The Georgia Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) recently released its 2024 Georgia Infrastructure Report Card, grading the state's infrastructure at a C+. With Georgia's population rapidly growing to 10.9 million, investments in infrastructure have been increasing, leading to modernized operations and attracting businesses.

Significant progress has been made, particularly in transportation, aviation, and port infrastructure, thanks to major state funding legislation. For instance, 98% of Georgia’s bridges are now rated in fair or good condition, a notable improvement from past years. The state's aviation system budget saw a substantial rise from $13 million in 2017 to $44 million in 2023, and the Georgia Port Authority increased its cargo handling capacity by 35% from 2018 to 2022.

Despite these advancements, challenges persist. Atlanta remains the 10th most congested city in the U.S., and public transit funding is insufficient. The need for drinking water investment has soared to $19.7 billion in 2023. Additionally, road fatalities have been rising, with 1,982 deaths in 2022. These issues underscore the ongoing efforts required to maintain and improve Georgia's infrastructure amidst its growth.

Overall Grade: C+
Aviation: C+
Bridges: B
Dams: D+
Drinking Water: C+
Energy: B
Ports: B+
Public Parks: C
Rail: B
Roads: C+
Schools: B
Solid Waste: C+
Stormwater: C-
Transit: D
Wastewater: C- 

RECOMMENDATIONS TO RAISE THE GRADE

Deliver dedicated state transit funding
Establish a robust, sustainable, and reliable state-level transit funding source to address the annual $1.7 billion additional funding need and reinstate the motor fuel tax exemption for public transit agencies.

Set responsible, resilient utility rates and user fees
Pursue utility rate increases to fully account for the full cost of service, including capital, maintenance, and operating needs. Analysis should include life-cycle costs amid materials, labor inflation, and resilience upgrades necessary for extreme weather.

Expand safety funding and oversight in dams and roads
Amend the Georgia Safe Dams Act to implement “Significant Hazard Potential” dams and increase funding to reduce the backlog of classification of dams. Improve traffic safety with state and local funding for designing and constructing “complete streets” with robust enforcement.

Invest in new electricity generation and a resilient grid
State and local authorities should fund and facilitate new forms and greater scales of energy generation. Retrofits and new connections in the energy grid will ensure resilience to extreme weather and a backbone supporting population and business growth

Increase funding and coordination of intermodal freight projects
Additional state funding would develop projects in Georgia’s Statewide Freight and Logistics Plan more quickly to capitalize on increased goods movement. Coordinate with regional and local communities where freight movements create benefits and burdens for nearby stakeholders.