While the nation’s infrastructure earned a “D+” in the 2017 Infrastructure Report Card, Arkansas faces infrastructure challenges of its own. For example, driving on roads in need of repair in Arkansas costs each driver $543 per year, and 5.9% of bridges are rated structurally deficient. Drinking water needs in Arkansas are an estimated $7.38 billion, and wastewater needs total $715 million. 193 dams are considered to be high-hazard potential. The state’s schools have an estimated capital expenditure gap of $587 million. This deteriorating infrastructure impedes Arkansas’ ability to compete in an increasingly global marketplace. Success in a 21st century economy requires serious, sustained leadership on infrastructure investment at all levels of government. Delaying these investments only escalates the cost and risks of an aging infrastructure system, an option that the country, Arkansas, and families can no longer afford.
Aviation
78 public-use airports
Bridges
765 (5.94%) of the 12,864 bridges are structurally deficient
Dams
193 high hazard dams
Dams with EAPS
70% of the state regulated dams have an Emergency Action Plan
Drinking Water
$7.38 billion in drinking water infrastructure needs over the next 20 years
Hazardous Waste
9 sites on the National Priorities List
Inland Waterways
1,860 miles of inland waterways, ranking it 3rd
Levees
1,458 miles of levees
Ports
18.2 million short tons of cargo in 2012, ranking it 30th nationally
Public Parks
$231.72 million of unmet needs for its parks system
Rail
2,505 miles of freight railroads across the state, ranking 26th nationally
Road Costs
$543 per motorist per year in costs from driving on roads in need of repair
Roads
102,603 miles of Public Roads, with 17% in poor condition
Schools
$587 million gap in estimated school capital expenditures
Transit
6,183,297 annual unlinked passenger trips via transit systems including bus, transit, and commuter trains
Wastewater
$715 million in wastewater infrastructure needs over the next 20 years
We can no longer afford to defer investment in our nation’s critical infrastructure systems.
Smart investment will only be possible with leadership, planning, and a clear vision for our nation’s infrastructure.
We have to utilize new approaches, materials, and technologies to ensure our infrastructure is more resilient.
Drinking Water, Energy
Small Colorado Town Uses Innovative Water Filtration Design to Save Money
Branson, Colorado
Roads
Hawaii DOT Uses Heat-Resistant Panels to Protect Highways From Lava
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Drinking Water, Energy
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America Scores a D+
@YourCongressPerson
The 2017 Infrastructure Report Card gives our nation a D+ across 16 infrastructure categories #InfrastructureMatters
Fix the Trust Fund
@YourCongressPerson
#FixTheTrustFund to put us on a road to better transportation! #InfrastructureMatters