Orange County's aging infrastructure is getting to the age where serious work needs to be done. Much like a Newport Beach housewife who notices she's not as young as she used to be and goes in "to get work done", Orange County needs to "get the work done". But will we ever get the money we need?
The 2010 Orange County Infrastructure Report Card was brought home and here are the grades:
- D in surface-water quality in beaches and water parks
- C- in flood control. It is estimated that over $2.5 billion is needed to upgrade the local flood control system to prevent loss of life and property. Orange County's needs in this area have changed as population has grown, hillsides have been cut for homes and more of the County has been paved over.
- C+ in electrical supply. The recent electricity rate increases approved by the California Utility Commission may not be enough to bring the systems up to what is needed.
- C+in parks, recreation and environment. $70 million in projects have been stopped because of the recession. $680 million is needed for new projects in the next five years.
- C+ in school facilities. Deferred maintenance is killing the buildings and don't expect there to be money to replace buildings any time soon.
- B- in water supply
- B+ in solid waste management
- B in wastewater treatment
- B in aviation
Don't expect improvements in these areas any time soon because often times money for these types of projects comes from Washington, DC and our Congressional Delegation, with the exception of Rep. Loretta Sanchez, refuse to ask for money for their district. Because our representatives won't bring home money, our county won't be able to grow as much as it could.
There is a good story in OC Metro about the report card.
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