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NAPA lead the 11 member associations of the Highways Materials Group (HMG) in the launch of “Highways Drive America,” a social media campaign designed to raise awareness about the critical need to fund highway infrastructure as a way to stimulate the nation’s return to work and the economy’s recovery in the wake of COVID-19.

The Highways Drive America campaign raises awareness of the need for highway construction and maintenance funding among key legislators and their staff on Capitol Hill. The campaign reminds us that highways are not just how we’ll get back to work and school, but also how we’ll create new jobs across multiple industries. The campaign uses social media to amplify these messages, calling for increased investment in highways, which will increase job opportunities and economic development in every community and industry across the nation.

The crisis has shown us that America can’t function without a safe, reliable, well-maintained surface transportation network. To help kick-start our country’s economic recovery post-COVID, Congress must invest in highway infrastructure now.

More resources about Highways Drive America can be found here: HighwaysDriveAmerica.com

Federal highway and aviation funding is critically important to the asphalt pavement industry. Come here for the latest information from Washington on legislation impacting the asphalt pavement industry.

6 July 2020 | Record Level of Highway Funding Approved by U.S. House
National Asphalt Pavement Assn
On July 1, with just under 100 days before the expiration of the FAST Act, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the H.R. 2 surface transportation reauthorization bill as part of a larger $1.5 trillion infrastructure bill. NAPA reviewed all 172 amendments, and none directly impact the asphalt pavement industry. The bill, which provides $319 billion for highways over five years, passed the House by a vote of 233 to 188; however, it faces an uncertain future in the Senate, in recess until July 17.

NAPA sent a letter to members of Congress encouraging support for H.R. 2 and reconciliation of the legislation with the Senate infrastructure bill passed last year by the Environment and Public Works Committee. NAPA urges members to keep the pressure on Senators for a multi-year highway reauthorization bill with increased funding for highway construction. The Senate bill, S. 2302, America’s Transportation Infrastructure Act, is pending. Visit NAPA's government affairs website for bill summaries, talking points, and guidance on meeting with members of Congress. For more information, contact Jay Hansen or Ashley Jackson.
22 June 2020 | NAPA Leads HMG to Launch Highways Drive America Campaign
National Asphalt Pavement Assn
NAPA lead the 11 member associations of the Highway Materials Group (HMG) in the launch of Highways Drive America, a social media campaign designed to raise awareness about the critical need to fund highway infrastructure as a way to stimulate the nation's return to work and the economy's recovery in the wake of COVID-19. Investing in surface transportation is an investment in every industry and community across the nation. For every dollar invested in transportation infrastructure, the U.S. sees $3.70 in economic growth, according to a University of Maryland study. Social media shareables for the Highways Drive America campaign are available here.
15 June 2020 | House Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill Scheduled for Markup
National Asphalt Pavement Assn
Chairman Peter DeFazio (D-OR) has scheduled a June 17 markup for H.R. 7095, the INVEST in America Act. The legislation would provide $319 billion for highways over five years. The measure also includes new investment programs and policies to address the environment and boost resilience of infrastructure against extreme weather and climate change. The markup is expected to be contentious, as Republicans on the committee said the bill lacks flexibility for states, would provide disproportionate funding increases for urban areas, and includes "numerous new green mandates and extreme progressive goals." The House of Representatives could vote on the legislation July 1 or 2. The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee approved legislation, S. 2302, the American Infrastructure Act, by voice vote in 2019. The Senate has not acted on the measure yet. NAPA summaries of the House and Senate bills are available.
20 January 2020 | FHWA Plan to Research Use of Plastics in Asphalt
National Asphalt Pavement Assn
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is planning a call for research proposals that could spark "transformational changes and truly revolutionary advances" in highway engineering. The announcement is part of FHWA's Exploratory Advanced Research (EAR) Program, which supports advances in the science and technology of America's roads. The agency is specifically looking to fund research on the inclusion of recycled plastics in asphalt. While NAPA supports innovation that tackles the plastic waste challenge, the association maintains that any change in the way an asphalt mixture is designed, produced, and constructed must not negatively impact pavement performance or the health and safety of plant operators or construction crews.
6 January 2020 | NAPA Urges Congress to Fund Speed Limit Enforcement in Work Zones
National Asphalt Pavement Assn
NAPA, together with the National Safety Council and other organizations, sent a letter last month urging Congress to allow federal funds for implementation of automated speed limit enforcement in work zones. Currently, states are not allowed to tap into certain federal highway funds for automated speed limit enforcement in work zones, and Congressional action is required to undo this. As identified in AASHTO's news brief and accompanying letter, the technology is proven effective, with Maryland identifying almost a 50 percent reduction in work zone fatalities after deploying automated enforcement technology. Photo credit: Virginia Department of Transportation