Industry welcomes reopening of federal government
Asphalt Pavement Industry Welcomes Federal Reopening
NAPA welcomes the federal government’s full reopening, ending a record-setting shutdown and immediately resuming government operations.
In coordination with state departments of transportation (DOTs) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the asphalt pavement industry is building and maintaining roads and highways across the nation. The critical nature of their work – to families, businesses, and America’s security – relies on the government functioning properly.
“Road projects across the nation depend on the predictable flow of federal dollars from FHWA to state DOTs. Any delays to this standard reimbursement process adversely affect road improvement projects – in turn, impacting everyone who uses those roads,” said NAPA President & CEO Audrey Copeland, PhD, PE. “We applaud Congress and the administration for reopening the federal government, allowing NAPA members to return to regular workflow with our state and federal partners.”
As we return to normal operations, NAPA continues to reiterate and amplify the work ahead as Congress deliberates a surface transportation reauthorization package before the current highway bill expires in September.
“The process to develop a surface reauthorization package focused on highways, roads, and bridges began in earnest early this year, leading us to hope the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee would introduce a bipartisan bill before December 31. Unfortunately, this record shutdown shifted that focus and timeline. As a result, we may not see these efforts crystalize until early next year,” said NAPA Vice President for Government Affairs Nile Elam. “NAPA is eager to get back to work with our Congressional partners to ensure a multi-year reauthorization is completed on time and with the robust funding levels required to keep America moving.”
More information: Industry priorities are detailed in NAPA’s Highway Bill Reauthorization Policy Priorities for the Department of Transportation, submitted in September.
Ready to host your Member of Congress for a tour at your plant or jobsite?
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.