WASHINGTON. D.C.--After weeks of negotiations, a new surface transportation legislation, which was passed by Congress on June 29, was signed into law by President Barak Obama on July 6, 2012.

The Portland Cement Association (PCA) was pleased with several aspects of the approved bill. The Association especially noted that key provisions related to life-cycle analysis (LCCA) and pavement research, in addition to provisions to quickly bring the technologies to states, were included final bill. 

“At a time when transportation officials are under more pressure than ever to make the most cost-effective decisions and to communicate the reasons for those decisions to the public, LCCA creates a new model for decision-making that saves taxpayer money over the long-term life of a road,” Brian McCarthy, PCA CEO and president said. “I am pleased the Congress recognizes the importance of such a study.”

The LCCA provisions essentially mirror language contained in the Senate-passed bill, including asset management/state performance plans and value engineering for bridge projects that requires states also to use life-cycle cost analysis.

The bill also requires the General Accountability Office Comptroller General to conduct a study on the best practices for calculating life-cycle costs and benefits for federally funded highway projects, which shall include, at a minimum, a thorough literature review and a survey of current life-cycle cost practices of state departments transportation.  The Comptroller General is directed to consult with The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), appropriate life-cycle experts, and appropriate industry experts and research centers. 

In addition, the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 1998 (TIFIA) is amended to include the use life-cycle cost analysis as part of the criteria for determining financial assistance from TIFIA.

The bill provides funding at current levels through FY 2014 (27 months).  The original Senate-passed bill would have authorized funding just through FY 2013.  However, although the House wanted a five-year bill, a financing agreement could not be reached and the group agreed on funding through FY2014.  

“The extra year will provide states with more certainty to enter into contracts on larger projects rather than to simply focus on maintenance activities.  Long-term planning of our infrastructure is vital to keeping it robust and able to serve the nation,” McCarthy said.

About PCA
The Portland Cement Association, based in Washington, DC, with offices in Skokie, Ill.,  represents cement companies in the United States. It conducts market development, engineering, research, education, and public affairs programs. For additional information, visit http://www.cement.org.