U.S. Infrastructure Grade Rises to C, Needs $9.1 Trillion Investment

The American Society of Civil Engineers' latest report card on U.S. infrastructure gives it a grade of 'C', reflecting modest improvements attributed to investments from the Biden administration, including the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The report highlights that while eight out of eighteen infrastructure categories showed improvement, sustained or increased federal funding is necessary to prevent further deterioration and manage the impacts of climate change. Darren Olson, chair of the report, emphasized the importance of infrastructure in enhancing economic efficiency and competitiveness, particularly in the face of extreme weather events. The report also notes that the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which provided $550 billion, is set to expire in 2026, while an additional $30 billion was allocated through the Inflation Reduction Act. Despite these improvements, Olson pointed out that significant challenges remain, including the need for an estimated $3.7 trillion to maintain decent infrastructure conditions. Overall, the report indicates progress but underscores the ongoing need for investment and support to address vulnerabilities.