NAPA, PCA applaud House passage of infrastructure bill

The Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act will provide an additional $110 billion for U.S. roads and bridges. Photo: Art Wager/iStock / Getty Images Plus/Getty Images

The National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) and the Portland Cement Association (PCA) joined the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association and the Associated General Contractors of America in applauding passage of the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act by the U.S. House of Representatives.

According to NAPA, ratification of the bill will provide an additional investment of $110 billion for roads and bridges – for a total $360 billion over five years – guaranteeing predictable and enhanced funding for state and local governments to build, repair and maintain their roadways.

“This bill represents a once-in-a-generation investment in the country’s transportation networks, demonstrating America’s long-standing commitment to provide safe roads, airports and transit for the traveling public,” says Audrey Copeland, NAPA president and CEO. “We urge President Biden to quickly sign this bipartisan package into law, so we can build back better with increased jobs, enhanced safety, and improved roads.”

Michael Ireland, president and CEO of PCA, responded similarly on behalf of his organization.

“This bipartisan infrastructure bill not only addresses years of underinvestment in the nation’s infrastructure, but will spur economic growth and job creation in communities across the country, improving the quality of life and our nation’s global competitiveness,” Ireland says. “As many are still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, this legislation will further our nation’s recovery, creating thousands of well-paying jobs.”

President Biden indicated during a Saturday press conference that he and Vice President Kamala Harris would soon sign the infrastructure at a formal ceremony.