WASHINGTON, D.C. — Portland Cement Association chief economist Edward J. Sullivan yesterday testified before the United States House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Committee that the United States cement industry has more than enough supply potential to feed even the most optimistic infrastructure spending program.

Underscoring his commitment to an infrastructure stimulus plan that will deliver jobs and deliver contracts within 90 days, Chairman James L. Oberstar (D-Minn.) convened a full committee hearing entitled “Infrastructure Investment: Ensuring an Effective Economic Recovery Package.” During the hearing, members of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee explored the ability of government agencies and administrations to initiate infrastructure projects quickly, and the ability of private enterprise to meet the demand that will be quickly actualized by a swift and aggressive infrastructure stimulus program.

“The United States economy faces severe near term challenges,” stated Sullivan. “A stimulus plan with emphasis on infrastructure will go far in brightening our economic outlook. With an estimated domestic cement capacity of 102 million metric tons and an aggressive capacity expansion underway, the cement industry is well-positioned to help recharge America’s economy through important infrastructure projects.”

Concrete is a requirement in virtually every type of infrastructure construction, from roads and highways, bridges and dams, schools and other public buildings, sewer and water treatment projects and many others. Concrete is also one of the most sustainable and economical building materials for the construction of America’s infrastructure. As the binding agent that gives concrete its strength, portland cement is a basic ingredient of concrete. Roughly half of all cement consumed in the United States is used by the public sector.

“PCA applauds the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s efforts to ensure short-term stimulus spending makes an impact, as well as Chairman Oberstar’s and Ranking Member Mica’s long-standing commitment to our nation’s long-term infrastructure needs,” said Brian McCarthy, president and CEO of the Portland Cement Association. “We will need 400,000 additional lane miles of highways alone by 2032 simply to maintain our current levels of congestion while accommodating expected population growth. The maintenance and repair of existing infrastructure that make up a large part of the ‘shovel ready’ projects must be followed by additional investments to help bridge the gap between our nation’s critical infrastructure needs and the funds currently available to meet them.”

About PCA
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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