Kentucky's Infrastructure Report Card Is Just a C-Minus: Sewers Earn a D-Minus as Flood Risk Raises Alarms
Kentucky earned only a C-minus on its latest infrastructure report card, with its sewer systems taking a D-minus amid warnings about flooding risk. The report card, from the Kentucky Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), evaluates the condition of the state's infrastructure, including roads, bridges, dams, drinking water and sewer systems.
The sewer category was newly added this year and evaluates the systems that carry stormwater — an area officials say needs more investment given the state's recurring flooding problems. Colette Easter of ASCE said at the release that "Kentucky faces a $48 million funding gap.
Given the flooding issues we've experienced here in Kentucky, this need is a great priority." In the category grades, drinking water received a C-plus and wastewater a D-plus. Robert Burton, president of Kentucky American Water, said the company has invested more than $330 million in water and wastewater infrastructure over the past five years and plans to invest another $570 million over the next five years to improve system reliability and water quality.
The report card showed improvement in the grades for roads and bridges. The ASCE Kentucky Section is using the report to urge state lawmakers to increase infrastructure funding, so that systems on which residents depend for daily life can withstand flooding and aging.
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：位于 Frankfort 的肯塔基州议会大厦。图片来源：Wikimedia Commons / Photo: The Kentucky State Capitol in Frankfort. Source: Wikimedia Commons
