The Florida Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) recently released a report grading the state’s infrastructure.
The state was ranked in 14 categories and received an overall grade of a C, meaning infrastructure is in mediocre condition.
“This report demonstrates that Florida has done a commendable job across its infrastructure networks preparing for climate impacts and maintaining systems that are coping with growing usage due to tourism and population growth,” Kathi Ruvarac, chairwoman of the study, said.
In the 2021 Report Card for Florida’s Infrastructure, the state received a B+ in the solid waste category, its highest score overall, a B for ports, and a B for bridges. Nationwide, 45 percent of bridges are in good condition compared to 65 percent in Florida. The state also has fewer bridges in poor condition – 3 percent compared to more than 7 percent nationally.
They received a D+ in the school and levees categories and a D- for the dams category.
Only 40 percent of Florida’s 90 levee systems have been assessed for risk, and the state’s dams are lacking in up-to-date data with only 41 percent of them having an Emergency Action Plan, compared with 81 percent nationally
In the remaining categories, Florida received a C+ for aviation, energy, and roads; a C for drinking water, transit, and wastewater; and a C- for coastal areas and stormwater.