New app supports infrastructure investment

Washington, D.C. — The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) released a new Android/iOS phone app, Save America’s Infrastructure. The app, released during national Infrastructure Week, tells the story of America’s aging infrastructure, then provides a way to take action by contacting elected leaders directly through the app. Free to download, Save America’s Infrastructure offers national grades and key facts spanning 16 infrastructure categories, data for all 50 states and D.C., a news section, and an action center.

The app pulls key information from ASCE’s 2013 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure, which graded the nation’s infrastructure at a “D+” overall, and offers localized information to enhance the user experience. For example, users can plug in their zip code to discover how many structurally deficient bridges are in their county.

The app’s features include:

• State facts for key infrastructure categories and state Report Card grades where applicable
• National grades for 16 infrastructure categories, with key stats and recommendations to raise the grades
• Shareable infographics and videos
• An action center where users can quickly email their state and federal lawmakers and officials
• A news center that features stories on current trends and updates on infrastructure legislation

“As stewards of our nation’s infrastructure, civil engineers are the experts on America’s roads, bridges, water pipes, sewers and dams, and we know that these systems are aging,” said Robert D. Stevens, P.E., Ph.D., President, ASCE. “Right now couldn’t be a better time to take advantage of this resource. Congress needs to find a way to fix the Highway Trust Fund with a long-term, sustainable funding source. This app allows people to contact their Senators and Representative and tell them why it matters.”

ASCE is a steering committee member for Infrastructure Week. Learn more about the week and its events around the country at www.infrastructureweek.org.