The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) Board Chair and President of Bond Construction Corp. Karen Hubacz spoke to the House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee about the impact of inflation on the aggregates industry.
The House T&I Committee Republicans held a roundtable discussion on the “Inflation Crisis Impacts on Infrastructure,” hosted by Ranking Member Sam Graves (R-Mo.).
As the only small producer at the discussion, Hubacz stressed the need for Congress to provide solutions that will help the industry succeed in providing the materials needed for our nation’s infrastructure.
“In my small family business in Spencer, Mass., we have seen the real impacts of this inflation crisis,” said Hubacz. “Fuel is the key input needed to drive our production, and fuel prices have tripled in the past year. This is driving the increased costs for the materials we produce: from running the quarry; to creating asphalt; and trucking materials to job sites.”
Hubacz also emphasized the need to prevent further regulations and red-tape actions that don’t help but only drive-up compliance costs. In addition, she highlighted the ripple effects the crisis is having on the industry, which include the ability to find workers.
“Additionally, the shortage of workers and increase in burdensome regulations are all contributing to the delay of infrastructure projects,” said Hubacz. “Overall, these delays and cost increases mean the funding from the bipartisan infrastructure bill is being spent on fewer projects.”
Hubacz was joined at the roundtable discussion by other industry stakeholders, which include representatives from the American Trucking Associations, Associated General Contractors of America, National Association of Manufacturers, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, Virginia Department of Emergency Management and the City of Wilmington, N.C.