Engineers Give Bad Grade

Florida’s aging infrastructure will require an investment of $200 billion over the next 20 years for repairs and improvements, according to a report released this week by the Florida section of the American Society of Civil Engineers.

The engineers’ assessment reviewed the state’s drinking water supply, wastewater facilities, energy needs, bridges, highways, transit needs, ports, schools, stormwater management and flood control systems, and improvements needed in coastal areas, grading the state in each category.

Schools and energy received D-pluses, the lowest grades. The report said financing of schools and power systems have not kept pace with demand or prospects for future growth.

“With each passing day, the inability of our state’s aging infrastructure to meet the needs of our growing population further threatens our economy and environmental quality of life,” the report said. “Establishing a comprehensive, long-term infrastructure development and maintenance plan must become a priority for our policy leaders.”

The ASCE’s report can be viewed at www.fla-asce.org.

 

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