Florida’s Infrastructure Report Card
Every four years America’s civil engineers provide a comprehensive assessment of the nation’s major infrastructure through the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Report Card for America’s Infrastructure (the Report Card). The Report Card provides a comprehensive assessment of current infrastructure conditions and needs by using a simple A to F school report card format. The Report Card both assigns grades and makes recommendations for how to raise those grades.
The Florida Section of the ASCE represents more than 11,000 civil engineering professionals who live and work in the State of Florida. They realize the importance of the state’s infrastructure to both its citizens and its sustainability. The maintenance and improvement of Florida’s infrastructure are vital to its economy, health, and natural and human built environments. Here is the 2012 Report Card pertaining to Florida’s infrastructure.
AVIATION: B-
Overall the ASCE judged the airport system to be in good condition. Funding needs to continue to be made available, including taking into account necessary increases to keep pace with the latest requirements set forth by the federal agencies (Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Transportation, Department of Homeland Security) for such items as security and air traffic control. The airlines are beginning to see a slow recovery with their enplaned passenger numbers. Long term commitments from a healthy funding stream are necessary to cover forecasted capacity needs over the next five years such as new runways, terminals, and baggage system expansions.
BRIDGES: B
Review of the five fundamental components: Condition; Capacity; Funding (Future Need); Replacement Costs; and Operation and Maintenance, showed that Florida’s bridges are in good shape overall. Of these components Condition received the lowest score, Average, due to the overall structural condition and remaining years (life span) of the bridges. Florida inspects its bridges every four years, so the ASCE found Capacity and Operation and Maintenance (Maximum Inspection Frequency) to be at an Above Average level.
COASTAL AREAS: D-
The Capacity and Operation and Maintenance components were rated as Poor or Failing for Florida’s coastal areas. There are 8.6 miles of inlet beaches that are critically eroded, and a significant amount of coastal erosion is directly attributable to the construction and maintenance of navigation inlets. There are 398 out of 825 miles of beach that are critically eroded. The poor inlet management practices in Florida and depleted sources of off shore sand sources limit the capacity of future beach re-nourishment projects. Efforts are on the way for regional level projects and innovative technology development.
ENERGY: D
Florida’s total energy consumption per capita is ranked 43rd amongst all states due to the relatively low energy use by the industrial sector combined with a large population. At the same time, because of the large population the transportation and residential sectors to lead the state in energy demand. Compared to states of similar Gross Domestic Product Florida is lagging behind in funding in all stages of clean technology products. Florida received a Failing grade for the total production of carbon dioxide, and the price of natural gas and availability of renewable energy sources were rated as Poor.
FLOOD CONTROL D+
Existing Flood Control Systems structures in Florida are in acceptable condition and provide adequate flood protection. The structures include primary canals, rivers, levees, dikes, major pump stations and outfall control structures. Approximately $750 million dollars are needed over the next 10 years for capital improvements and long term maintenance programs to support flood control. The Condition and Capacity components of Florida’s lakes and storage facilities were rated as Poor or Failing. A levee and dike safety program is necessary to ensure that the appropriate periodic assessments and inspections are being completed.
HIGHWAYS: C
Operation and Maintenance and Condition of the existing highways received an Above Average grade. A stable long term transportation revenue source is needed to maintain this rating. Current revenue sources are not sufficient to fund long term transportation needs. Over the last four years the revenues for the State’s Transportation Trust Fund have decreased, and there has been a need to divert these transportation revenue sources to non-transportation purposes. This has resulted in a significant reduction to project commitments.
PORTS: C
Florida’s share of National Cruise traffic has increased from 5 to 5.8 million embarkations per year. The state’s top 3 ports, Miami, Everglades, and Canaveral, account for half of the nation’s cruise traffic. Florida’s water borne international trade increased from $50 to $69.7 billion annually. Florida’s port infrastructure grade took into consideration the anticipated expansion of the Panama Canal and the corresponding increase in competition from ports in neighboring states.
SCHOOLS: D+
In the past 15 years Florida passed three amendments to increase education spending. One such amendment required the state to provide an adequate provision to provide for a uniform, efficient, safe and secure, high quality system of free public schools. Another amendment required free high quality pre-kindergarten, and mandated the reduction of class sizes. The estimated cost to fully implement class size reduction has risen to 3 billion dollars per year. The state budget appropriation of 650 million falls short of the necessary funding.
STORMWATER: C
More utilities are implementing stormwater utilities and assessing residents with stormwater rates. Total Maximum Daily Loads and Best Management Action Plans are being implemented. This will drive many water management districts towards water quality improvement strategies. Municipalities and water management districts in coastal areas need to make provisions for infrastructure improvements that deal with sea level rise.
TRANSIT C
Overall transit ridership has decreased since 2008. Availability has decreased slightly, and funding has been reduced. Evidence suggests that service availability through capital improvements will increase once the economy improves and employment and tax revenues increase. Sun Rail was approved and is moving forward.
WATER AND SEWER C
Florida’s utilities provide a high level of service to the customers, and are operating safe facilities. Asset Management is a significant concern because of the lack of adequate renewal and replacement of the existing infrastructure. This will have a direct negative impact on the condition of the infrastructure and the future level of service. Many areas of the state are running low on fresh water supplies, and the need for alternative water supply options is critical.
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