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Infrastructure Still Doesn't Measure Up

The infrastructure’s overall D grade given by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) comes as no surprise. Considerable buzz in Congress about infrastructure investments (Highway Trust Fund, higher tolls, increased gasoline taxes) has translated to very few improvements since the last report card in 2005.

Grades in only two categories improved in 2009: Energy (D+) and Hazardous Waste (D). Grades in Aviation, Roads and Transit declined from 2005, while all other categories maintained their grades.

Category 2001 2005 2009
AviationDD+D
BridgesCCC
DamsDDD
Drinking WaterDD-D-
EnergyD+DD+
Hazardous WasteD+D-D
Inland WaterwaysD+D-D-
Leveesn/an/aD-
Public Parks and Recreationn/aC-C-
Railn/aC-C-
RoadsD+DD-
SchoolsD-DD
Solid WasteC+C+C+
TransitC-D+D
WasterwaterDD-D-
Avg GPAD+DD
Estimated 5 Year Investment Need1.3*1.6*2.2*
* Denotes Trillions of Dollars

On the Horizon

The budget for the Transportation Department increased 3 percent this year to reflect the Obama administration’s focus on boosting the economy and meeting mass transit needs. The budget includes a $5 billion program of grants for building high-speed rail systems and modernizing air traffic-control systems.