Long-term funding for road and bridge repairs required, says PCA

The Portland Cement Association (PCA) has called on the federal government to introduce a fully-funded surface transportation bill that would address the impact of both extreme weather conditions and general wear and tear.

The Department of Transportation has set up a US$232 million relief fund to repair bridges and roads damaged by winter storms. The Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Emergency Relief programme will provide funding for 26 states where natural disasters have affected road and bridge infrastructure. While the PCA has recognised this as a positive step, it has highlighted the need for long-term federal funding to address America’s infrastructure requirements. The cement association has called for funding for ‘legislation authorising infrastructure construction and rehabilitation using durable and resilient materials’.

“There is no question that after a natural disaster, immediate infrastructure failings must be addressed to help affected communities,” said A. Todd Johnston, Vice President of Government Affairs for PCA. “However, these short-term solutions should not overshadow the need to build stronger, more durable infrastructure that can better withstand powerful storms, and allow a community to bounce back faster.”

Adapted from press release by Louise Fordham

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/the-americas/26022015/pca-calls-for-long-term-federal-funding-for-americas-roads-and-bridges-410/