The following is a statement by Jean-Louis Briaud, Ph.D., P.E., President, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE):
The American Society of Civil Engineers encourages Congress and the Administration to continue this bipartisan dialogue on infrastructure, moving toward comprehensive infrastructure legislation that will rebuild and modernize our infrastructure systems.
ASCE's 2021 Report Card for America's Infrastructure found the nation earned a 'C-', up from 2017's cumulative GPA of 'D+'. However, progress has been incremental and 11 of the 17 categories received scores in the "D" range, demonstrating that much work needs to be done to modernize the overall infrastructure network and position our nation for the future.
Inaction is not an acceptable option for American households, who lose an average of $3,300 per year due to deficient, degrading infrastructure and status quo federal investment.
Much like the American Jobs Plan, this new proposal includes critical funding to repair and modernize the transportation sector, but also addresses drinking water and wastewater needs, ports and inland waterways, and improving broadband access. The COVID-19 pandemic decimated revenues for airports, transit agencies, water utilities and state departments of transportation (DOTs), making the need for a strong federal partner greater than ever.
As the nation looks to strengthen the economy, create jobs, and build resilient communities, ASCE believes that infrastructure investment is the key to long-term prosperity and maintaining our competitive position, as well as providing access and opportunity to communities across the country. We look forward to working with the Administration and Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle to move significant, visionary infrastructure legislation across the finish line in the coming months.
ABOUT THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CIVIL ENGINEERS
Founded in 1852, the American Society of Civil Engineers represents more than 150,000 civil engineers worldwide and is America's oldest national engineering society. ASCE works to raise awareness of the need to maintain and modernize the nation's infrastructure using sustainable and resilient practices, advocates for increasing and optimizing investment in infrastructure, and improve engineering knowledge and competency. For more information, visit www.asce.org or www.infrastructurereportcard.org and follow us on Twitter, @ASCETweets and @ASCEGovRel.