U.S. infrastructure received an overall grade of D+ in the latest report card from the American Society of Civil Engineers, largely uncharged since the previous report in 2013.
The findings suggest that only incremental progress has been made in revitalizing the nation’s infrastructure over the past four years. The D rating is considered “poor” and “at risk,” just one step above failing and unfit for purpose.
The report, released Thursday, comes at a time when President Trump has promised to make the issue a chief priority for his administration. He has called on Congress to move a $1 trillion public-private infrastructure package after a proposal comes together later this year.
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“Our infrastructure bill is overdue and our inaction is costing American’s $3400 per year in lost disposal income,” said Greg DiLoreto, chair of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Committee on America’s Infrastructure, which prepared the report.
Although Trump has promised $1 trillion in infrastructure investment over 10 years, the ASCE estimates that $4.59 trillion is needed by 2025 to bring infrastructure into a state of good repair. If current spending levels continue, the country will fall short of that figure by $2 trillion.
The report card graded the country on 16 different categories. The U.S. received its highest marks for rail, earning a B, and its lowest rating for transit, earning a D-.
Aviation, dams, drinking water and roads all received D grades. Bridges, ports and solid waste got a C+.
“While our nation’s infrastructure problems are significant, they are solvable,” said ASCE President Norma Jean Mattei. “We need our elected leaders — those who pledged to rebuild our infrastructure while on the campaign trail — to follow through on those promises with investment and innovative solutions that will ensure our infrastructure is built for the future.”