Report card: America's infrastructure flunking.

• Jurisdiction: United States
• Date: 01 December 2003

A new report by the American Society of Civil Engineers has concluded that the condition of America's roads, bridges, drinking water, and other public works have shown little improvement since they were graded an overall D+ in 2001, with some areas sliding toward failing grades. Meanwhile, the estimated cost of infrastructure renewal has increased to $1.6 trillion over a five-year period--up from $1.3 trillion in 2001.

The 2003 Progress Report for America's Infrastructure was prepared by a panel of 20 eminent civil engineers with expertise in a range of practice specialties. The report assesses the progress and decline of the nation's infrastructure in 12 categories: roads, bridges, mass transit, aviation, schools, drinking water, wastewater, dams, solid waste, hazardous waste, navigable waterways, and energy (see report card).

"Time is working against our...