Sources: Portland Cement Association, Washington, D.C.; CP staff
The North American Concrete Alliance (NACA), representing 11 materials, product and contractor groups, outlined top industry priorities and policy positions for Congressional Cement Caucus members during an early-February briefing in Washington, D.C., contending:
- Infrastructure investment must be done wisely and factor reforms to programs that will extend federal dollars and focus on long-term, nationally significant mega projects; and, address the need for long-lasting and resilient structures and systems.
- Congress must enact a robust and sustainable funding mechanism that addresses Highway Trust Fund shortfalls with durable solutions that stabilize and increase critical surface transportation investments.
- An efficient, well-functioning transportation network is essential to maintaining U.S. economic competitiveness; new funding and financing for long-term investment are critical to economic growth, personal mobility and public safety.
The PCA-moderated briefing coincides with much infrastructure investment and funding mechanism discussion as the 115th Congress enters a critical part of the legislative calendar. NACA reminded federal lawmakers of the industry’s key role in infrastructure revitalization, including approximately 500,000 jobs and a $100 billion annual contribution to the U.S. economy rooted in cement and concrete production.
Joining PCA in the briefing were representatives of NACA members the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association; American Concrete Pavement Association; American Concrete Pipe Association; American Concrete Pressure Pipe Association; American Concrete Pumping Association; Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute; National Concrete Masonry Association; National Precast Concrete Association; Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute; and, Tilt-Up Concrete Association.