President Trump puts spotlight on asphalt

In the past week and on at least three separate occasions, in remarks about “fixing up” Washington, DC, President Donald Trump made comments that might not have made front-page headlines in most national newspapers. But in the asphalt industry, they certainly did. Why? 

Because the President specifically mentioned asphalt as a solution to improving communities – acknowledging its significant role in building, maintaining, and improving America’s roads. For those of us dedicated to this work, it wasn’t a throwaway line. It was recognition of the material, the people, and the partnerships that keep America moving.  

Let’s take a closer look at the themes from his remarks and what they mean for America’s infrastructure, our economy, and our communities.  

Our Roads Suffer from Underinvestment 

The President is right: many of our nation’s roads need maintenance and repair. It isn’t just aesthetics – it’s a symptom of a much larger problem: a lack of proper investment in our national infrastructure. 

According to the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), the United States has long underfunded infrastructure. ASCE scored the nation’s roads with a “D+” grade in its 2025 Infrastructure Report Card – a modest improvement on the “D” earned in 2021. 

The federal gas tax, the traditional source of federal highway funding that feeds the Highway Trust Fund (HTF), has not been increased since 1993. In the 30+ years since, inflation and improved fuel efficiency have eroded its purchasing power by nearly half. 

We have long advocated for solutions to bolstering the HTF to avoid emergency transfers from the general fund and ensure regular maintenance of our roads. In fact, through NAPA, our contractors have been invited and testified before Congress on the need for federal funding to keep our roads in the best condition. 

Without sufficient, sustained funding, the United States faces a growing backlog of roads and bridges in need of repair. When they aren’t fixed on time, minor repairs turn into major reconstructions.  

As anyone who drives through Washington, DC, or across the country can attest, deteriorating pavements are not just an inconvenience – they’re a drain on the national economy and on households. ASCE says the average driver can expect to lose $1,400 a year in vehicle repairs and lost time due to poorly maintained roads. 

A Small Investment that Delivers Big Returns  

The President suggested that “for a relatively small amount of money” our roads can be fixed. He’s not wrong.  

Asphalt is the most cost-effective solution for building and maintaining roadways. FHWA research shows that every $1 invested in highways and bridges returns $5.20 in economic benefits through reduced delays, lower operating costs, and improved safety. Few other investments deliver 500% returns! 

That’s the power of smart investment. By putting dollars into asphalt pavements today, we save money tomorrow – not just in infrastructure budgets, but in the wallets of drivers and businesses that rely on safe, smooth, and efficient transportation.  

The Beauty of Asphalt’s Layered System  

The President’s insightful description of asphalt as a material that doesn’t require ripping out entire road structures was exactly right. 

Asphalt is built on a layered system, designed for longevity. A sound, well-designed foundation can last for many decades. When repairs are needed, only the top 2 or 3 inches can be milled (or scraped) off and replaced with fresh pavement.  

This unique feature makes asphalt especially well-suited for cities like Washington, DC, where utilities are frequently accessed underneath the pavement. Easy access to repair underground pipes, cables, and sewers without a costly, full-scale road replacement is a huge advantage for urban areas.  

Asphalt’s flexibility means roads can be resurfaced quickly, reducing disruption to residents and businesses. And old asphalt is nearly 100% reusable in new pavements, making it the most recycled material in the United States. Put simply, asphalt is one of the most efficient, economical, and sustainable building materials available.  

Contractors: The Unsung Heroes of Infrastructure  

In another notable remark, President Trump compared great contractors to great surgeons, teachers, and nurses – a profound compliment to the skilled but oft-overlooked workers in our industry. For them, this recognition matters.  

Laying quality asphalt pavement requires precision engineering, skilled craftsmanship, and a deep understanding of materials and performance. The process involves meticulous planning, specific material mixtures, and skilled application. It’s a team effort, from the lab technician ensuring the mix is perfect to the operator laying the final surface.  

Behind every smooth mile of road are the men and women of the asphalt industry who dedicate themselves to maintaining the system that carries America’s commerce, emergency responders, school buses, and families. Like doctors, teachers, and nurses, they provide an essential service.  

As the President said, achieving lasting quality takes partnerships between government and industry – and we appreciate his willingness to ask Congress to invest in Washington, DC and our nation. The asphalt pavement industry is that reliable, collaborative partner, as evidenced by decades of innovation and community service.  

Maintaining Our Nation’s Front Porch  

Washington, DC, is more than just the seat of government – it’s a symbol of national pride. It’s America’s front porch, welcoming visitors from across the country and the globe. Safe, smooth, and well-maintained roads in our capital city are more than a local concern – they reflect our nation’s commitment to excellence.  

Representing the 300,000 men and women who ensure we can get where we’re going on the smoothest, safest pavements possible, we thank President Trump for recognizing the importance of asphalt roads and the people who build them. More than 94% of U.S. roads are surfaced with asphalt – their work and our impact matter, from Washington, DC, to every community we connect. 

We’re eager to partner on improving and modernizing our critical surface transportation network. Strong roads connect us to one another, to opportunity, and to every corner of this beautiful country.