The Transportation Construction Coalition (TCC) Fly-In and third Rally for Roads was held June 11 in Washington, D.C., and featured numerous members of the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association (NSSGA).
The Rally for Roads was intended to highlight the need for Congress to address the anticipated insolvency of the Highway Trust Fund, which could occur as early as mid-July. Congress must pass a fully-funded, long-term reauthorization bill that will ensure the stability and solvency of the HTF in the future. America’s surface transportation network underpins the economy, and congressional inaction at this critical time threatens economic recovery and growth. The TCC Fly-In, in conjunction with the Rally for Roads, focused on reaching out to lawmakers to convince them that, “The Time is Now; Fix the Highway Trust Fund!”
The Rally for Roads featured 10 members of Congress, including Senate Environment & Public Works Committee Chairman Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-Pa.) This strong bicameral and bipartisan presence shows congressional interest in transportation infrastructure is high, even though no clear long-term funding solution has emerged.
NSSGA President and CEO Mike Johnson stood with NSSGA members in the crowd this morning at the Rally for Roads, and noted the enthusiastic support of so many for the nation’s infrastructure. He said, “The coming together of organized labor and business interests, and the participation of both Democrats and Republicans in Congress, for today’s rally proves that transportation infrastructure isn’t a partisan or political issue, it’s a national issue. America needs long-term investment in our roads and highways, which are essential to a strong economy, good jobs and the quality of life of every American. Members of Congress should heed the message that is being delivered loudly and clearly today and take the necessary action to make sure that our future is even brighter than our past. In short, they should do the job that they were elected to do.”
In addition to NSSGA’s support, the rally was sponsored by a diverse group that included the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association, American Road & Transportation Builders Association, Associated General Contractors of America, American Society of Civil Engineers, American Safety Services Association, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute, International Safety Equipment Association, Laborers’ International Union of North America, Portland Cement Association and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
As a leading sponsor of the three rallies held and the annual Transportation Construction Coalitions Fly-Ins, NSSGA has been involved in the effort to find a sustainable revenue stream for the HTF for many years.