Analysis of U.S. Infrastructure Conditions and Needs (ASCE 2025 Report Excerpts)
Executive Summary:
This briefing document summarizes key themes and findings from selected sections of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) 2025 Infrastructure Report Card. The excerpts cover a range of critical infrastructure sectors, including Aviation, Broadband, Dams, Drinking Water, Hazardous Waste, Inland Waterways, Levees, Ports, Public Parks, Rail, Roads, Solid Waste, Stormwater, Transit, and Wastewater. The report utilizes a five-point methodology (Capacity, Condition, Funding, Future Need, and Operation & Maintenance) to assess the state of each sector and assigns a letter grade reflecting its overall condition and performance.
A recurring theme across many sectors is the challenge of aging infrastructure, often exceeding its design life, coupled with insufficient funding to address maintenance backlogs, modernization needs, and increasing demands due to population growth and more frequent extreme weather events. While the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) has provided a significant boost in funding for many areas, the report highlights that sustained and often increased investment is necessary to bring infrastructure to a state of good repair and meet future needs. The document also underscores the importance of asset management, resilience planning, and the adoption of innovative technologies to improve the performance and sustainability of U.S. infrastructure.
Key Findings by Sector:
1. Aviation (Grade: D+)
Capacity Constraints: Several major airports are projected to face runway capacity constraints in the near future, leading to increased congestion and reduced efficiency. The FAA found that "11 airports are expected to be runway capacity–constrained by 2028, increasing to 14 by 2033. An additional 13 airports are at risk of significant congestion through 2033."
Funding: The report notes a general upward trend in domestic passenger enplanements, indicating sustained demand on aviation infrastructure.
2. Broadband (Grade: C+)
Funding & Deployment: While private sector ISPs have invested significantly in broadband infrastructure, and recent federal investments of $65 billion will support further deployment, challenges remain in service data transparency and affordability. "Since 1996, ISPs have invested nearly $2.2 trillion in America’s broadband infrastructure, and recent federal investments of $65 billion will support continued deployment."
Recommendations: The report recommends incentivizing better service data, providing dedicated funding for affordability programs, accounting for life-cycle costs, and facilitating state-based reporting on broadband plans. It also suggests expanding "Dig Once" policies and incentivizing updated codes for utility poles.
3. Dams (Grade: D+)
Condition & Hazard Potential: A significant number of dams are aging, with "the average age of our nation’s dams is over 60 years." Nearly 17,000 are classified as high hazard potential, and approximately 15% of these are in poor or unsatisfactory condition.
Funding Shortfalls: Despite the IIJA, federal dam safety programs continue to receive appropriations below authorized levels. "The HHPD Grant Program has not received anywhere near the $60 million it could receive by law. In fact, the program received no federal funding in both Fiscal Years 2023 and 2024." This lack of funding hinders inspection, monitoring, and necessary repairs.
Low-Head Dams: These pose ongoing safety concerns due to turbulent currents. Congress has authorized the creation of a National Low-Head Dam Inventory to better identify and warn the public about these dangers.
4. Drinking Water (Grade: C-)
Aging Infrastructure: The nation's drinking water infrastructure, with over 2 million miles of underground pipes, includes many segments nearing or exceeding their design life. "Some of the nation’s oldest pipes were laid in the 19th century, and pipes laid post–World War II have an average lifespan of 75 to 100 years, meaning that many of even the newer pipe segments are reaching or have reached the end of their design life." The average life expectancy of these pipes is declining.
Funding Challenges: While user rates are the primary funding source for operation and maintenance, infrastructure upgrades rely on state and federal programs like the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF), which has been underfunded and increasingly used for Congressionally Directed Spending (earmarks). "Between FY22 and FY23, more than $1 billion was taken from the DWSRF program for earmarks, resulting in a nearly 45% reduction in capitalization grants for states and an almost 45% reduction in set-asides."
Asset Management & Resilience: The report emphasizes the importance of asset management plans and increasing system resilience to climate extremes and other uncertainties.
5. Hazardous Waste (Grade: C-)
Superfund Program: The EPA's Superfund program has significantly reduced careless disposal of hazardous materials. As of September 2024, there were 1,340 National Priorities List (NPL) sites. "Since the program was first created, 458 Superfund sites have been cleaned up and removed from the NPL." Reuse of Superfund sites supports businesses, employment, and generates significant income.
Abandoned Mine Lands: These represent extensive and costly cleanups. The IIJA includes significant funding for reclaiming abandoned mine lands.
Emerging Challenges: The management of hazardous materials from depleted electric vehicle batteries and solar panels is a growing concern, highlighting the need for effective reconditioning and reuse strategies.
6. Inland Waterways (Grade: C-)
Critical Freight Network: The inland waterways system is a vital but often overlooked part of the nation's freight network, moving $158 billion of goods annually and facilitating the transport of one-third of the U.S. GDP.
Aging Lock and Dam Infrastructure: A significant portion (80% in 2024) of the lock and dam infrastructure exceeds its 50-year design life, leading to disruptions and delays due to maintenance and repairs. "When a lock or dam reaches a state of poor repair, traffic on the inland waterways is disrupted to allow for scheduled maintenance or unscheduled repairs." Unscheduled delays can have significant economic impacts.
Impact of Drought: Low water levels due to decreased rainfall and drought conditions can severely hamper freight flow, as seen on the Lower Mississippi River in 2023, impacting U.S. competitiveness in global trade.
Need for Modernization: The report highlights the need for better real-time tracking of commodity movements and delays and explores the potential of hydrogen energy as a cleaner fuel for vessels.
