North American Concrete Alliance urges Congress to act on infrastructure revitalisation

In a briefing on Capitol Hill, NACA leaders noted that the cement and concrete industry not only provides a critical construction material, but also major economic drives behind the nation’s ability to build, maintain and grow vital infrastructure.

Cement and concrete companies provide 535 000 jobs and US$100 billion in annual economic contributions to the US economy. There are cement and concrete manufacturing plants and other facilities in all 50 states.

“As the second most consumed product on Earth, behind water, it is impossible to contemplate revitalizing our nation’s infrastructure without putting concrete at the forefront of the discussion,” said PCA President and CEO James G. Toscas. “Concrete pavements and structures have been a mainstay of America’s infrastructure for more than a half century, with many original structures still in service.”

NACA shared the industry’s policy views, including the need for long-term, sustainable investment in the Highway Trust Fund, and the need for regulatory reforms that enable manufacturers to continue to supply the cement and concrete needed for infrastructure. Specifically, NACA urged lawmakers to consider the following:

• Infrastructure investment must include reforms to programmes that will extend the impact of federal dollars, with a focus on long-term, nationally significant mega projects.
• Projects should address the need for durable long-lasting and resilient infrastructure.
• Congress must enact a long-term, robust and sustainable funding mechanism that addresses the Highway Trust Fund shortfalls with durable solutions that both stabilise and increase critical highway investments to position America’s economy for future success.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/the-americas/09052017/north-american-concrete-alliance-urges-congress-to-act-on-infrastructure-revitalisation/