Bipartisan legislation was introduced in Congress that supports the construction of much-needed public works projects with the access to raw materials necessary to build and revive the roads, bridges and infrastructure projects in our nation’s communities.
Reps. Greg Stanton (D-Ariz.) and Troy Balderson (R-Ohio) authored and introduced the Rebuilding Our Communities by Keeping aggregates Sustainable (ROCKS) Act.
The ROCKS Act, HR 5117, would bring together stakeholders at the federal, state and local levels to evaluate use of aggregates for transportation and construction projects. The location of aggregates resources can then be evaluated and ensured in relation to the construction project.
National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association (NSSGA) President and CEO Michael W. Johnson commended the congressmen for their foresight and support for the industry.
“Today’s introduction of the ROCKS Act is a powerful testament to the value and importance of crushed stone, sand and gravel in the betterment of our communities,” Johnson said. “I applaud Rep. Stanton and Rep. Balderson for their leadership in authoring the bill. The ROCKS Act will serve to bring efficiencies between the construction of much-needed public works projects with the access to raw materials necessary to build and revive the roads, bridges and infrastructure projects in our nation’s communities.
“The ROCKS Act would bring together stakeholders at the federal, state and local levels to evaluate use of aggregates for transportation and construction projects,” Johnson said. “The location of aggregates resources can then be evaluated and ensured in relation to the construction project. By studying and committing to the availability of such aggregates, the resources can be efficiently produced and transported to the nearby projects, which would also lessen the truck traffic to transport the rock to the project. Shorter transportation distance from the resource to the project will mean less truck traffic on the roads; reduced emissions; and more affordable costs for the projects themselves. It would be a win-win for us all.”