Ayres Knowledge Center Infrastructure Asset Management | Page 7

o Bridges/Dams –
Conduct above
and below water
field inspections
to determine
structural
condition and
integrity.
o Signage –
Determine sign
retroreflectivity
or similar rating
values.
3. Identify and assign risk
factors. These are used
to identify and prioritize
the critical assets in a
community that – if
disrupted, limited in use,
or completely out of
service – would generate
significant consequences
to the businesses,
industries, and residents
they serve. Steps should
be taken to minimize the
impact a disruption could
cause. In practical use,
Figure 3 - Typical Notes from Underwater Inspection Report
once the service level of
an asset is reduced, a higher priority of response is placed on assets with greater risk factors.
4. Invest in staff training. Administrators, department heads, division managers, supervisors, and
technical staff – both office and field personnel – should be reminded of the value and benefits
of a sound asset management program. Most importantly, they need to buy in to changes in the
means and methods through which infrastructure needs are managed and maintained.
5. Identify, budget, and properly use funding sources. This will help prioritize and enforce
maintenance activities and adhere to replacement schedules.
6. Prepare a sustainability plan – and adhere to it. This is not a bandage or short-term solution. It
will take time to correct and overcome previous management and operational styles and
practices. But, like anything in life worth pursuing, it takes time, commitment, and
determination.
7. Work to unite your team. None of this will happen unless there is strong and dedicated
management support, from public officials to administrative staff. They all need to be
supportive and moving in the same direction.
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