A 'D' for America's Infrastructure

That's the grade given by the American Society of Civil Engineers, in their 2009 Report Card on America's Infrastructure. This editorial argues argues that stimulus funding won't be enough to fix it.

1 minute read

February 14, 2009, 1:00 PM PST

By Tim Halbur


"A share of the stimulus package was always supposed to go toward so-called "shovel ready" infrastructure projects, but public works advocates in the Senate and House had to fight to get more funding designated. The revised stimulus plan would allocate $150 billion of the $789 billion recovery measure to be spent on infrastructure projects, including building and repairing highways and bridges, expanding transit systems, upgrading rail systems and clean water projects.

Those will be welcomed jobs -- especially in Michigan.

But Michigan will still be sorely in need of funds to deal with its transportation infrastructure. Figuring out a new way to pay for highways, bridges and mass transit has to be a priority for Gov. Jennifer Granholm and lawmakers in Lansing this year. If it does nothing, the state stands to lose $1 billion a year in federal funds, which it must match at 20 percent. Part of the solution should be a restructuring and increase of the state's gas tax."

Friday, February 13, 2009 in Mlive.com

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 7, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Person in yellow safety suit and white helmet kneels to examine water samples outdoors on a lake shore.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure

If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

May 1, 2025 - Inside Climate News

Aerial view of Freeway Park cap park over I-5 interstate freeway in Seattle, Washington at night.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

April 30, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Person stepping over hole in sidewalk.

Portland Council Tentatively Approves Sidewalk Repair Plan

The proposal would address sidewalk needs in Portland’s District 1 and District 4.

May 12 - Oregon Public Broadcasting

6-story building at Honolulu Community College.

Expanding Access to Design Education at Honolulu Community College

Honolulu Community College’s Architecture, Engineering & Construction Technologies program highlights the role of community colleges in preparing nontraditional students for careers in architectural and construction technologies.

May 12 - University of Hawai'i News

"Radiation Zone, Keep Out" sign on wood post with red Arizona desert mesa in background

Integrating Human Rights Into Energy and Extractive Sector Transitions

Why just transition efforts must move beyond economic considerations by embedding human rights principles into business practices to ensure equitable, transparent, and accountable outcomes for affected communities and workers.

May 12 - Cambridge University Press

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.