Georgia gets C+ grade in ASCE infrastructure assessment report

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Georgia has earned a C+ grade for its overall infrastructure, according to the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).

The annual infrastructure report is prepared by a committee of more than 50 state civil engineers. Grades are given based on eight criteria, including capacity, condition, financing, future needs, operations, maintenance, public safety, resilience and innovation.

Here is the ranking for the state of Georgia:

• Aviation: C+
• Bridges: B
• Dams: D+
• Drinking water: C+
• Energy: B
• Ports: B+
• Public parks: C
• Rail: B
• Roads: C+
• Schools: B
• Solid waste: C+
• Rainwater: C-
• Transit: D
• Wastewater: C-

At a press conference on Monday, ASCE volunteers said Georgia’s infrastructure is in better than average condition and functioning well, but still requires attention.

WATCH THE FULL PRESS CONFERENCE BELOW:

“This report is a reflection on the systems we have in place and their current and projected ability to withstand external stressors such as increasing energy demand, population growth, increased severe weather and changing traffic patterns, which are factors that impact nearly every state in the country,” said ASCE Georgia President Anita Atkinson.

State Rep. Vance Smith (R) says improving public infrastructure is a priority for lawmakers.

“We need to keep the metro system in Atlanta, Georgia, and maybe there’s a way to tie a light rail system in with what they have now. Rural Georgia is pretty much a bus transit area and in Columbus, Georgia, the bus system is important. This report just gives us some guidelines. We’re doing a good job of that, but we need to focus on those areas,” said

The solutions offered by the group include:

• Ensure dedicated funding for public transport
• Establish responsible and resilient utility rates and user fees
• Increase funding and monitoring of dam and road safety
• Investing in new electricity generation capacity and a resilient grid
• Increase financing and coordination of intermodal freight

>> SEE THE FULL 2024 REPORT

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