US infrastructure earns a "C" grade, needs more funding

A new report card on America's infrastructure has given it a grade of "C." This score is a slight improvement from previous years, thanks to funding from former President Joe Biden's administration. The report, released by the American Society of Civil Engineers, looks at various aspects of infrastructure, including roads, dams, and water systems. Despite this improvement, the report warns that ongoing federal funding is essential to prevent further damage and rising costs. Darren Olson, the report's chair, highlighted the negative impacts of poor infrastructure on people's lives and the economy. He emphasized that investment in infrastructure makes the economy stronger and more competitive, especially as extreme weather events from climate change increase. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provided $550 billion in new investments, but it will expire in 2026. Additional funding from the Inflation Reduction Act also contributed to infrastructure projects. Despite these investments, the report estimates that the U.S. needs $9.1 trillion to repair its infrastructure effectively. The drinking water systems received a grade of C-minus, unchanged from four years ago. Many communities face challenges maintaining outdated systems and meeting new requirements to replace harmful lead pipes. The report also noted that while significant projects have begun, there is still a huge funding gap. Other areas, such as rail and energy, received lower grades. The rail system's score dropped to B-minus after a chemical train derailment in Ohio. The energy sector plummeted to D-plus due to rising demand. Engineers plan to speak with lawmakers about the funding needs for infrastructure. They emphasize that improving infrastructure can save families money and support economic growth. Addressing these issues now is better than waiting for systems to fail.