WASHINGTON — February 8, 2018 — The American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) held its third annual Infrastructure Day on February 6-7, 2018, during which 34 ACMA members joined together to meet with more than 100 Members of Congress and their staffs to advance legislation to drive federal investment in innovative material solutions for transportation, water and energy infrastructure. These meetings also stressed the importance of harnessing federal resources for standards development for innovative materials such as composites, an essential step for integrating 21st Century solutions more broadly into America’s infrastructure network.
During President Trump’s first State of the Union addresses, he called on Congress to advance his $1.5 trillion plan to repair our nation’s crumbling infrastructure. With infrastructure spending emerging as a top priority, the event was an aptly-timed opportunity to secure the composites industry’s stake in the policy discussion.
“While ACMA applauds this administration’s commitment to infrastructure, we need to ensure we are not wasting taxpayer dollars on failing, outdated technology that will not provide the solutions our nation needs,” said Tom Dobbins, ACMA president. “During this fly-in, our members advocated for 21st Century infrastructure improvements to be made with 21st Century materials.”
The event featured participation by Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), a longstanding ally to the industry who played a critical role in the development of language in the 2016 Water Resources Development Act that supports the study of composites in waterways, dams, levies and other critical water infrastructure.
“Rhode Island is home to some of the best composite companies and craftsmen in the world, so I see firsthand the cutting-edge materials they’re making and the broad range of uses for those materials,” said Whitehouse. “Whether it’s infrastructure, marine trades, aerospace, defense, or wind energy, composites are creating new jobs and playing an important role in our economy — one that will continue to grow in the years to come.”
Infrastructure Day participants had the chance to hear insights from agency officials on federal programs addressing critical at-risk infrastructure and opportunities for innovation. During a special panel session, representatives from the Department of Transportation, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Environmental Protection Agency, Water Infrastructure Network and Vinyl Institute provided insight on how composites are a part of the equation to help our most important infrastructure assets withstand 21st century demands.
Engaging with agency officials is an important part of ACMA’s mission to develop codes and standards which combined with federal legislation help grow the industry at all levels.
“These events represent an outstanding opportunity for ACMA members to build new business and create opportunities in federally influenced infrastructure markets,” said Leon Garoufalis, President and COO of Composites One. “One of the many excellent benefits of our ACMA membership is the ability to engage directly with government officials who can help shape laws and standards that allow our industry to grow.”
Posted February 8, 2018
Source: The American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA)
