Pca Economist Tells House Cement Industry Can Handle Aggressive Infrastructure Stimulus

Edward Sullivan, PCA’s chief economist, testified on Jan. 22 before the U.S. House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Committee that the nation’s cement industry has more than enough supply potential to feed even the most optimistic infrastructure spending program that might encompass road and highways, bridges and dams, schools and other public buildings, and sewer and water treatment projects

Source: Portland Cement Association, Skokie, Ill.

Edward Sullivan, PCA’s chief economist, told the U.S. House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Committee that the nation’s cement industry has more than enough supply potential to feed even the most optimistic infrastructure spending program that might encompass road and highways, bridges and dams, schools and other public buildings, and sewer and water treatment projects. He testified late last month at hearing, Infrastructure Investment: Ensuring an Effective Economic Recovery Package, Committee Chairman James Oberstar (D-MN) convened to underscore his commitment to economic stimulus provisions delivering construction jobs and contracts within 90 days.

Committee members explored the ability of government agencies and administrations to initiate infrastructure projects quickly, as well as private enterprise to meet the demand that will be quickly actualized by a swift and aggressive public works stimulus program. The U.S. economy faces severe near-term challenges, said Sullivan. A stimulus plan with emphasis on infrastructure will go far in brightening our economic outlook. With an estimated domestic cement capacity of 102 million metric tons and an aggressive capacity expansion under way, the cement industry is well-positioned to help recharge America’s economy through important infrastructure projects.”