ASCE Report Reveals Infrastructure Gains—But What About Post-2026 Funds?

The Current State of U.S. Infrastructure: What the ASCE Report Reveals

According to the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) 2025 Infrastructure Report Card, U.S. infrastructure is enjoying improvements not seen in decades. Yet, this progress is at risk as funding faces a pivotal moment post-2026. The report, which sees overall infrastructure grading rise from a C- to a C, shows that nearly half of the 18 categories evaluated have improved, something that has not happened since the inception of the report in 1998.

These gains can be attributed primarily to the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which provided a much-needed influx of capital. However, experts warn that without continued funding and investment post-2026, these advancements could be stunted or even reversed, particularly in crucial sectors like stormwater and energy.

The Funding Cliff: A Hard Look Ahead

The 2025 report outlines a compelling concern: while funding has recently witnessed a short-term boost, the sustainability of these improvements hinges on long-term investment strategies. ASCE notes that to maintain infrastructure in good condition, the U.S. needs an estimated $9.1 trillion from 2024 to 2033—a figure that far exceeds projected funding levels of $5.4 trillion if current trends hold.

Moreover, municipal leaders across the country echo similar sentiments. According to a National League of Cities report, a staggering 89.9% of city leaders cited rising costs as a primary concern. The lingering consequences of inflation and supply chain constraints make it increasingly difficult to allocate funds effectively, further complicating the landscape for municipal infrastructure development.

Innovation vs. Infrastructure: Overcoming Challenges

This funding challenge ties directly into another major hurdle: execution capacity. Agencies must not only grapple with financial constraints but also a persistent shortage of skilled workers and resources. As the ASCE report highlights, many municipalities are ill-equipped to absorb the funding influx due to staffing shortages or lack of technical expertise.

As a solution, city planners and construction companies are encouraged to prioritize rehabilitation over expansive new projects, opting for phased approaches that mitigate complex financial risks. This strategy might seem conservative, but it reflects a growing need for prudence amid an uncertain funding environment.

Climate Considerations: A Driving Force in Infrastructure Planning

One of the most significant factors impacting infrastructure decisions today is climate resilience. Extreme weather events have highlighted the vulnerability of existing systems. In fact, ASCE estimates that climate-related stress caused over $180 billion in damage in just 2024 alone. This data begs the question: How can we design systems that are not only effective today but also resilient for the future?

Efforts to address climate-driven challenges are evolving. Resilience-focused investments are becoming more prevalent, signaling a shift towards prioritizing infrastructure that can withstand future stresses. The integration of life-cycle cost analysis in procurement decisions is a growing trend—especially for energy and water systems, which must contend with rising climate risks.

The Road Ahead: Navigating Tomorrow's Infrastructure Needs

Yet, looming above all these challenges is a ticking clock. As of now, authorizations under the Infrastructure Act are set to expire in 2026, which could significantly slow down project timelines and hinder strategic planning efforts. Construction professionals must mobilize quickly to ensure that the planning pipeline translates into durable projects rather than deferring maintenance yet again.

In conclusion, while the ASCE report paints a picture of cautious optimism regarding infrastructure gains, the reality is far more complex. Immediate action is needed across all levels of government and the private sector to ensure that investment continues beyond 2026 to solidify the improvements made thus far. As we look towards a future characterized by climate uncertainties and economic challenges, the path to resilient infrastructure will demand collaboration, creativity, and unwavering commitment.