Infrastructure

Report by Civil Engineers Blasts American Infrastructure
04-Sep-03
Infrastructure

AP reports: "America's infrastructure is full of cracks, leaks and holes and is getting worse, according to an analysis by civil engineers that concludes the nation's transportation, water and energy systems have shown little improvement since they were given an overall grade of D-plus in 2001.... The report blamed the deteriorating infrastructure on a weak economy, limited federal programs, population growth and the threat of terrorism, which diverted money to security. 'Americans' concerns about security threats are real, but so are the threats posed by crumbling infrastructure,' Thomas Jackson, ASCE president, said in a statement.... There was no progress for schools, which received the worst grade -- D-minus -- from the engineers in 2001. The report said three out of four school buildings are inadequate. They estimate it will cost more than $127 billion to build new classrooms and modernize outdated schools."