PCA Applauds Obama’ Infrastructure Vision

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Our nation’s crippled infrastructure received much needed attention from President Barak Obama today during a speech at the historic Union Depot train station in St. Paul, Minn.

President Obama called for a $302 billion, four-year transportation proposal that increases and stabilizes financing for the diminishing Highway Trust Fund.

According to Gregory M. Scott, president and CEO of the Portland Cement Association (PCA), responsible infrastructure investment can have a significant impact on job growth and continuing the nation’s economic recovery.  

“America’s cement manufacturers are pleased that the White House recognized the importance of ensuring our nation’s infrastructure serves us now and into the future. Investing in our national infrastructure facilitates economic growth and creates jobs,” Scott said.  “In addition to providing leadership on innovative ways to replenish transportation funding reserves, PCA urges the White House to examine new criteria to spend taxpayer money wisely, whether it is by using new and existing materials better or new methods of analysis, both of which will help to maximize our return on investment.”

Scott said that using the right materials not only saves money, but also can contribute to a better environment. “MIT researchers have found that pavement properties could affect the fuel economy of cars and trucks. If the pavement deflects or bends slightly under traffic loads, cars and trucks are running in a slight depression that increases fuel consumption. Stiffer pavements – such as pavements made from concrete — produce less rolling resistance and better fuel economy.”

About PCA
Based in Washington D.C. with offices in Skokie, Ill., the Portland Cement Association represents cement manufacturing companies in the United States. It conducts market development, engineering, research, education, and public affairs programs. More information on PCA programs is available at www.cement.org.