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Infrastructure Funding Largely Tapped Out, Even For A Daily Need Such As Drinking Water

By John Ostapkovich

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Federal funding for highway and transit projects is stuck in neutral due to Congressional gridlock, but there's another infrastructure issue that affects us where we live.

The American Society of Civil Engineers' latest report card gives a D grade to both our drinking water systems, and waste water. Andrew Kricun, executive director of the Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority, says pipes are aging out as are water treatment plants.

"So it's really like a perfect storm of facilities, both underground and above ground, ready to be replaced."

The bill is estimated in the trillions of dollars nationwide, especially with the added complication of superstorms like Sandy.

"If that storm had been 50 more miles inland, our infrastructure wouldn't have been able to handle a storm like that."

The best grade the civil engineers gave the US was a B- for solid waste handling.

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