While the nation’s infrastructure earned a “D+” in the 2017 Infrastructure Report Card, Delaware faces infrastructure challenges of its own. For example, driving on roads in need of repair in Delaware costs each driver $487 per year, and 4.4% of bridges are rated structurally deficient. Drinking water needs in Delaware are an estimated $1.74 billion, and wastewater needs total $206 million. 63 dams are considered to be high-hazard potential. The state’s schools have an estimated capital expenditure gap of $102 million. This deteriorating infrastructure impedes Delaware’s 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, Delaware, and families can no longer afford.
Aviation
4 public-use airports
Bridges
39 (4.43%) of the 879 bridges are structurally deficient
Dams
63 high hazard dams
Dams with EAPS
65% of the state regulated dams have an Emergency Action Plan
Drinking Water
$1.74 bilion in drinking water infrastructure needs over the next 20 years
Hazardous Waste
15 sites on the National Priorities List
Inland Waterways
100 miles of inland waterways, ranking it 31st
Levees
13 miles of levees
Ports
14.4 million short tons of cargo in 2012, ranking it 31st nationally
Public Parks
$12.25 million of unmet needs for its parks system
Rail
243 miles of freight railroads across the state, ranking 48th nationally
Road Costs
$486 per motorist per year in costs from driving on roads in need of repair
Roads
6,452 miles of Public Roads, with 18% in poor condition
Schools
$102 million gap in estimated school capital expenditures
Transit
8,465,452 annual unlinked passenger trips via transit systems including bus, transit, and commuter trains
Wastewater
$206 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
Pahoa, Hawaii
Drinking Water, Energy
Assisting Illinois Rural Communities with Water and Broadband Two-For-One
Dieterich, Illinois
Licensure Bills Picking Up Steam in Statehouses
February 17, 2021
State legislatures across the country are in full swing and many are turning their attention to how they regulate professional licensure. The licensure reform movement...
Civil Engineers Give Ohio’s Infrastructure a “C-” in 2021 Infrastructure Report Card
February 11, 2021
On Thursday, the Ohio Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) released its 2021 Report Card for Ohio’s Infrastructure, the Section’s first report...
Congress Moves on COVID-19 Relief Through Budget Reconciliation Process
February 11, 2021
Before taking the oath of office, President Biden announced an extensive response to the COVID-19 pandemic known as the American Rescue Plan – a $1.9...
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