Minnesota engineers warn of urgent infrastructure needs ahead of 2026 report card release

The Minnesota Senate's Committee on Capital Investment convened on January 21, 2025, to address urgent infrastructure needs across the state. The meeting highlighted the critical state of Minnesota's infrastructure, emphasizing that immediate action is necessary to prevent further deterioration.

Hannah and Meredith, civil engineers and members of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), presented findings from the 2022 Minnesota Infrastructure Report Card, which assigned a cumulative grade of C to the state's infrastructure. This grade reflects a mediocre condition, unchanged since the previous assessment in 2018. The report identified roads as the weakest link, receiving a D+, while aviation earned the highest grade of B. The engineers stressed that Minnesota's aging infrastructure is under increasing strain due to population growth and extreme weather events, necessitating prompt and strategic investments.

The discussion included the importance of comprehensive assessments conducted every four years, which help identify infrastructure conditions and needs. The next report card is scheduled for release in 2026, and the engineers are organizing a volunteer group to update the findings. They underscored the need for sustainable funding sources, citing recent legislative successes, such as the increase in the safe drinking water connection fee and significant bonding investments in 2023.

Despite these advancements, the engineers expressed concern over the lack of comprehensive infrastructure funding in recent years, noting that no significant bills were passed in 2021, 2022, or 2024. They warned that without strategic planning and innovative solutions, Minnesota's infrastructure could face further decline.

The meeting concluded with a call to action for lawmakers to prioritize infrastructure projects and adopt asset management tools to better track and manage resources. The engineers emphasized that proactive investments in infrastructure, particularly in light of climate change, are essential for ensuring the safety and prosperity of Minnesota's communities.