ASCE Texas Section Infrastructure Report Card
Every four years the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) evaluates the infrastructure of Texas. Their findings are shared in a report card format using letter grades to show the condition and performance of various pieces of infrastructure and environmental design projects. The state receives a grade for each type and an overall “GPA.”
The 2021 Texas Report Card
This year Texas was given an overall GPA of C.
The infrastructure and environmental design elements evaluated in this report include:
- Aviation
- Bridges
- Dams
- Drinking water
- Energy
- Flood risk mitigation
- Levies
- Parks and recreation facilities
- Highways and roads
- Solid waste
- Transit
- Wastewater
OEI Experts Weigh In
OEI Senior Water Resources Engineer, Kimberly Cornett, PE, CFM, F.ASCE, said the overall grade is a concern for the state.
“As I read over the ASCE Texas Section Infrastructure Report, it was comforting to see some areas receiving a B, but the overall grade was not reassuring,” Cornett said. “When I was in school, a C was just getting by. I learned that through spending time and paying attention, a solid B was possible. And, with a little more effort, an A was achievable.”
“As leaders in the engineering community, it is incumbent on us to support the steps to ‘Raise the Grade’ and achieve a better Texas,” she concluded.
A Tool for Civil and Environmental Design Engineers
This is a great tool that can be used by civil engineers and government officials. It shows what the state is doing well and helps identify opportunities for growth. According to ASCE engineers, “we have a responsibility to safeguard the life, health, and welfare of the public.”
That’s Just What OEI Plans to Do
O’Brien Engineering Inc. is dedicated to using these tools to develop new strategies for clients and projects in the public sector. By combining experience and the information available in reports like this, OEI continues to innovate and advocate for a better Texas. Learn more about our work in the water resources and environmental design fields, and contact us today to find out how to take your project and our state to an overall “A” for infrastructure.