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In monitoring the state of American Infrastructure, the American Society of Civil Engineers have assigned an overall grade of D to our crumbling highways, levees, and waterworks. The latest report by the ASCE paints a dismal picture: since it’s last report card in 2005, US infrastructure has actually worsened, particularly in the areas of aviation, public transit, and roads. The group monitors 15 areas of infrastructure, from water works, to schools; the highest grade assigned was only a C+ – in the area of solid waste. They estimate that a $2.2 trillion investment is needed to dramatically improve American infrastructure. While this recommendation comes at a time when federal coffers are being emptied to bail out the financial industry, it also comes at a time when government job creation is a sure-fire way to cut unemployment and stimulate the economy. President Obama has promised to invest heavily in American infrastructure, but has faced severe opposition by Republicans leery of more spending.

GUEST: Pat Natale, Executive Director of the American Society of Civil Engineers

Read the entire report card at: www.infrastructurereportcard.org