COLUMBIA, S.C.—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 South Carolina.

“The infrastructure funding in the stimulus bill gives us the opportunity to kick start a jobs program in South Carolina,” Lori Tiefenthaler, executive director of the Southeast region of the Portland Cement Association said. “For every 10 jobs we create on a construction project another 17 jobs are created though the ripple effect in the local restaurants and stores.”

Tiefenthaler explained that South Carolina is poised to see an extra economic bump from stimulus-related spending.

“In South Carolina we have three cement manufacturing plants.  This will give us an added economic boost for our state.  Cement is a key ingredient in concrete and concrete will be used for many projects throughout the state from sidewalks to roads and bridges.”

Concrete roads 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 Southeast region of the Portland Cement Association is based in Lawrencville, Ga., and conducts market development, education and public affairs programs in the states of Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, South Carolina, North Carolina and Tennessee.

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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