Fixing the Infrastructure is Not So Simple

Unpacking the Report Card on America’s Infrastructure:

The American Society of Civil Engineers assess the condition of American Infrastructure with a report card, whose D+ GPA would prevent it from being accepted at any university. What is “infrastructure?” Some components are obvious; some are hidden, and some are surprising. Why is the grade so low? Pot holes are only the tip of the iceberg. What will it take to get into college? Resuscitation will be like open heart surgery on a tennis player while playing tennis.

External factors and mega trends affecting the infrastructure will be explored.  What is the level of expenditure compared to the gross domestic product? What are the effects of undervaluing benefits provided? How does location preference affect risk of infrastructure failure?  What can be expected in the next half century?

Chuck Dowding Bio: 

Charles H Dowding is a Professor Emeritus in the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering at Northwestern University, with a BS from the University of Colorado, PhD from the University of Illinois, and an assistant professorship at MIT.

His consulting engagements have involved projects in Alaska, Panama, Hong Kong, Italy and some 30 of the United States. He has consulted for many governmental agencies including the National Park Service, US Department of Transportation, US Department of Energy, and companies, including IBM, MWH, Stone & Webster, Sargent & Lundy, Vulcan Materials, CH2MHill, Shell and Fina oil. He is also active in public service and is currently the Chair of the Environmental and Forestry Commission in Winnetka, IL.