Policy statement 404 - Endorsement of infrastructure projects

Approved by the Infrastructure and Research Policy Committee on January 27, 2023
Approved by the Public Policy and Practice Committee on March 3, 2023
Adopted by the Board of Direction on July 23, 2023

Policy

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) may endorse or oppose specific infrastructure projects only when the proposed project has national or global implications. This policy does not prohibit ASCE Regions, Sections, or Branches, from independent action at a local level; however, a position taken at a local level does not imply endorsement by or opposition from of the Society.

Issue

Allocation of funds for infrastructure projects can be competitive and political. The endorsement of ASCE is often sought because of ASCE’s reputation for professional and objective evaluation and for its technical expertise in order to validate the need or lack thereof for a project.

Rationale

Endorsement or opposition of a project by ASCE implies the support of its full membership. ASCE has a broad and varied membership that, at times, may have differing stances on specific projects. Therefore, ASCE endorsement of, or opposition to, a project should only be undertaken for infrastructure projects with national or global implications.

This policy has worldwide application.
ASCE Policy Statement 404
First Approved in 1992