Transit: D
• - Stormwater: D

Moreover, while the 2025 grades reflect some advancements—specifically in eight categories, such as dams and roads—that is overshadowed by the fact that nine categories still received grades within the 'D' range, showcasing systemic vulnerabilities within America’s infrastructure.

The Impact of Aging Infrastructure

The report highlights three major trends affecting America’s infrastructure:
1. Aging Infrastructure: Many existing systems are increasingly susceptible to natural disasters, which not only compromises safety but also disrupts economic activities. As the frequency of extreme weather events rises, the need for resilient infrastructure becomes more pressing.
2. Increased Investment Requirements: Although recent federal and state investments have had a positive impact, realizing the full benefits of these funds will take time. Sustained investments are crucial for maintaining a reliable infrastructure system.
3. Data Reliability Issues: Some critical sectors suffer from inadequate or unreliable data, complicating the ability to assess performance and make informed decisions.

In light of these findings, Feniosky Peña-Mora, the ASCE President, elaborated on the significance of sustained investment, stating, “The job is not yet done. Delaying upgrades to our nation's roads, bridges, transit, and utilities will cost families and businesses time and money, in addition to creating unsafe yet often avoidable situations.”

The Way Forward

The 2025 Report Card serves not only as an evaluation tool but also as a call to action for legislators, business leaders, and communities nationwide. The results illustrate that when infrastructure investments are prioritized, real improvements can manifest. The ASCE urges a holistic approach to infrastructure maintenance, combining grassroots engagement from local governments and citizens, along with robust economic commitments.

The comprehensive findings of the ASCE Report Card will be presented at the ASCE Solutions Summit in Washington, D.C. on March 25, offering further insights into tackling America’s pressing infrastructure challenges.

For more detailed information, visit InfrastructureReportCard.org.