Infrastructure Still Doesn't Measure Up
This article comes from the April 2009 Supply Chain Link e-newsletter.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aviation | D | D+ | D |
| Bridges | C | C | C |
| Dams | D | D | D |
| Drinking Water | D | D- | D- |
| Energy | D+ | D | D+ |
| Hazardous Waste | D+ | D- | D |
| Inland Waterways | D+ | D- | D- |
| Levees | n/a | n/a | D- |
| Public Parks and Recreation | n/a | C- | C- |
| Rail | n/a | C- | C- |
| Roads | D+ | D | D- |
| Schools | D- | D | D |
| Solid Waste | C+ | C+ | C+ |
| Transit | C- | D+ | D |
| Wasterwater | D | D- | D- |
| Avg GPA | D+ | D | D |
| Estimated 5 Year Investment Need | 1.3* | 1.6* | 2.2* |
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.
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