Rep. Rouzer tours CPI plant, jobsite

Rep. David Rouzer (R-NC) oversaw asphalt mix production and laydown processes for a project on Interstate 95 in Benson on Nov. 25 as part of a tour and jobsite visit organized with support from NAPA.

Construction Partners Inc.’s Fred Smith Co. hosted the congressman at their Benson plant for a tour of the facility.

Rouzer, who is a member of the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, met with Fred Smith President Ty Johnson and CPI leadership and employees to learn more about the asphalt pavement industry in his first tour of an asphalt mix plant.

The congressman watched on as trucks passed under the plant’s twin silos to receive their mix, some of which was destined for the I-95 project just a few miles from the three-year-old plant. Local officials also participated in the tour, which took Rouzer into the control room where he was able to ask questions and get an inside look at how the trucks were being loaded. The plant tour wrapped with a visit to the stockpiles where workers explained how reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) allows them to reduce their use of virgin materials.

At the jobsite, Johnson and others with Fred Smith answered Rouzer’s questions about paving, workforce, and the ease of use of asphalt compared to other construction materials, explaining that at the state level, the materials selections are up to the engineers who determine what product will best serve the public for each project.

“The thing I like about asphalt is it’s smooth,” Rouzer said.

NAPA Government Affairs Director Mitch Baldwin said NAPA looks to continue connecting members of congress with their communities through tours like the Benson plant visit.

“We were happy to coordinate this tour for Congressman Rouzer, who’s been a champion of surface transportation from his perch on the T&I Committee,” Baldwin said. “The Congressman has also been a key partner on Waters of the U.S (WOTUS) issues that impact aggregate operations nationwide. Tours like this are a great way to show how much impact the asphalt industry has on communities across the country and our team is looking forward to getting more members of Congress out to asphalt plants. If you want to show off your operation, reach out and we will be happy to coordinate a tour.” 

Interested in hosting a member of Congress at your asphalt plant or job site?

NAPA’s Government Affairs team can help!

NAPA has the resources to support your efforts to build strong relationships with your elected officials while also creating policy champions that will help safeguard the longevity of the asphalt pavement industry. Email Vice President for Government Affairs Nile Elam or Government Affairs Director Mitch Baldwin to learn more.

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