AEM: Trump’s plan a ‘good starting point’ on infrastructure

By |  February 12, 2018

Slater

Equipment manufacturers welcomed the introduction Feb. 12 of President Trump’s $1.5 trillion infrastructure plan.

But the plan does not solve the nation’s underlying infrastructure issues, according to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). Specifically, the president’s plan does not address the solvency of the Highway Trust Fund and other programs to support utility, water and aviation infrastructure.

“We hope Congress will take up and build upon the Trump administration’s infrastructure proposal on a bipartisan basis to help America reclaim its infrastructure advantage over our global competitors,” says Dennis Slater, AEM president, in a statement.

Slater adds that the president’s proposal should serve as an important starting point for serious debate in Congress, particularly given that most Americans want Washington to act on infrastructure in 2018.

“The White House plan includes a number of important elements,” Slater says. “Equipment manufacturers applaud the ‘One Agency, One Decision’ initiative to reduce permitting time on projects to 24 months, as well as their request to create designated funds to support rural infrastructure development and transformative infrastructure projects. The industry is also encouraged by the inclusion of a proposal to help train our manufacturing and construction workforce in charge of building America’s infrastructure.”

Kevin Yanik

About the Author:

Kevin Yanik is editor-in-chief of Pit & Quarry. He can be reached at 216-706-3724 or kyanik@northcoastmedia.net.

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