Released plan outlines $238 billion for crumbling roads, bridges

WASHINGTON, D.C.— The Portland Cement Association (PCA) applauds President Barack Obama for including substantial funding for the nation’s crumbling infrastructure in his 2016 proposed budget plan.

The Association has long supported a nationwide plan that would address highways and transportation structures, which are vital to the daily lives of the American public. Key to taking on this large construction project is utilizing resilient construction techniques that assures the longest service life possible.

“It makes no sense to spend billions of dollars on infrastructure that needs to be repaired after less than 10 years when we know how to build sustainable, resilient structures that last for decades,” said James G. Toscas, president and chief executive officer of PCA. "With the improving economy, the demand on our transportation infrastructure will rise to new heights. We can't continue with a 'business-as-usual' approach and allow one of our nation's most important strategic assets to further degrade just when it's needed most."

PCA notes that nearly 71 percent of roads in the U.S. are graded fair to poor. While the numbers have remained stable year to year, there is a long-term down trend if proper investments in infrastructure are not made.

About PCA
Headquartered in Skokie, Illinois with offices in Washington, DC, PCA represents America's cement manufacturers, serving as a powerful and vocal advocate for sustainability, jobs creation, economic growth, sound infrastructure investment, and overall innovation and excellence in construction throughout the U.S.  More information on PCA is available at www.cement.org.