Bringing Congress to the job site: asphalt plants showcase need for federal investment

Hosting lawmakers at local asphalt mix plants always makes an impact. This year, that impact is especially critical, as Congress works toward long-term surface transportation funding.

As Congress works toward long-term surface transportation funding, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
From California to Maryland and Alabama to Minnesota, asphalt mix producers nationwide have welcomed members of Congress in recent weeks, showing firsthand how their work strengthens communities and urging action on a $600 billion surface transportation bill by September.

Interested in hosting a plant tour? Use NAPA’s guide and contact Nile Elam or Mitch Baldwin to get started.

NAPA Vice President of Government Affairs Nile Elam underscored the value of these visits following a Minnesota project site tour with Transportation & Infrastructure (T&I) Committee Chairman Sam Graves, T&I member Pete Stauber, and Majority Whip Tom Emmer.

“It is not only a great showcase for the asphalt pavement industry, but more importantly, reiterates the partnerships NAPA has fostered and the key work we aim to support in T&I, along with House Leadership, in the weeks and months ahead,” Elam said.

Asphalt Plants Coast to Coast Welcome Lawmakers

Allan Myers—no stranger to hosting lawmakers—welcomed Rep. Andy Harris of Maryland to a plant in his district earlier this month.

“Inviting policymakers to experience plant operations firsthand is among the most impactful ways our industry can advocate for sound policy,” said NAPA Government Affairs Director Mitch Baldwin, who participated in Rep. Harris’ visit. “The Allan Myers facility set the standard, with a team just as impressive.”

Also in March, Rep. Dale Strong of Alabama and Rep. David Valadao of California toured asphalt mix plants in their districts—at Rogers Group and Granite Construction, respectively.

Since 2024, NAPA has helped convene more than 50 local plant tours nationwide, a pace that continues to accelerate as the September 30 deadline to reauthorize the surface transportation bill approaches.

“There is still significant work ahead,” Elam said.

Use NAPA’s guide and contact Nile Elam or Mitch Baldwin to host your own tour.