TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - A group of engineers say lawmakers can't let current budget problems keep them from adequately maintaining the state's roads, bridges and other infrastructure.

According to a report by the American Society of Civil Engineers, Florida will need to spend 200 billion dollars over the next 20 years to maintain and improve its deteriorating infrastructure.

The report gives the state letter grades in 11 different categories, with an overall grade of C for the state's infrastructure. Bridges received the highest grade with a B plus, followed by wastewater systems with a B minus. The worst grades went to schools and energy, which both received a D plus.

Representative Stephen Precourt, a Republican from Orlando, says the state is underfunding its infrastructure and needs to develop a major, long-term funding program. Possible funding sources could be an increase in gas taxes or a tax based on the number of miles driven per year.


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