ASCE to Release New Infrastructure Study

A closed bridge in Pittsburgh. (SerrNovik/Gettty Images)

[Stay on top of transportation news: Get TTNews in your inbox.]

A new report chronicling infrastructure concerns around the country will be unveiled Jan. 12, the American Society of Civil Engineers recently announced.

“Failure to Act: Economic Impacts of Status Quo Investment Across Infrastructure Systems,” is meant to explore economic challenges associated with inadequate investments in infrastructure, the group explained.

A discussion about the report is scheduled to coincide with its release. Participants will include Tom Smith, executive director of ASCE, Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.), and Nucor Corp. CEO Leon Topalian.

Home | Video | Heroes' Photo Gallery

Saluting the men and women of the trucking industry who kept America's essential goods flowing during the coronavirus pandemic.

Blumenauer, a member of the U.S. House’s Ways and Means tax policy panel, has called for an increase in the federal fuel tax to secure funding for infrastructure improvements. Revenue from the federal 24.4 cents-per-gallon diesel tax and 18.4 cents-per-gallon gas tax is insufficient to meet states’ demands for upgrades and maintenance. The fuel tax rate was set in 1993.

ASCE, a proponent of funding increases to ameliorate infrastructure concerns, chronicles policy across the states. In 2017, the group issued a near-failing grade for the country’s overall infrastructure. Multitrillion-dollar investments are needed to realize improvements for roads, bridges, tunnels, ports and railways, the group determined.

“Dedicated public funding sources on the local, state and federal levels need to be consistently and sufficiently funded from user-generated fees,” ASCE said, “with infrastructure trust funds never used to pay for or offset other parts of a budget.”

Want more news? Listen to today's daily briefing:

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Alexa | Google Assistant | More