Montana’s drinking water earns ‘C’ while stormwater rated ‘D’ by engineering group

Montana’s infrastructure received a cumulative grade of C- in the 2024 Report Card for Montana’s Infrastructure, released by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). The report highlights the challenges posed by aging systems, severe weather, and rapid population growth, affecting critical sectors like stormwater, energy, and broadband.

This year’s grade marks a decline from the C earned in 2018, as increasingly severe weather and underfunded systems strain the state’s infrastructure. Notably, Montana’s drinking water infrastructure improved from a C- to a C due to increased investment in water treatment facilities and lead pipe replacement. However, stormwater infrastructure received a D, underscoring ongoing challenges.

Broadband and energy challenges
The report includes Montana’s first-ever broadband assessment, assigning an “incomplete” grade due to insufficient data. Currently, 71% of residents have access to adequate service, and nearly $630 million from federal funding is earmarked to expand connectivity.

Montana’s energy infrastructure fell to a C- as the state’s aging grid struggles to meet increasing power demands and integrate renewable energy. Although Montana exports 40% of its electricity, surging consumption and extreme weather highlight the need for modernization.

Stormwater and wastewater under pressure
Stormwater systems remain a critical weakness, receiving a D grade. Aging infrastructure and extreme weather conditions, including record water flows that caused a bridge collapse in 2022, emphasize the urgency for upgrades. Wastewater systems were rated C-, reflecting widespread challenges in funding and workforce shortages.

Recommendations for improvement
To address these issues, the ASCE suggests:

• Establishing long-term funding sources to support consistent maintenance and upgrades.
• Investing in workforce development to ensure the infrastructure sector has skilled labor.
• Prioritizing climate resilience by designing infrastructure to withstand severe conditions.

“Record investments from the federal government and state initiatives offer hope for Montana’s future, but the challenges of geographic diversity, environmental threats, and limited funding remain,” said Lexi Leffler, chair of the 2024 Report Card.

The report card serves as a tool to inform policymakers and the public about Montana’s infrastructure needs. The ASCE will release its next national report card in March 2025.

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