Where do the 2020 Presidential Candidates Stand on Infrastructure?
January 24, 2020
As we inch closer to the caucuses, Democratic candidates are running out of time to release tangible policy solutions which focus on the issues that are most critical to the majority of Americans. One of those issues, which 90 percent of Americans support, continues to be the condition of our nation’s infrastructure. So far, four......
Rebuilding stronger, Resiliently Requires ASCE Codes and Standards
January 17, 2020
In 2019, we witnessed a drastic increase in hurricanes, flooding, earthquakes, and more. We must be thinking about ways to make our infrastructure last and withstand future risks. That means ensuring our infrastructure is more resilient by using new technologies, approaches, materials—but also incorporating the latest codes and standards, which will, in the end, cut......
SMART Infrastructure Act Puts Public Safety At Risk
January 09, 2020
Bipartisan legislation is hard to come by these days in Congress, which is why the Sustainable Municipal Access to Resilient Technology in Infrastructure, or SMART Act, may look good at first glance, however; this bill could do more harm than good in terms of moving America’s infrastructure into the 21st century. Engineers design, build, and......
FCC Moves to Cut Vehicle Safety Airwaves For Faster Wi-Fi; ASCE Urges Agency to Rescind Decision
December 13, 2019
The Following Post is Authored by Blaine Leonard, 2010 ASCE President, and the Transportation Technology Engineer at the Utah Department of Transportation, where he is responsible for planning and deployment of connected and automated vehicles. Most of us will end up spending a good deal of time driving this holiday season, whether it’s traveling to......
Why It’s Time to Reauthorize the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program
December 05, 2019
Across the nation, we’re seeing more power outages caused by a variety of factors: climate change, increasing storms, heat, and windstorms. That’s right – large amounts of wind can cause power outages, as seen recently in Idaho and Washington. Luckily, we have a program that was created in 2004 by Congress after a five-year effort......
Construction Innovation Highlighted on Capitol Hill
November 21, 2019
Advanced digital construction methods can save money and create many opportunities for small businesses. It’s an exciting time for engineers, architects, and project managers as they look at new ways to build bridges, buildings, and other structures. New data and using digital models have caused construction sites to become safer and more efficient. However, only......
November 21, 2019
We rely on our infrastructure every day, but on Thanksgiving, it’s especially clear that our built systems play a critical role in supporting or lives. As you head to the airport, board a train, or get behind the wheel, consider the effort required to maintain and enhance the infrastructure that gets us to and from......
Puerto Rico’s Infrastructure Near Failing with D- GPA
November 13, 2019
In its inaugural Report Card for Puerto Rico’s Infrastructure, the ASCE Puerto Rico Section announced a near failing grade of a ‘D-‘ for the island’s infrastructure. The grades were announced in a press conference held in San Juan, Puerto Rico on Tuesday, November 12. The Report Card graded eight categories of infrastructure: bridges (D+), dams......
The Highway Trust Fund Needs Fixing – New Report Looks at a VMT Tax
October 23, 2019
By 2022, the Highway Trust Fund (HTF), the main funding source for the federal government’s investments in highway and transit infrastructure and primarily funded by the federal motor fuels tax, is set to dry up. In anticipation of this, Congress is looking at long-term solutions to fund our surface transportation systems. One of those proposed......
Take Some Time Today to Imagine a Day Without Water
October 23, 2019
Most of you have probably already had a cup or two of coffee today or started the laundry. Now imagine starting your day without that morning brew, brushing your teeth, or washing your toddler’s hands before breakfast. Imagine what it’s like to not have water, even for one day, and you can see life grinds......