Contractors Urge Congress to Include Infrastructure in Economy Recovery

During an economic forum with leading economists, the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) urged House Democrats to develop an economic recovery plan that includes provisions that will boost construction activity.

“A significant boost to construction in the form of increased infrastructure investment will create jobs and increase the quality of life for millions of Americans who rely daily on our nation’s infrastructure, from roads and bridges to water systems and schools,” says AGC Chief Executive Officer Stephen E. Sandherr.

It is estimated that $100 billion of new infrastructure projects have been delayed because of the reduced credit market. Coupled with construction materials cost inflation, fewer contracts are going out to bid, resulting in 52,000 lost construction jobs and a further deteriorating national infrastructure. Over the past year, representatives from the AGC have met with congressional leaders, sent strong messages to both the House and Senate, and signed on to letters from transportation related coalitions in support of infrastructure investment. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has indicated that the economic forum will help Congress develop a plan that will create jobs by building roads, bridges and highways.

“Construction has always been an engine of economic stimulus and can play that role once again,” Sandherr says. “Increases in infrastructure investment can be quickly put into play and will have a direct, immediate and dramatic impact on the economy.”