CRH regional president talks IIJA implementation

Says CRH Americas’ Dwayne Boyd: “The IIJA will provide certainty to state DOTs and everyone involved in delivering infrastructure projects.” Photo: NSSGA

Dwayne Boyd, president of the Midsouth region at CRH Americas, addressed the House Transportation & Infrastructure (T&I) Subcommittee on Highways & Transit during a hearing reviewing the implementation of the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act (IIJA).

According to the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA), Boyd emphasized the value IIJA implementation provides to the aggregate industry.

“As IIJA is implemented, my company and the entire construction industry find it critical to ensure the funds authorized and appropriated continue to flow as intended for the life of the bill,” Boyd says. “The IIJA will provide certainty to state DOTs and everyone involved in delivering infrastructure projects.”

Throughout his testimony, NSSGA says Boyd stressed that the House T&I Committee should focus on following the law to ensure materials are excluded from Buy America sourcing requirements. Boyd also mentioned the committee should focus on permitting reform, ensure flexibility for local and state agencies, reform rail service, advance sustainability efforts, address workforce challenges and increase access to local aggregates.

“Our economy is on a stronger path, and these infrastructure investments help relieve pressure points that drive supply shortages and inflation,” Boyd says. “That is why it is imperative Congress and the administration work to rapidly implement the provisions under IIJA and remove regulatory roadblocks and red tape that hold us back.”

According to NSSGA, Boyd cited several specific state initiatives in the Southeast that provide economic certainty and flexibility to state DOTs. Among the states Boyd mentioned were Mississippi, which has legislation in progress to add funds to maximize federal dollars, and Louisiana, which added electronic vehicle fees and vehicle sales tax fees to fully take advantage of IIJA opportunities.

“The DOTs in my area appreciate the flexibility of IIJA and the increased funding levels,” Boyd says. “It has allowed them to insert IIJA funds directly into their budgets. However, they have reported inflation has eroded the buying power of the increased funding levels, resulting in a smaller number of projects being let.”

NSSGA says it has been engaged with lawmakers and the Biden administration since IIJA was enacted to ensure its successful implementation.