Texas roads get a 'D' on report card

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Report cards are out and Texas didn't even come close to making the honor roll.

The American Society of Civil Engineers gave Texas' infrastructure a "C" grade due to a significant lack of both long-term planning and sustainable funding.

"You come home with A's and everyone is happy, you come home with D's and F's and you try to hide it from your parents," said Martha Juch of The American Society of Civil Engineers.

Texas received a "D" in roads, ranking Texas from 17th in 2008 to now 43rd for highway spending per capita.

Texas has more then 50,000 bridges, 59 percent more then any other state, but TxDOT lacks the funding to maintain and improve those bridges.

"We've got to recognize the infrastructure is what makes our economy hum, we have to got to recognize that the roads and bridges are what allows us to have an economy that leads this nation," said Rep.Bennett Ratcliff.

Drivers rack up 250 billion miles on Texas roads each year, upkeep is critical, but there is a lack of money to maintain them.

According to TxDOT $4 billion is needed every year to maintain our roads, but the budget right now is only $3 billion.

An enormous problem the state faces right now and years to come.