The American Society of Civil Engineers’ (ASCE) has been grading the condition of America’s infrastructure since 1998 with most report cards showing little headway being made in addressing existing needs. With the significant increase in Federal funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act many looked to see if it helped lift the condition of the various infrastructure categories. According to ASCE’s most recent report, the Biden-era infusion of federal funding helped improve the condition of the country’s infrastructure, bringing it up from a “C-” to a “C” grade. It shows grade increases in eight of the 18 categories assessed, many of which had long been stuck at a “D-” or “D.”
According to Construction Dive’s analysis of the report, only two categories saw a decline: energy and rail. They were downgraded due to concerns related to capacity, future needs and safety, according to the report. Broadband was introduced as a graded category in 2025, coming in at a “C+” grade. For the first time since 1998, no categories were given a “D−” grade.
Nonetheless, a “C” grade means U.S. infrastructure shows general signs of deterioration and requires attention. Nine categories remained within the “D” range, meaning they’re mostly below standard and are approaching the end of their service life. That’s a “clear sign that more needs to be done to improve the health of America’s built environment,” according to the report.
Deferred work and underinvestment has long been an issue: Many of the country’s infrastructure networks have been neglected for decades at the federal level, causing the backlog of maintenance projects to mushroom, according to ASCE’s report. Meanwhile, increasingly erratic and extreme weather conditions are causing additional strain on the built environment, according to the EPA.
The $1.2 trillion, 2021 IIJA, the country’s biggest-ever infrastructure funding effort, includes $550 billion in new spending. In addition, the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act has $500 billion in new spending and tax breaks that aim to boost clean energy and manufacturing, among other initiatives. Although inflation sapped some of the buying power, it’s clear that these federal investments have had a positive impact, per the report.
However, sustained investment is key to providing certainty and ensuring planning goes to development, as well as making larger infrastructure projects attainable, according to ASCE. The country still faces a $3.6 trillion investment gap over the next ten years, and the organization said sustained federal support is vital.