Biden-Era Funding Boosts U.S. Infrastructure Grade in ASCE's 2025 Report

Biden Administration's Infrastructure Funding Boosts U.S. Infrastructure Grade

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has released its 2025 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure, showing an improvement from a "C-" to a "C" in the nation's infrastructure grade. This positive change is attributed largely to the federal funding initiatives under the Biden administration.

The report highlights improvements in eight out of 18 categories previously rated poorly. The federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), along with collaboration from state, local governments, and private entities, fueled this progress. While improvements are evident, the full impact of funding efforts will unfold over the coming years.

Although most categories showed enhancement, energy and rail saw a downgrade due to concerns about capacity and safety. Meanwhile, the broadband category was introduced and awarded a "C+" grade. Notably, for the first time since 1998, no category received a "D-" grade.

Challenges and Need for Continued Investment

The report underscores the continued need for investment in infrastructure, as a "C" grade still indicates signs of deterioration. Nine categories remain in the "D" range, suggesting they are substandard and approaching the end of their service life. This situation signifies a requirement for further action to enhance America's infrastructure health.

According to the ASCE, deferred maintenance and historical underinvestment have led to a backlog of infrastructure projects. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also notes that climate change and extreme weather conditions are imposing additional stress on infrastructure.

The $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, coupled with the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, represent significant steps toward addressing these issues. While inflation has impacted these initiatives' purchasing power, the federal investments are positively influencing the nation's infrastructure, according to the report.

ASCE emphasizes the necessity of consistent funding to facilitate planning and development, stating the U.S. faces a $3.6 trillion investment gap over the next decade. Kristina Swallow, former ASCE president, stressed the bipartisan commitment to infrastructure advancement during a recent media call, highlighting the importance of maintaining federal, state, local, and private investments.

Building Resilience Against Extreme Weather

ASCE's report draws attention to the growing vulnerability of infrastructure to climate impacts, which poses risks to public safety and the economy. In 2024, extreme weather events resulted in $182.7 billion in damages, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The increasing frequency of such events underscores the need for resilient infrastructure.

Darren Olson, a member of ASCE’s Committee on America’s Infrastructure, emphasized the cost-effectiveness of constructing durable infrastructure to withstand severe weather. He cited Hurricane Helene as an example of infrastructure failing to cope with natural forces. Implementing robust standards and codes, such as ASCE's newly released Flood Resistant Design and Construction guidelines, will help communities better manage disasters.

For more information on the ASCE 2025 Report Card, visit the official report site. Feedback about this article can be submitted here.