How Bad is Illinois’ Infrastructure?

Most states across the nation are struggling with the issue of aging infrastructure, as is Illinois. The American Society of Civil Engineers in its 2014 Report Card gave Illinois’ overall infrastructure a great point average of C-, drinking water C-, and wastewater D+. In 2011, Illinois estimated an investment of $19 billion is needed over the next 20 years for the replacement of drinking water facilities and meet safe drinking water regulations. Many wastewater management systems in Illinois are more than 100 years old. The EPA estimated that Illinois is in need of investing $17.5 billion over the next 20 years to replace existing systems and build new ones. The focus will be on Illinois because that is where I have experienced the issue. Two communities in Illinois, Rockford and Bloomington, are of similar age and reflect many of the nationwide challenges.