Alaska’s infrastructure grade rises to ‘C’, but water and energy still lag

(UI) — The Alaska Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has released its 2025 Report Card for Alaska’s Infrastructure, raising the state’s overall grade to a ‘C’—an improvement from the ‘C-’ it received in 2021. However, key sectors like drinking water, wastewater, and energy continue to struggle, receiving some of the lowest grades.

Of the 13 infrastructure categories assessed, bridges, dams, and ports saw improvements, while aviation, energy, and transit declined. Wastewater and marine highways received the lowest grade, a ‘D,’ while drinking water and energy were rated ‘D+.’

“Alaska’s infrastructure is vital not just to our economy, but to everyday functions of life: the water in our faucets, the products delivered from distant places, and the expansive networks of roads and airports that allow us to quickly travel across Alaska,” said Alaska State Senator James Kaufman.

Water infrastructure challenges
Alaska’s drinking water systems continue to face significant challenges, earning a ‘D+.’ The state has $4.5 billion in water infrastructure needs over the next 20 years. Many rural communities lack in-home piped water or even a communal watering point, forcing residents to haul water to their homes. Harsh winter conditions further complicate infrastructure, requiring underground pipes to be deeply buried and above-ground pipes to have insulation to prevent freezing—measures that drive up construction and maintenance costs.

Wastewater infrastructure is in similarly poor shape, rated a ‘D.’ Aging systems, extreme weather conditions, and limited funding contribute to ongoing issues.

Energy sector faces declining grades
Alaska’s energy infrastructure also declined to a ‘D+.’ Rising costs and aging facilities are among the primary concerns, with the state needing long-term investment to ensure reliability.

Report recommendations
To improve these sectors, the report highlights several recommendations:

• Sustainable Funding: Alaska’s gas tax has remained unchanged since 1970, reducing its ability to support infrastructure improvements. The report suggests establishing dedicated funding sources.
• Long-Term Planning: Expanding asset management plans beyond federally funded projects could help prioritize key investments.
• Resilience Strategies: Addressing Alaska’s unique climate challenges, such as extreme weather and seismic risks, should be a focus for future projects.
• Workforce Development: Investing in technical training and community engagement can help address labor shortages and ensure successful project execution.

The report serves as a tool for policymakers and the public to better understand Alaska’s infrastructure needs. ASCE’s next national report card will be released on March 25, 2025.

Related News

From Archive

• Most Read
• Most Commented