Elam: ‘Nation’s prosperity depends on our roads’

America’s future prosperity is tied to the future of its infrastructure, writes NAPA Vice President for Government Affairs Nile Elam in an Op-Ed for The Washington Times.

“As Congress prepares to draft the next highway package before current funding expires Sept. 30, 2026, the conversation around the future of American infrastructure is more urgent than ever,” Elam said in his piece, which appeared as part of a special section by the Times titled “Securing America’s future by prioritizing infrastructure.”

Elam writes that communicating that urgency to Congress as it considers the next highway bill will be a major advocacy focus for NAPA and other industry stakeholders.

“The next several months are critical as elected officials across the political spectrum in Congress draft, debate, and ultimately pass a new highway bill before Sept. 30, 2026,” Elam said. “Asphalt pavement producers, laydown contractors, and their many supplier-partners are ready to pave America’s path to future economic growth and prosperity.”

“Since the authorization of the Eisenhower Interstate Highway System nearly 70 years ago, our nation’s road network has been continuously overutilized and underfunded. Without foresight, that’s not likely to change.”

NAPA Vice President for Government Affairs Nile Elam

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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