Transit and stormwater infrastructure once again received low marks in the 2025 Infrastructure Report Card released by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).

Both sectors earned a D+, which is a slight improvement over past years where grades hovered around D or D- but still a clear sign that these essential systems remain outdated, underfunded, and increasingly strained by climate change and urban expansion.

Why Transit and Stormwater Systems Matter

 

Often overlooked, transit and stormwater systems are foundational to daily life. Public transportation connects people to jobs, schools, and healthcare, while stormwater systems help prevent flooding, reduce pollution, and protect infrastructure. Yet both have long been plagued by neglect and insufficient investment.

The ASCE’s 2025 report highlights this ongoing issue, noting that while there have been some improvements, progress is far too slow to meet the needs of a growing, evolving population.

 

Transit: Infrastructure in Decline

Aging Systems and Reduced Ridership

Public transit in the U.S. – including buses, subways, light rail, and commuter trains – is aging rapidly. In cities like New York, Boston, and Philadelphia, much of the infrastructure dates back to the early 1900s. Years of deferred maintenance have led to frequent delays, safety issues, and declining reliability.

The COVID-19 pandemic further strained transit systems, causing ridership and fare revenues to plummet. Although there’s been a partial recovery in 2024 and 2025, many systems still haven’t returned to pre-pandemic levels, leaving agencies struggling to maintain service while balancing tight budgets.

Funding Shortfalls and Political Challenges

According to the ASCE, the U.S. faces a $176 billion shortfall in transit investment through 2039. While the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) allocated $39 billion for public transit, experts say this is just a starting point.

Political dynamics also complicate funding. Transit often becomes a partisan issue, with urban systems receiving less support in legislatures dominated by rural interests. Additionally, the fragmented nature of transit governance—spread across thousands of local agencies—makes coordinated planning and investment difficult.

 

Stormwater: An Overlooked Infrastructure Crisis

Aging Systems, Escalating Risks

Stormwater infrastructure like culverts, drains, and green infrastructure is largely invisible until it fails. And failures are becoming more frequent. With climate change fueling more intense storms, outdated systems are being overwhelmed, resulting in flash floods, sewer overflows, and water contamination.

 

Many systems were designed decades ago using outdated rainfall data. In cities with combined sewer systems, heavy rain can cause untreated sewage to spill into waterways and streets. The ASCE reports that over 850 billion gallons of raw sewage are discharged annually due to these overflows.

Chronic Underfunding and Lack of Standards

Unlike drinking water and wastewater systems, stormwater infrastructure lacks consistent, dedicated funding. It’s often financed through local taxes or general funds, making long-term planning difficult. The ASCE estimates a $134 billion investment gap over the next two decades.

 

There’s also no national standard for stormwater system performance, leading to inconsistent quality and resilience. While cities like Portland and Philadelphia have pioneered green infrastructure solutions—like permeable pavement and rain gardens—these remain exceptions rather than the norm.

Glimmers of Progress

Despite the low grades, there are signs of improvement. The IIJA includes $55 billion for water infrastructure, with some funds earmarked for stormwater upgrades. The EPA has also expanded its Clean Water State Revolving Fund, offering low-interest loans for stormwater projects.

In transit, cities such as Los Angeles, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. are investing in new rail lines, electric buses, and smart fare systems – modernizing infrastructure while cutting emissions and improving air quality.

Public awareness is also growing. As extreme weather becomes more common, voters and policymakers are beginning to prioritize resilient infrastructure. In 2024, several states passed bond measures to fund stormwater and transit improvements.

What Needs to Happen Next

To truly improve transit and stormwater systems, bold and coordinated action is essential:

1. Sustain and Expand Federal Investment

One-time funding boosts aren’t enough. Long-term, reliable investment – focused on equity and climate resilience – is critical to modernizing these systems.

2. Update Design Standards

Infrastructure must be built for future conditions. This includes modern rainfall models, green infrastructure, and accessible, low-emission transit systems.

3. Build Public Support

Public engagement is key. Outreach that highlights the benefits of investment—like cleaner water, reduced flooding, and better mobility—can help build the political will needed for lasting change.

GPRS offers a comprehensive suite of subsurface damage prevention, existing conditions documentation, and construction & facilities project management services designed to help keep infrastructure improvement projects on time, on budget, and safe.

We utilize state-of-the-art technology such as ground penetrating radar (GPR) scanners, electromagnetic (EM) locators, 3D laser scanners, and remote-controlled video pipe inspection crawlers to ensure the integrity of your buried infrastructure and help you avoid subsurface damage when breaking ground. Our in-house Mapping & Modeling Team can visualize the field-verified, accurate data collected by our SIM and NASSCO-certified Project Managers to suit your planning, and operations & maintenance (O&M) needs.

All this information is at you and your team’s fingertips 24/7, accessible via any computer, tablet or smartphone thanks to SiteMap® (patent pending), our project & facility management application that provides accurate existing conditions documentation to protect your assets and people.

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