United States Infrastructure

Most of the infrastructure of the United States (US) was constructed in the nineteenth century. Various types of infrastructure include lock chambers, dams, levees, water pipes, sewage pipes, and bridges, with an estimated average life expectancy of 50 years. As the aging infrastructures’ quality deteriorates over time, it is critical that repairs and maintenance remain consistent in order to keep us safe.

Climate change is one of the most serious infrastructure challenges the US faces today, causing crumbling bridges and water systems as a result of unprecedented rainfall, floods, and heat waves. These failures have caused widespread damage throughout the US. Infrastructure built centuries ago was not designed for the environment we have today; therefore, it is critical that the US prioritizes and funds infrastructure on a national scale.

To save our infrastructure, we must all work together to address this long-term issue. The rising costs of materials will delay repairs, and pushing forward on critical infrastructure improvements would be the first step toward having funds to combat aging infrastructure. Working together to combat climate change will additionally slow the deterioration of infrastructure.


 

January 2022 Company Newsletter

KC's January Newsletter includes an expanded employee milestones section, a selection of favorite projects from several KC employees, details on KC projects that have recently won industry awards, a feature regarding changes to the website, new projects / shortlists, and more.

Download KC’s Company Newsletter – January 2022 edition to keep up with KC’s latest news!


July 2021 Company Newsletter

KC's July Newsletter features include KC staff perspectives on one of KC's largest projects as it draws to a close, a deep dive into the state of American infrastructure, and a look at an oft-overlooked civil engineering marvel that helped make the Apollo 11 mission a success.

Download KC’s Company Newsletter – July 2021 edition to keep up with KC’s latest news!


Infrastructure Week, Day 5: Roads

In the U.S., roads are typically an unavoidable part of our everyday lives. Many use roadways daily to travel to and from work, school, social engagements, and more. As the years go by, American metropolitan areas are increasingly stymied by traffic congestion. The average American spends 97 hours a year stuck in traffic. That’s over 12 full workdays! Meanwhile, suburban and rural areas are forced to contend with deteriorating road conditions as well as outdated and dangerous traffic configurations.

At KC Engineering and Land Surveying, P.C. (KC), maintaining and upgrading roads remains an important priority. Our civil engineers are skilled in parking lot and roadway design, and along with our traffic engineers they effectively and efficiently plan, design, and oversee the construction of intersection improvements, parking facilities, maintenance and protection of traffic (MPT) plans, highways, utility relocations, site lighting, driveways and other roadways, curbs, and sidewalks so that the outcomes not only provide for smooth transitions but also for economically functional results.

With projects like Cross Westchester Expressway (I-287) Exit 8E Reconstruction, 5th Avenue Reconstruction, DeLavergne Avenue Reconstruction, and Milling and Resurfacing of Federal Aid Roads, KC strives to maintain the safety and commutability of area roads, because at KC we recognize the vital importance of roadway infrastructure.


Infrastructure Week, Day 4: Wastewater

Wastewater is the dirty little secret no one seems to like to talk about. Nevertheless, managing our nations wastewater is of utmost importance. It can impact the health of residents, strengthen or weaken the appeal of a locality, have an effect on the environment. As the nation’s population continues to grow, wastewater management has become increasingly crucial. Over the next 20 years, the U.S. is expected to gain more than 56 million in population. This indicates the critical need for wastewater infrastructure improvements.

About 14,748 wastewater treatment plants currently serve nearly 240 million Americans, or 76% of the U.S. population. In its current state, our wastewater infrastructure suffers from 23,000 to 75,000 sanitary sewer overflow events every year, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These facts demonstrate the need for increased wastewater infrastructure funding.

At KC Engineering and Land Surveying, P.C. (KC), our wastewater treatment group has designed and overseen the construction of over 70 facilities. We work with government, industrial, and private clients to meet a full range of wastewater related needs. We approach each project with innovative and creative expertise to deliver comprehensive engineering services that solve the most intricate wastewater challenges from concept through design, construction, and operation. KC has helped to create new wastewater solutions and improve the performance of existing treatment facilities. KC strives to meet strict water discharge policies, conserve energy, and reduce environmental impact.