News Release
| March 28, 2023

NSSGA Member Testifies on IIJA Implementation at House T&I Hearing

ALEXANDRIA, VA National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) member Dwayne Boyd, president of the Midsouth Region, CRH Americas served as a witness during the “Reviewing the Implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act” hearing, which was held by the House Transportation & Infrastructure (T&I) Highways and Transit Subcommittee. Boyd started out by thanking the Committee for their work in passing IIJA and emphasized the important advances that IIJA implementation provides for the aggregates industry. 

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Boyd

“As IIJA is implemented, my company and the entire construction industry find it critical to ensure the funds authorized and appropriated continue to flow as intended for the life of the bill,” said Dwayne Boyd, CRH Americas. “The IIJA will provide certainty to state DOTs, and everyone involved in delivering infrastructure projects.”

 

Throughout his testimony, he also highlighted several areas that the Committee should focus on, such as following the law to ensure our materials are excluded from Buy America sourcing requirements; permitting reform; ensuring flexibility for local and state agencies; reforming rail service; advancing sustainability efforts; addressing workforce challenges; and increasing access to local aggregates.

 

“Our economy is on a stronger path, and these infrastructure investments help relieve pressure points that drive supply shortages and inflation,” said Boyd. “That is why it is imperative Congress and the administration work to rapidly implement the provisions under IIJA and remove regulatory roadblocks and red tape that hold us back.” 
 

He also cited several specific state initiatives in the southeast region that greatly benefited from the economic certainty and flexibility provided to state Departments of Transportation (DOTs). These included Mississippi, which has legislation in progress to add funds to maximize federal dollars, and Louisiana, which has added electronic vehicle fees and vehicle sales tax fees to fully take advantage of IIJA opportunities. 

 

 “The DOTs in my area appreciate the flexibility of IIJA and the increased funding levels,” said Boyd. “It has allowed them to insert IIJA funds directly into their budgets. However, they have reported inflation has eroded the buying power of the increased funding levels, resulting in a smaller number of projects being let."

 

Since IIJA's passage, NSSGA has engaged with our allies on Capitol Hill and the administration to advocate for its successful implementation. Today, NSSGA continues to meet with lawmakers and staff to share industry stories about this process and work to ensure our members can provide the materials needed to build communities and modernize infrastructure. For more information and to view a recording of this hearing, please click here.

 

CONTACT: Kerry Lynch
(703) 526-1072, klynch@nssga.org