Most people are aware that students are not the only ones who receive report cards. Restaurants, businesses, and even professors are graded. However, few people are aware that The United States infrastructure also gets graded. On the most recent report card, issued by the American Society of Civil Engineers, the United States received a g.p.a. equivalent to a “D” on its infrastructure quality.
Infrastructure: It’s so intrinsic to society that we never think about it. The way we never think about the bones in our body, until they start to break.
That is exactly the way of thinking which has allowed the infrastructure to reach such a poor current condition. The American Society of Civil Engineers has rated infrastructure across the country in 15 different categories ranging from aviation to wastewater, with the average score resulting in a near failing grade.
So what happened?
Most of the infrastructure we see today in the U.S. was built between the 1930’s and 1960’s and has seen very little attention or maintenance. The build-out is reaching the end of its life cycle and operating under loads it was not intended to handle. Also, the amount of funds allocated to maintaining the crucial supports of our country is far less than others. For example, China spends 9% of their GDP on infrastructure, Europe spends 5% and the United States spends a mere 2.4% The combination of design flaws, corrosion and deferred maintenance are all factors for the crumbling empire. Are we the next Rome?
Not quite. Although the United States is below par, very disappointing to say the least, there is hope. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, it will take $2.2 trillion over 5 years to get the country where it should be. That does not include the Department of Transportation’s estimate of $134 to $262 billion required each year through 2035 to improve the nation’s road, rail and air transportation systems. Aware of the situation, President Obama has made infrastructure revitalization a key attribute in his jobs creation package. He believes that the American Jobs Act will “jumpstart thousands of transportation projects across the country.” He has also proposed to spend $90 billion, $50 billion more than what is currently planned, to retrofit or construct 150,000 miles of roads, 4,000 miles of railway and 150 miles of airplane runways.
According to Wayne Klotz, president of the ASCE, “We have all the technology. All we have to do is to decide that it is a priority and get on with doing it.” While I do admire his enthusiasm, this will be a huge project for the United States. Although this is of great importance for the future of the country, the United States is also struggling to keep up with education, healthcare and manufacturing. The question is, which is the most deserving for the immediate allocation of funds?
I think it's very sad and pathetic that the US has such low ratings for all of those categories. Especially in a recession like we're in now, it's the perfect time to start creating more jobs to help fix all of the problems with our infrastructure. There's no reason why jobs can't be created to help remedy this issue.
ReplyDeleteI agree with thenewestprice. There are many opportunities to create jobs. Great post! I think that we wait until it gets really bad before we fix anything. On the other hand, I don't think that the U.S. will spend the 2.2 trillion dollars necessary to accomplish the task. We don't have it. What do we do?
ReplyDeleteOne thing that local governments are doing is transferring the cost and task to real estate developers. If they want to get entitled to build a certain development, many governments require them to contribute to infrastructure, build schools, fix up the roads, and other infrastructure improvements.
I got to go to China this summer and you can definitely see the difference in infrastructure. Doesn't mean they have perfected it as they have issues with some of the newer infrastructure built. Considering the fact that it has lasted us so long is great. We just need to start making some improvements. Not just in the richer neighborhoods, which is another discussion altogether. You have great insights on real estate. Great post!
As someone who can testify to our nation's horrible infrastructure and road system, I hope improvements do get implemented. A year ago I was driving on the I-5 South in South Orange County and I hit a pothole and shattered 2 of my rims, which costed me thousands. I'd love to think that our failing infrastructure will receive the attention it deserves, however, I am not holding my breath. With all the other issues that get more political attention than infrastructure, I would be surprised to see this problem get addressed to the degree that it needs to be. Especially with the huge government deficit in place, I can see a sort of half-assed solution getting implemented, but hopefully that won't be the case.
ReplyDeleteThis is unacceptable and embarrassing! I personally would rate the infrastructure pretty low as well. Each year one my family members or friends pop a tire, or damages a rim due to a pothole. It is not only costly but also extremely annoying.
ReplyDeleteAccording to the report card image you posted it is not only the roads that have problems. Our bridges, dams, schools, and transit have a mediocre to poor rating. Hopefully there will be a solution to this mess. It is crucial for the government to address this issue for the revitalization our infrastructure.
It is scary to see this on paper. We use our infrastructure everyday, and it is actually rated "poor" which reflects on us who are using it!
ReplyDeleteEspecially in Los Angeles, there is a lot to fix and I think a huge budget is needed to make the LA streets more "walkable" and "drivable". Today, when I stepped out of my house, I tripped on the side walk that suddenly had "popped up" because of the poor funding to establish a basic and good ground for all infrastructure.
It is absolutely necessary that the government show those $$$ to improve the standard of living, which can even improve the efficiency on the streets, which in turn will lower the green house gas effects.
What an opportunity to stimulate the American economy! That is the first thing I though of when I read your post. Not only is inaction neglecting important reinforcements to public projects, but we are also avoiding thousands of jobs that could be issued to help employment in the nation. I really hope that the the federal and state governments begin to pass legislation that will make infrastructure revitalization a bigger focus in the future.
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