Highway Materials Group urges Congress to support state DOTs

In a letter, HMG urges Congress to support state DOTs who will experience diminished revenues as a result of the decline in regular commuting. Photo: P&Q Staff

The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA), via the Highway Materials Group (HMG), sent a letter to congressional leadership requesting federal support for state Department of Transportation (DOT) agencies who are facing decreasing revenues as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Because the pandemic has forced tens of millions of Americans to stay home, state DOTs are experiencing a dramatic decline of vehicles on the road and commuters utilizing mass transit, NSSGA says.

According to the American Association of State Highway Officials (AASHTO), state DOTs are likely to see upwards of a 30 percent decline in revenues – if not more – over the next 18 months as daily commuting and travel are directly impacted by the pandemic.

NSSGA says it was eager to lead the HMG letter effort following financial impact data from AASHTO. If state DOTs have to halt infrastructure projects due to insufficient funds, NSSGA says it would have a compounding effect on an economy already reeling from record unemployment fillings.

In coordination with the HMG letter, NSSGA continues to work with congressional stakeholders to address the immediate needs of members regarding their operations and financial impacts.

As these economic relief packages are debated and passed, NSSGA maintains a focus for a future infrastructure recovery package as a means to spur job growth, assist the nation’s economic competitiveness and address critical infrastructure needs across the country.

NSSGA’s Executive Committee & Leadership Summit

Separately, NSSGA announced it will hold its annual Executive Committee & Leadership Summit as a digital-only event in light of nationwide health safety recommendations.

The event was scheduled for June 14-16 at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida.

“While we will not hold this event in person this year, we look forward to bringing together our members in this new virtual format to strategize, learn and connect with each other,” NSSGA says in a statement. “Stay tuned for more details to come.”

Those who already booked a room at The Breakers are encouraged to call 561-655-6611 to ensure their reservation was canceled. Any questions can be directed to the NSSGA Meetings Department at meetings@nssga.org.