While the nation’s infrastructure earned a C- in the 2021 Infrastructure Report Card, New Mexico faces infrastructure challenges of its own. For example, driving on roads in need of repair in New Mexico costs each driver $767 per year, and 5.5% of bridges are rated structurally deficient. Drinking water needs in New Mexico are an estimated $1.4 billion. 219 dams are considered to be high-hazard potential. The state’s schools have an estimated capital expenditure gap of $407 million. This deteriorating infrastructure impedes New Mexico’s ability to compete in an increasingly global marketplace. Success in a 21st-century economy requires serious, sustained leadership on infrastructure investment at all levels of government. Delaying these investments only escalates the cost and risks of an aging infrastructure system, an option that the country, New Mexico, and families can no longer afford.
Aviation
10 major airports
Bridges
4,014 bridges, 5.5% of which were structurally deficient in 2019
Dams
219 high hazard dams
Drinking Water
$1.4 billion total drinking water need over 20 years
Energy
195 outages between 2008 and 2017
Hazardous Waste
21 Superfund sites
Levees
122 miles of levees protect $11.2 billion of property.
Public Parks
$121,008,333 in deferred park maintenance
Rail
1,879 miles of rail across the state
Roads
32% of roads are in poor condition. Each motorist pays $767 per year in costs due to driving on roads in need of repair
Schools
$407 million gap in estimated school capital expenditures.
Solid Waste
2,177,758 tons of municipal solid waste
Stormwater
$5.50 average monthly fee
Transit
14.2 million passenger trips in 2018
Wastewater
$320 million in wastewater needs
Smart investment will only be possible with strong leadership, decisive action, and a clear vision for our nation’s infrastructure.
If the United States is serious about achieving an infrastructure system fit for the future some specific steps must be taken, beginning with increased, long-term, consistent investment.
We must utilize new approaches, materials, and technologies to ensure our infrastructure can withstand or quickly recover from natural or man-made hazards.
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