Report Paints Grim Picture Of Wisconsin’s, And Nation’s, Infrastructure

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A new report by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) shows that infrastructure in the United States needs major upgrades.

ASCE’s “Report Card on America’s Infrastructure” is released every four years and evaluates the nation’s roads, dams, and water facilities. The results are often given to members of Congress. Overall, the infrastructure conditions and funding outlooks are pretty dismal.

According to the report, Wisconsin’s bridges are becoming more structurally sound.

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But, it says that 71 percent of the state’s roads are in poor or mediocre condition.

Julie Hoppe is the ASCE Wisconsin president, and transportation manager at Mead and Hunt, an architectural and engineering firm.

“Our infrastructure is how we get all of our goods and services to our businesses, so it’s a huge part of our economy. We can’t be competitive if we don’t have quality roadways.”

The report also shows that Wisconsin’s drinking water and wastewater infrastructure need upgrades.

Department of Natural Resources construction management engineer Judy Hayducsko says many communities need to replace old systems and upgrade infrastructure. She says funding can be difficult since water systems are paid for with user fees.

“I think they have to be careful because there are other needs in the community. We like them to replace things as need arises and there’s a constant juggling of tight funds within municipalities.”

The American Society of Civil Engineers reports that major investments in Wisconsin are also needed in public school buildings, dams, and renewable energy.