Infrastructure
Embracing Infrastructure Support
The Portland Cement Association and our members advocate for robust policies that enhance and sustain the nation’s infrastructure.
We stress the urgent need for significant investments in infrastructure and the importance of addressing funding challenges. We call on Congress to support long-term solutions and resilient infrastructure initiatives to achieve these goals.
Essential Information
Concrete — made with cement — is critical for constructing highways, bridges, tunnels, mass transit systems, airports, runways, sidewalks, dams, spillways, reservoirs, drinking and wastewater infrastructure, and commercial and residential buildings. Due to its durability, concrete is essential for improving infrastructure resilience, especially in the face of increasing natural disasters. Understanding the role of cement in these projects is crucial for recognizing the importance of continued investment and policy support to enhance and sustain our nation’s built environment.
Metric tons of cement used annually in the U.S.
Years of typical service life for concrete roads
estimated ROI on resilient construction according to Federal Emergency Management Agency
Solution: Resolve Legislative Shortfalls
Significant federal investment in infrastructure empowers states and communities to make much-needed investments critical to the country’s economic growth by ensuring the efficient movement of goods and people. Addressing the long-term solvency of the Highway Trust Fund is important. Congress must address these challenges so states and municipalities can maintain their transportation assets and plan new projects.
Build Resilient Infrastructure
Concrete roads have a service life of 30 to 50 years without the need for frequent resurfacing, repairs, or patching. This longevity not only reduces maintenance costs but also minimizes disruptions. The resilience of concrete infrastructure is vital in the face of increasing climate-related disasters, providing a robust infrastructure that can endure extreme weather events.
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The IIJA has significantly increased funding for surface transportation but has not resolved the long-term revenue shortfalls of the Highway Trust Fund. These shortfalls challenge the maintenance and expansion of transportation infrastructure. Sustainable funding solutions are essential for states and municipalities to keep their transportation assets in good repair and plan new projects. PCA urges Congress to develop long-term strategies to secure the Highway Trust Fund’s solvency, ensuring continuous support for vital infrastructure projects.
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Investments in surface transportation are crucial for economic growth and development: in the short-term by creating jobs and in the long-term by enhancing economic competitiveness, stimulating sustained job growth, improving traffic safety, reducing travel delays, and improving road and bridge conditions.
Roads and highways are the backbone of our economy; 90% of all goods arrive in stores via truck and roughly $28.2 trillion worth of commodities each. Investment in surface transportation alleviates poor road conditions and congestion that delay delivery and in turn increase logistics costs. Higher costs and reduced efficiency result in higher consumer prices, which translates into increased inflation.
Solution: Future-Proof Water Infrastructure
Legislative support is crucial for advancing water infrastructure projects. Congress must pass the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) every two years to authorize essential projects managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. These projects are vital for flood risk management, ecosystem restoration, and navigation; cement is indispensable in constructing these facilities, including dams, locks, flood risk management, and navigation. Corps projects are also critical to the movement of cement to market.
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Cement supports a variety of water infrastructure projects crucial for flood management and water supply improvements. For instance, cement is used in constructing dams, spillways, reservoirs, ports, and wastewater and drinking water treatment facilities, ensuring durability and efficiency.
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Investing in water infrastructure is vital for public safety and economic stability. The IIJA’s historic investment in updating the nation’s drinking and wastewater infrastructure underscores the importance of regular legislative support to ensure communities can adapt to climate change and protect water resources.
Solution: Revive Airport Modernization Efforts
PCA applauds passage in Congress of the bipartisan Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2024. FAA reauthorization ensures continued support for investing in the modernization of our nation’s airports and continued research to improve airfield pavements.
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The cement industry advocates funding the Airfield Pavement Technology Program. This program advances research and technology to ensure airport runways remain safe, cost-effective, and capable of withstanding heavy aircraft traffic. Continued investment in this program is vital for maintaining the integrity and performance of airfield pavements, runways, and taxiways, as well as the safety and efficiency of air travel.
Get in Touch
Katy Hartnett
Director, Infrastructure & Transportation