US infrastructure report card shows modest gains for 2021: ASCE

Pittsburgh — The overall state of US infrastructure has improved over the past four years, but significant work remains, the American Society of Civil Engineers said March 3 with the release of its infrastructure report card.

For the first time in 20 years, US infrastructure moved above a "D" grade, with the 2021 report issuing a "C-" grade for overall US infrastructure, up from a "D+" grade in 2017 and 2013.

The report, which is updated every four years, provides a review of the nation's 16 major infrastructure categories and rates each based on investment, capacity and the need for projects to be completed. A 17th category focused on stormwater infrastructure was added to the assessment for 2021.

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The US' improving grade is the result of progress in state and local government investments, in addition to increased federal investment or reform in certain categories, the ASEC said. The group noted 37 states have raised their gas tax to fund critical transportation investments since 2020 and 98% of local infrastructure ballot initiatives passed in November 2020.

The 2021 grades range from a B in rail to a D- in transit, according to the ASEC. Five category grades — aviation, drinking water, energy, inland waterways, and ports — went up, while one category — bridges — went down compared with 2017.

"Overall, eleven category grades were stuck in the D range, a clear signal that our overdue bill on infrastructure is a long way from being paid off," the ASEC said.

While incremental gains have been made in some categories, the ASEC found the US' long-term investment gap continues to grow, with the total investment gap growing to nearly $2.59 trillion in 2021, up from $2.1 trillion over the past 10 years.

The US steel industry has long been an advocate for increased federal spending for infrastructure.

"The report makes it clear that we're long overdue for meaningful infrastructure funding," US Steel CEO David Burritt said in a statement. "Until we take significant action, we will continue to fall behind our global competitors, while the drag on the economy continues to grow with every passing day. If Congress and the administration take decisive action and invest in infrastructure, they can create millions of jobs, make the domestic supply chain and manufacturing more competitive, and save families money. An infrastructure bill provides no-regrets stimulus, with lasting benefits to our society and economy."

The ASEC noted the coronavirus pandemic's impacts on infrastructure revenue streams threaten to derail the modest progress.

Speaking at a virtual event hosted by the ASEC March 3, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, who attended a recent meeting at the White House with President Joe Biden to discuss infrastructure, said he is optimistic the US can come to an agreement to solve the long-standing funding issue.

Biden met with a bipartisan group of lawmakers Feb. 11 urging the two parties to come together to reach a long-sought deal to modernize and improve infrastructure in the US. At the time, the White House said it would be holding a series of meetings related to infrastructure with members of Congress and stakeholders.

"If we can't find a consensus on infrastructure across the aisle, then I'm not sure we can find a bipartisan agreement on anything," Hogan said.