CRSI Stimulus Package Resolution
Below is the resolution unanimously adopted by the CRSI Board of Directors supporting the proposed infrastructure stimulus package. This resolution is being sent to the Congressional leadership as well as the Transportation leaders of President-elect Obama’s transition team.
In case you are asked about Buy America issues, the firm plan is to have the infrastructure stimulus go directly into the Highway Trust Fund and be distributed by the existing formula to the individual states. Therefore, all of the additional money for highways will already be subject to the existing federal domestic procurement requirements.
A sample letter for CRSI members encouraging them to contact their own Senators and member of Congress urging the passage of this package is also available. Click here (member login required).
Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute
Resolution in Support of Jobs Stimulus Bill
Adopted
January 7, 2009
WHEREAS the Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute represents reinforcing steel producers, fabricators, and placing contractors as well as manufacturers of reinforcing accessories in the United States and Canada accounting for more than 90% of domestic reinforcing steel production and more than 80% of domestic fabrication; and
WHEREAS reinforcing steel is an integral part of both commercial and public construction as it relates to reinforced concrete structures: bridges, pavements, buildings, reinforced walls and the like; and
WHEREAS infrastructure projects are critical to the health and well-being of the nations' economy; and
WHEREAS the economy of the US and indeed the world, is suffering from both financial and cyclical impacts on productivity and consumption; and
WHEREAS the Department of Transportation estimates that for every $1,250,000,000 invested in the nation's highway system over 35,000 jobs are supported; and
WHEREAS the President-elect has stated as his first goal of his administration to promote a comprehensive Job Stimulus Bill; and
WHEREAS AASHTO reports that the various state Departments of Transportation have more than 5000 'ready-to-go' transportation projects; and
WHEREAS reinforcing steel is a fundamental building material for pavements, bridges, walls, and the like; and
WHEREAS the industry has available unused capacity of nearly 25% here in the US and a well- trained, skilled workforce to meet just about any demand placed on it as a result of a stimulus bill; therefore
LET IT BE RESOLVED, that
The Concrete Steel Reinforcing Institute wholeheartedly and without reservation:
Supports the development and enactment of a broad based economic stimulus program, and
Requests respectfully that the 111th Congress and the incoming Obama Administration immediately develop and pass such an economic stimulus package that will benefit the American public and serve as a component for the nation's economic recovery; and
Pledges to work with the 111th Congress and the incoming Obama Administration on the development and execution of an economic stimulus package, and
Pledges to work with procuring agencies to produce and deliver domestically produced steel products that meet quality and delivery schedules that will actually help create jobs and stimulate the economic recovery.
THE CONCRETE STEEL REINFORCING INSTITUTE hereby, by unanimous vote by its Board of Directors and on behalf of all its members, adopts this resolution on this 7th day of January, 2009.
