Texas Infrastructure Stalls at ‘C’—What’s Needed for a Stronger Future

Texas’ infrastructure remains a cornerstone of its economic growth and public safety. Yet, the latest 2025 Texas Infrastructure Report Card, issued by the Texas Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), presents a sobering reality: the state’s infrastructure holds a cumulative grade of ‘C’—unchanged from its 2021 rating. While Texas’ score surpasses the national average of ‘C-,’ the stagnation signals underlying challenges that demand urgent attention from policymakers, business leaders, and civil engineers.

Key Findings: Where Texas Stands

The 2025 report assessed 16 infrastructure categories, revealing a complex picture of progress and setbacks:

• Improved Sectors: Aviation (B) and roads (C-) saw the only grade increases, attributed to statewide expansion projects and major funding injections from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
• Declining Sectors: Six sectors, including drinking water (D+), energy (C), levees (D-), and wastewater (D-), received lower grades, reflecting aging systems, rising demand, and climate vulnerabilities.
• New Categories: Broadband (D+), hazardous waste (C+), ports (C+), and rail (C) were added for the first time, further emphasizing Texas’ evolving infrastructure challenges.

The report highlights a growing gap between infrastructure demands and available funding, particularly in water management and energy. Texas’ population boom and economic expansion have strained essential systems, raising concerns about long-term sustainability.

The Urgent Challenges: Why Stakeholders Must Act Now

Energy Infrastructure Under Pressure

Texas’ energy demands have surged by 50,000 MW in the past year, driven by rapid electrification, rising industrial activity, and energy-hungry data centers. The state, a leader in natural gas, wind, and solar energy production, saw its infrastructure grade drop from B+ (2021) to C (2025) due to increased vulnerabilities. Winter storms have exposed critical weaknesses in the grid, underscoring the need for more resilient power generation and distribution systems.

Water Systems in Crisis

Aging drinking water, stormwater, and wastewater systems are struggling under Texas’ extreme weather patterns. 40% of utilities issued boil water notices during 2021’s winter storms, while pipeline leaks cause a daily loss of 30 gallons per water connection. With much of the state’s stormwater infrastructure built in the 1970s, rising precipitation levels are overwhelming drainage systems, leading to widespread water pollution in rivers and coastal areas.

Transportation Bottlenecks Threaten Economic Growth

Texas boasts the third-lowest rate of structurally deficient bridges nationwide, but aging bridges and outdated roadways continue to cause costly delays. TxDOT’s $100 billion Texas Clear Lanes Initiative has improved congestion in key areas, yet increased freight traffic and population growth necessitate further investment in road expansions, rail upgrades, and public transit solutions.

Solutions for a Resilient Future: What Must Be Done?

To ensure long-term sustainability and economic stability, Texas must prioritize strategic investments and policy reforms across its infrastructure sectors:

• Expand Investment and Funding Mechanisms
  • Increase state and federal funding for infrastructure improvements through grants, low-interest loans, and public-private partnerships.
  • Introduce periodic fee adjustments to match rising maintenance and operational costs.
  • Foster innovation through research and technology advancements to improve efficiency.
• Implement Robust Policy and Engineering Standards
  • Strengthen policy frameworks that promote safety, reliability, and efficiency across all infrastructure categories.
  • Modernize engineering standards to account for climate resilience and emerging technologies.
  • Support public-private collaborations to accelerate large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Advance Asset Management and Strategic Planning
• • Establish long-term infrastructure plans that align with population growth projections and environmental shifts.
  • Implement data-driven asset management strategies to maximize resource allocation and infrastructure longevity.
  • Promote resilient design to mitigate risks associated with climate change, extreme weather, and increased urbanization.

The Time to Act is Now

Texas stands at a critical juncture. While incremental improvements in aviation and roads demonstrate progress, the stagnation in the state’s overall infrastructure grade signals that current efforts are insufficient.

As ASCE Texas Section President Mark K. Boyd, PhD, PE, asserts,

“Now is the time to act; fortifying the state’s infrastructure to thrive in a vibrant, growing Texas future.”

For Texas to maintain its status as an economic powerhouse and an attractive hub for businesses and residents, bold action is required. Through sustained investment, policy innovation, and strategic planning, stakeholders can ensure that Texas’ infrastructure meets the demands of the 21st century and beyond.