Washington State’s infrastructure received a grade of “C” from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). The annual report card covers nine topic areas and provides information on the capacity, condition, operation and maintenance, funding, safety, resiliency, innovation, and solutions for each area. Topics are then combined to form an overall score for the state.
Washington dams received the highest overall infrastructure grade of B- and stormwater received the lowest grade of D+. Notably, drinking water and wastewater both only received a C-. Aging infrastructure is the main reason for less-than-stellar grades.
The ASCE grades are intended to foster discussion and insight needed to address community needs.