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Published on August 08, 2024
Oregon's Infrastructure Holds Steady at C-: ASCE Cites Immediate Need for Sustainable Funding and ImprovementsSource: Wikipedia/Spicypepper999, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

The state of Oregon's infrastructure has been graded a C- by the Oregon section of the American Society of Civil Engineers, mirroring the national average as of the last report card published in 2021. Inspecting a variety of categories including bridges, ports, and roads, among others, this assessment shines a sobering light on the state's need for consistent and sustainable funding to maintain and improve these vital systems. This rating, revealed on Tuesday, aligns with the grade given on Oregon's previous 2019 report card, according to KGW.

While the overall grade has not shifted in five years, it fails to reflect the mixed results across individual categories. According to the same report, roads and bridges in Oregon have seen a decline, whereas the state's drinking water systems have experienced a modest improvement from a C- to a C, representing the highest grade noted in the report. Despite the stagnation in overall grade, improvements are being made due to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and other funding initiatives to tackle the state's pressing concerns, said Ana Tijerina Esquino, Chair of the 2024 Report Card for Oregon's Infrastructure, as reported by KPTV.

However, the future of Oregon's infrastructure faces significant challenges. The Oregon Department of Transportation is projecting a budget deficit that could reach $720 million by 2027 if long-term funding solutions are not implemented. The importance of securing such funds cannot be overstated, with the ASCE providing a slew of suggestions aimed at raising Oregon's infrastructure grades, including the implementation of resilience measures against natural and man-made catastrophes, KOIN reports.

In response to the situation, the ASCE has recommended a series of measures including the prioritization of consistent funding for maintenance and the introduction of a more robust regulatory framework. Increasing the resilience of critical infrastructure and optimizing spending are seen as key steps to navigate the future regarding Oregon's structural backbone. Another critical point is addressing the skilled workforce shortage, to support the long-term improvements necessary for the state's infrastructure, as per the recent report. These recommendations, when implemented, are intended to ensure the safe and reliable operation of Oregon's infrastructure amid the inevitability of future challenges, as indicated by a KOIN article.

Portland-Transportation & Infrastructure