NSSGA taking part in Infrastructure Week 2017
National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association calls for industry participation in national advocacy event
THE National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) has this week joined forces with businesses, labour organizations, elected officials and people around the country to take part in Infrastructure Week 2017, a national advocacy and educational event to spread the message that it is #TimeToBuild America’s infrastructure.
Throughout the week (15–19 May), NSSGA and member companies will be highlighting the importance of infrastructure investment to the US economy and to the aggregates industry, an how it would play a significant role in revitalizing the country’s roads, bridges, ports and airports.
According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, almost 40% of America’s 614,387 bridges are more than 50 years old, whilst traffic delays on outdated and congested roads cost American businesses in excess of US$45 billion each year, says the Partnership for America’s Economic Expressway.
‘The nation’s infrastructure is the foundation of our jobs, quality of life and economic competitiveness, yet this system has been underfunded and poorly maintained for decades,’ commented Michael W. Johnson, president and chief executive officer of NSSGA.
‘Investments in infrastructure are an investment in our country’s future, and Infrastructure Week puts a much-needed national spotlight on how we can grow our country and economy.’
More than 100 people from the aggregates industry will be in Washington DC this week to talk about the importance of infrastructure investment with their members of Congress as part of a Transportation Construction Coalition (TCC) fly-in.
NSSGA is encouraging aggregates operations to participate ‘virtually’ in Infrastructure Week, if they cannot attend the Washington events. The Association has an online portal that makes it easy for anyone to write to their senators and representative and urge them to invest in the nation’s infrastructure.
Zach Schafer, director of Infrastructure Week, said: ‘We are thrilled that NSSGA is joining Infrastructure Week. The dire state of America’s infrastructure is one of the most pressing issues facing us as a nation, and the benefits of a stronger, better infrastructure system will be far-reaching and long lasting.
‘During the week, we will bring together the public and private sector to encourage lawmakers to think long term and invest in infrastructure at the federal, state and local level.’
