Wisconsin Civil Engineers Unveil First-Ever Independent Review of Statewide Broadband
The Wisconsin Chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has released its first-ever Report Card for Wisconsin’s Infrastructure, evaluating 17 categories and assigning a cumulative grade of “C+,” an improvement from the state’s 2020 grade of “C.” This comprehensive assessment highlights both advancements and challenges across various infrastructure sectors, including the newly included statewide broadband evaluation, which received a grade of “C-.” The report emphasizes the critical role of broadband access, especially in rural areas, where connectivity is essential for economic and social engagement. With 99% of serviceable locations having some form of broadband, there is still significant room for improvement in capacity and funding for maintenance.
In addition to broadband, the report examines vital infrastructure components such as drinking water, roads, and parks, revealing mixed results. While improvements were noted in several categories—like drinking water, which improved to a “C” due to increased funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act—concerns about aging infrastructure persist. Over 17% of treated water fails to reach its destination due to leaks, and funding needs for water projects are projected at nearly $11.8 billion by 2040. The report underscores the importance of continued investment in infrastructure to ensure public safety and quality of life, providing valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders in the municipal and public works sectors.
