Montana has received a C-minus on its latest infrastructure report card from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). Previously, Montana received a C grade in 2018, but the 2024 report suggests a decline.
Daniel Karlin from ASCE Montana explained the purpose of the report. Karlin said, "What this is, is an accumulation of information that assesses objectively with objective criteria, what the status is. Now, what people may choose with that information is, you know, kind of up to them. We hope that it can act as a policy guide, but it is not policy."
The report highlights that 30% of Montana’s roads are in poor or fair condition. Categories of rail, aviation, drinking water and solid waste received grades of C or C-plus. Schools and stormwater infrastructure received a D grade.
Lexi Leffler chaired the committee that prepared the report. She said one of the main factors for the downgrade is that Montana’s population growth is outpacing the state’s infrastructural capacity.
“That really was a common theme between all the infrastructure categories, the strain that’s been putting on our infrastructure,” said Leffler to Montana Public Radio.
"We can use that information to make sure we're working to invest in our infrastructure in the appropriate way to move forward and, and make sure that all the industry, all the economy that happens in the state and nationwide really is built on a strong foundation," Karlin said.
Source: MTPR, KULR8, NBC Montana
