MINNEAPOLIS—As states schedule projects using money from the federal stimulus bill, construction experts say infrastructure projects especially can bring an economic benefit to the people of Minnesota.

“The stimulus program will create thousands of jobs,” Doug Burns, executive director of the North Central Region of the Portland Cement Association said. “For example, for  every 10 people employed on a stimulus construction project another 17 jobs will be created in the community as those wages are spent for clothing, food, on the kids.”

Burns stressed the state is at a unique point in time, and the way the federal dollars are spent now will have an impact on future projects.  By building roads, bridges and other infrastructure projects with the highest quality materials, state leaders can actually save money in the future.

“In addition we need to make smart decisions and good investments in our road construction.  Concrete is a durable economical, longer lasting material that won’t require future tax dollars for maintenance. As an example, the I35W Bridge that was recently rebuilt with concrete has a design life of 100 years.”

Concrete roads also last longer and need less maintenance.  A road constructed with concrete can go with minimal maintenance for 30 years—more than three times as long other construction methods.  By not requiring continual maintenance, the use of concrete roads avoids repetitive drains on the public bank account and saves tax dollars.

About PCA
The North Central region of the Portland Cement Association is based in Jordan, Minn., and conducts market development, education and public affairs programs in the states of Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Nebraska.

Based in Skokie, Ill., the Portland Cement Association represents cement companies in the United States and Canada. It conducts market development, engineering, research, education, and public affairs programs. More information on PCA programs is available at www.cement.org.

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