While the nation’s infrastructure earned a C- in the 2021 Infrastructure Report Card, Oklahoma faces infrastructure challenges of its own. For example, driving on roads in need of repair in Oklahoma costs each driver $394 per year, and 10.2% of bridges are rated structurally deficient. Drinking water needs in Oklahoma are an estimated $6.9 billion. 449 dams are considered to be high-hazard potential. The state’s schools have an estimated capital expenditure gap of $624 million. This deteriorating infrastructure impedes Oklahoma’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, Oklahoma, and families can no longer afford.
Aviation
4 major airports
Bridges
23,138 bridges, 10.2% of which were structurally deficient in 2019
Dams
449 high hazard dams
Drinking Water
$6.9 billion total drinking water need over 20 years
Energy
498 outages between 2008 and 2017
Hazardous Waste
17 Superfund sites
Inland Waterways
150 miles of inland waterways
Levees
100 miles of levees protect 17,000 residents.
Public Parks
$23,328,324 in deferred park maintenance
Ports
1 major water port
Rail
3,158 miles of rail across the state
Roads
7% of roads are in poor condition. Each motorist pays $394 per year in costs due to driving on roads in need of repair
Schools
$624 million gap in estimated school capital expenditures.
Solid Waste
4,582,257 tons of municipal solid waste
Stormwater
$3.44 average monthly fee
Transit
10.5 million passenger trips in 2018
Wastewater
$2.4 billion 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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