Black testifies on infrastructure

In testimony delivered to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Doug Black, CEO of Oldcastle Materials Inc., Atlanta, addressed his concerns on infrastructure spending and investment in the nation’s surface transportation system. Oldcastle is a key member of the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association.

Black pointed out that the construction materials industry is shrinking at a time when the nation’s infrastructure needs are growing. “Jobs in the United States today are issue number one.” He suggested there is no better way to add jobs, and good-paying American jobs, than to invest in infrastructure. He urged Congress to pass a short-term stimulus bill that will allow companies like his own to keep its workforce, add jobs and help preserve the nation’s highway system.

He disagreed with the suggestion that infrastructure investment cannot be a short-term stimulus to the economy since projects take too long to get started and to complete. Black informed the committee that all infrastructure projects are not the same. Some projects, like building new highways, bridges, light rail lines, runways, and sewer systems can take years to complete. He pointed out, however, that most highway maintenance and repair projects can be advertised, bid, let and completed in a short period of time. This is particularly true of projects already existing that state and local governments have ready-to-go if funding were available.