While the nation’s infrastructure earned a C- in the 2021 Infrastructure Report Card, Tennessee faces infrastructure challenges of its own. For example, driving on roads in need of repair in Tennessee costs each driver $209 per year, and 4.4% of bridges are rated structurally deficient. Drinking water needs in Tennessee are an estimated $8.7 billion. 276 dams are considered to be high-hazard potential. The state’s schools have an estimated capital expenditure gap of $768 million. This deteriorating infrastructure impedes Tennessee’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, Tennessee, and families can no longer afford.
Aviation
8 major airports
Bridges
20,226 bridges, 4.4% of which were structurally deficient in 2019
Dams
276 high hazard dams
Drinking Water
$8.7 billion total drinking water need over 20 years
Energy
584 outages between 2008 and 2017
Hazardous Waste
30 Superfund sites
Inland Waterways
950 miles of inland waterways
Levees
136 miles of levees protect $3.3 billion of property.
Public Parks
$290,551,195 in deferred park maintenance
Ports
3 major water ports
Rail
2,552 miles of rail across the state
Roads
5% of roads are in poor condition. Each motorist pays $209 per year in costs due to driving on roads in need of repair
Schools
$768 million gap in estimated school capital expenditures.
Solid Waste
6,008,722 tons of municipal solid waste
Stormwater
$3.58 average monthly fee
Transit
30.7 million passenger trips in 2018
Wastewater
$1.7 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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