Thursday, September 19, 2024

Here’s how engineers are rating infrastructure across Georgia

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AUGUSTA, Ga. – Georgia earned a C-plus rating for its overall infrastructure, according to the American Society of Civil Engineers.

The annual infrastructure report card is decided on by a committee of more than 50 civil engineers across the state.

Grades are given based on eight criteria, such as capacity, condition, funding, future need, operation, maintenance, public safety, resilience, and innovation.

Here is how the state of Georgia ranked:

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

During a news conference held Monday, society volunteers said Georgia’s infrastructure is in better than average condition and is functioning well, but still requires attention.

“This report is a reflection on the systems we have in place and their current and expected ability to withstand external stressors such as increase in energy demand, population growth, increase in severe weather, and shifting traffic patterns which are factors we are seeing impact almost every state in the nation,” said ASCE Georgia President Anita Atkinson.

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The group’s proposed solutions include:

  • Deliver dedicated state transit funding.
  • Set responsible, resilient utility rates and user fees.
  • Expand safety funding and oversight in dams and roads.
  • Invest in new electricity generation and a resilient grid.
  • Increase funding and coordination of intermodal freight.

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