AISI Applauds Inclusion of Infrastructure Measures in Government Funding/Relief Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Kevin Dempsey, president and CEO of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), issued the following statement on the passage by both houses of Congress late last evening of provisions to fund surface transportation and water infrastructure, as part of the overarching government funding and COVID-19 relief bill:

“The steel industry relies on the nation’s road, rail, and water transportation network to move its raw materials and steel products.  Investment in this infrastructure is vital not only to the health of the steel industry, but to the U.S. economy and national security as well. We applaud inclusion of the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) in the government funding bills — including a policy adjustment to the Inland Waterways Trust Fund which could add $100 million annually toward inland waterways project construction and as much as one billion dollars over 10 years.  We also are pleased with the inclusion of $10 billion in highway funding for state Departments of Transportation, some of which will help fund state shortfalls caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.  As users of these networks, and providers of the materials to build them, the steel industry is pleased that Congress has passed these water and highway investments.  These measures will soon be signed into law and will help reinvigorate the U.S. economy.”

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Contact: Lisa Harrison
202.452.7115 / lharrison@steel.org

AISI serves as the voice of the American steel industry in the public policy arena and advances the case for steel in the marketplace as the preferred material of choice. AISI also plays a lead role in the development and application of new steels and steelmaking technology. AISI’s membership is comprised of integrated and electric arc furnace steelmakers, and associate members who are suppliers to or customers of the steel industry. For more news about steel and its applications, view AISI’s website at www.steel.org. Follow AISI on Facebook or Twitter (@AISISteel).