The early release in January 2009 of the category grades was timed to coincide with the ongoing legislative debate over including infrastructure in the economic recovery package. The Report Card rated the nation's infrastructure at a cumulative grade of D and ASCE estimates that it will cost $2.2 trillion over five years to bring it up to a good condition. Ultimately, the up-to-date information provided by ASCE's Report Card helped to ensure that nearly $100 billion was included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that was enacted in February.

Among the features released this week:

• A full-color, 158-page book that delves into the condition and background on each of the 15 categories graded.
• Specific policy recommendations for each category that are designed to help raise the poor grades.
• Brand new videos describing the condition of the nation's infrastructure.
• Case studies for each category of infrastructure that demonstrate how some communities are already taking the steps to implement infrastructure solutions and help raise the grades.
• An all new website (same URL http://www.asce.org/reportcard ) that will assist average citizens make the connection between the national problems with infrastructure, and what they can do in their own communities.

The entire book is available as a free download from the website.