BISMARCK, N.D.—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 North Dakota.

“The federal stimulus program will create hundreds of jobs,” Doug Burns, executive director of the North Central Region of the Portland Cement Association said. “As an 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 in the community 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 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.

“North Dakota has the opportunity to make smart decisions and good investments in our road construction.  We need to get away from short-term fixes on our North Dakota roadways and again look at longer-lasting applications with the opportunity the federal stimulus funds provided.”

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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