More than half of the nation’s governors gathered in Washington, D.C., recently, and both President Trump and Vice President Pence mentioned their commitment to investing in infrastructure this year. They addressed funding and the need to base regulations for permits on sound science.
“A highway that would take 17 or 18 years of approval now takes probably two. And we’re trying to get it down to one,” Trump said. “In my State of the Union Address, I outlined many bipartisan priorities that we all share: delivering fair trade; rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure – which we are going to work very hard on, because as governors, that has to be music to your ears.”
“And I would like – on infrastructure, I would like you to call your senators and call your congressmen and women and get it done, because I’m ready. I want to sign. I am totally ready,” he added.
Vice President Mike Pence promised that bipartisan group of governors an infrastructure bill by the end of the year.
National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association (NSSGA) Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs Michele Stanley welcomed the comments from the White House. “We encourage NSSGA members to call their members of Congress and ask them to act on infrastructure investment. Our members are users of the very roads and bridges that need repairs, and we cannot count on anyone else to advocate for our operations,” she said. “We need to call and meet with Congress and explain to them the importance of a long-term infrastructure bill.”