Surface Transportation Reauthorization
Background
The U.S. cement industry provides the durable, sustainable, and resilient materials needed to power our nation’s surface transportation. To keep America moving, we need long-term funding certainty.
The U.S. consumes more than 120 million tons of cement each year for critical infrastructure projects—with half of that amount dedicated to federally funded highways, bridges, tunnels, ports, rail, and transit systems.
Through market-driven innovation, our industry is increasingly incorporating materials like limestone, slag, pozzolan, and fly ash into cements. These advanced blended cements:
- Extend the domestic cement supply.
- Improve concrete performance and durability.
- Support the timely, resilient delivery of vital infrastructure.
To continue meeting these demands, our industry relies on a robust, well-funded surface transportation program.
The Problem
The current surface transportation reauthorization expires on September 30, 2026. Without a long-term reauthorization, states and municipalities lack the funding certainty required to plan, engineer, design, and construct critical projects. Long-term funding certainty enables states and communities to move forward with important projects to improve mobility and public safety but also reduce congestion, facilitate commerce, and strengthen the competitiveness of American businesses. Sustained federal investment remains essential to preserving and improving the nation’s surface transportation network.
ACA Asks
The American Cement Association urges Congress to take immediate action to support the passage of a long-term surface transportation reauthorization bill. We encourage Congress to:
- Secure Long-Term Funding: Support a well-funded, long-term reauthorization of the surface transportation program.
- Invest in Bridges: Support continued, dedicated investment in bridge construction, replacement, and repair.
- Advance Material Innovation: Promote the use of blended cements and performance-engineered mixtures by federal-aid highway recipients.
- Enact Fair User Fees: Support new user fees for the Highway Trust Fund—including annual fees for electric and hybrid vehicles—ensuring all road users contribute to system maintenance and construction.
Take Action Now.
Urge your members of Congress to pass a robust, multi-year surface transportation reauthorization bill that sustains and increases highway funding beyond current authorization levels.