Chuck Slothower//August 7, 2024//
Oregon’s infrastructure earned a “C-minus” grade from the American Society of Civil Engineers’ Oregon section on Tuesday.
The grade means Oregon’s infrastructure “is in fair condition and requires attention,” the ASCE stated in a news release. The state’s report card was unchanged from the most recent report in 2019. It also matched the national grade from the 2021 U.S. report.
Oregon’s drinking water systems, inland waterways and roads all received “C” grades. Aviation, bridges, energy and port pieces were graded “C-minus.” Dams, stormwater, transit and wastewater were given a “D-plus.” School infrastructure was deemed incomplete, due to a lack of information on school conditions.
“Even though Oregon’s grade remained the same since the last report card, there have been positive steps forward to improve the resiliency of Oregon’s infrastructure and ensure those systems are capable of handling potential earthquakes, the consequences of climate change, and other hazards,” stated Ana Tijerina Esquino, chairperson of the 2024 Report Card for Oregon’s Infrastructure. “While Oregon’s infrastructure is seeing benefits from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and other short-term funding programs, leaders at all levels need to ensure those systems have reliable, consistent and sustainable funding to ensure they remain safe and reliable in the future.”
Road conditions declined to a “C” – a full grade drop from the 2019 report. The percentage of state highways in poor condition grew from 10 percent in 2019 to 12 percent. The number of roads in good condition decreased from 65 percent to 58 percent, according to the new report.
The report found “almost all” infrastructure systems need improvements to address climate change and increase seismic resilience. Oregon’s dams received a “D-plus” grade, in part, the organization said, because nearly two-thirds are more than 50 years old and not built to withstand a sizable earthquake or stronger, more frequent flooding.
U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-Portland, in a prepared statement, noted that Oregon has “received a gusher of federal funding for everything from revitalizing Lower Albina to the (Interstate-5) bridge replacement, increased broadband and the electrification of our transportation system.
“This is just the beginning,” Blumenauer added. “We must build on these investments to realize a low-carbon, equitable future.”