Would Add New Federal Labor Requirements to Getting Tax Credits
President Biden is expected to put forth his proposal for a multi-trillion investment in infrastructure on March 31. The proposal is expected to include significant investments in a broad range of construction projects including roads, bridges, public transit, airports, drinking water and wastewater, schools, renewable energy, broadband and more. In addition to physical infrastructure, proposal is anticipated to include significant investments in “human infrastructure,” including but not limited to free community colleges, universal pre-kindergarten and paid family leave. AGC welcomes sorely-needed public and private construction investment that can generate long-term benefits for our economy, communities and national security. However, AGC remains concerned about the possibility of unpredictable and impracticable federal requirements being attached to those investments that, in turn, could significantly diminish its buying power and create barriers to full and open competition.
On March 16, AGC met with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Acting Administrator Stephanie Pollack. Prior to joining FHWA, Pollack served as the Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. This introductory meeting provided AGC an opportunity to discuss mutual priorities between the association and agency, including addressing challenges facing the surface transportation system, construction workforce and diversity and inclusion in the industry. AGC looks forward to further meetings and continuing the conversation on how to rebuild our nation’s infrastructure with other leaders of the Department of Transportation.
Includes Significant Funding for Infrastructure with New Federal Strings Attached
Tell your Elected Officials to Include Funding for Construction in COVID-Relief Bill
On June 15, Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Todd Young (R-Ind.), and Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) introduced the Expedited Delivery of Airport Infrastructure Act, legislation that would ensure Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funds can be used to provide incentive payments to contractors for early completion of eligible projects. Rather than the owner agency establishing unrealistic completion dates, which could discourage some contractors from bidding on those projects, incentive payments allow contractors to determine how best to earn the incentive. This AGC-supported measure passed the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in February. AGC will continue to support this measure as it moves forward in the legislative process.
Provides $9.5 Billion for Transportation and Building Infrastructure Improvements
Organizes bipartisan letter to Senate Leadership
On June 15, ahead of the markup of the legislation in the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, AGC released a full analysis of the INVEST Act, the House Democrats’ recently introduced surface transportation reauthorization bill. This seven-page document provides a deep dive into the provisions of the bill, including analysis on investment and funding levels, workforce related policies, environmental initiatives and regulations, project delivery and safety, technology, research, and development. A one-page overview of that analysis is also available here. As the legislative process on this bill moves forward and amendments are adopted, AGC will continue to provide updates on this measure.