7. Levees (Grade: D+)
Extent and Condition: There are thousands of levee systems across the U.S., but the total number, especially non-federal levees, remains uncertain. Many are aging and not built to modern codes. "The average age of the nation’s levees is 61 years old, meaning that many are not built up to modern codes and standards."
Risk Assessment: While the USACE has assessed the risk of most levees in its portfolio, only about 31% of total levee systems nationwide have received a risk assessment.
State Levee Safety Programs: Development of state levee safety programs has been limited, posing challenges to consistent oversight of non-federal levees.
8. Ports (Grade: B-)
Vital Role in Commerce: Ports are critical for facilitating the movement of diverse goods and are complex facilities integrating various infrastructure modes.
Modernization Needs: Ports face pressure to modernize to accommodate larger vessels, upgrade aging facilities (some with piers dating back to the early 20th century), and decarbonize their infrastructure.
Funding Boost: Recent federal legislation, including the IIJA and Inflation Reduction Act, has provided significant funding for port infrastructure development and clean port initiatives. "The IIJA invested $17 billion in ports and inland waterways, supporting programs such as the Maritime Administration’s (MARAD) Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) and the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Reduction of Truck Emissions at Port Facilities Program."
Importance of Intermodal Connections: Efficient movement of goods depends on strong connections with highways and rail, particularly on-dock rail facilities.
Sustainability and Resilience: Ports are increasingly focusing on sustainability through initiatives like shore power and exploring alternative fuels, as well as resilience planning to mitigate the impacts of disasters.
9. Public Parks (Grade: C-)
Economic and Social Benefits: Public parks provide significant economic benefits and contribute to physical and mental health.
Increased Visitation: While overall capacity has remained relatively level, increased visitation puts stress on park infrastructure.
Safety and Accessibility: Adequate lighting and security are critical for park safety, but must be balanced with environmental considerations. Programs like Los Angeles' Summer Night Lights demonstrate the positive impact of these measures.
10. Rail (Grade: B-)
Freight Rail Importance: Freight rail is crucial for moving a vast amount of goods, with increasing average carload weights. Private companies own and maintain the freight network.
Passenger Rail: U.S. passenger rail includes Amtrak and commuter rail systems connecting suburban and urban areas.
Recommendations: The report emphasizes supporting improvements to the multimodal freight network, enhancing safety through technology, and implementing a robust National Asset Management system.
11. Roads (Grade: D+)
Significant Investment: The IIJA provided a substantial increase in highway funding. "The IIJA represented a nearly 50% increase in highway funding from the previous surface transportation reauthorization."
Aging Infrastructure and Congestion: Despite increased funding, challenges remain with aging roads and increasing congestion.
Impact of Vehicle Weight and Electrification: Increasing vehicle weights, particularly due to electric vehicle batteries, impact pavement condition.
Consideration of Sustainability: Some states are incorporating greenhouse gas emission reduction targets into transportation planning.
12. Solid Waste (Grade: C)
Integrated Management System: The nation's solid waste management system includes landfills, transfer stations, recycling centers, composting facilities, and waste-to-energy facilities.
Waste-to-Energy: While the U.S. utilizes waste-to-energy, other countries like Japan and the UK have higher rates due to land constraints.
Landfill Regulation: Landfills are subject to EPA regulations to protect public safety and the environment.
13. Stormwater (Grade: D+)
Increasing Precipitation Intensity: More intense, single-day precipitation events are straining the capacity of existing stormwater infrastructure.
Green vs. Gray Infrastructure: While green stormwater infrastructure provides localized benefits, traditional gray infrastructure remains crucial for managing large-scale events.
Funding and Rate Structures: Stormwater utilities rely on rates, often based on impervious areas, but many lack defined protocols for updating the data that support billing.
Watershed Approach: The report recommends a watershed approach to address both point and nonpoint-source pollution.
14. Transit (Grade: D+)
Ridership Trends: While ridership declined during the pandemic, there are signs of recovery in some modes and regions.
State of Good Repair: The condition of transit assets varies by type, with infrastructure generally in better condition than revenue vehicles and equipment.
Funding Mechanisms: Transit agencies rely on a mix of funding sources, including passenger fares, which have not kept pace with inflation.
Innovation and Accessibility: The report notes the adoption of contactless payment systems and fare capping initiatives to improve accessibility and efficiency.
15. Wastewater (Grade: D+)
Aging Systems: The nation's sewer systems are extensive but aging, leading to increased collection system failures.
Tightening Regulations: The wastewater sector faces increasing expectations for advanced treatment outcomes due to tighter environmental regulations and changing public opinion.
Funding Gap: A significant funding gap exists for wastewater and stormwater capital needs, projected to grow substantially over time. "In 2024, the wastewater and stormwater annual capital needs were $99 billion, whereas the funding gap was $69 billion, meaning only about 30% of the sectors’ infrastructure capital needs are being met."
IIJA Funding: While the IIJA provided increased funding, particularly for loans and loan forgiveness, it may not significantly benefit all utilities. The act also included dedicated funding for addressing emerging contaminants.
Asset Management: Many utilities have good information on asset characteristics but less comprehensive data on operation and maintenance costs and condition.
Sustainability Initiatives: While sustainability frameworks exist, adoption in the wastewater sector is still limited.
Overall Theme and Conclusion:
The excerpts from the ASCE 2025 Infrastructure Report Card paint a picture of a nation grappling with aging and often underfunded infrastructure across numerous vital sectors. While recent federal investments offer a much-needed step forward, sustained commitment, increased funding in many areas, and a focus on proactive asset management, resilience planning, and innovative solutions are crucial to address existing deficits and meet the growing demands of the future. The consistent "D" grades across many sectors highlight the significant work that remains to bring U.S. infrastructure to a state of good repair and ensure its long-term sustainability and reliability.
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