www.acpa.org Quarter 1, 2022 13 I N F R A S T R U C T U R E I N V E S T M E N T A N D J O B S A C T sales tax for road projects, so we are expecting a significant increase in work,” said DonWeaver, Vice President of Weaver-Bailey Contractors. “While projects that add new capacity are being discouraged, there are times that an additional lane improves traffic flow, which reduces pollution and improves safety, especially in urban areas or roads with heavy truck traffic.” Concrete is positioned well for the construction that agencies will plan with IIJA funding as well as other discretionary funding programs over the next several years, said Greg Dean, Executive Director of the ACPA-SE Chapter. “Building for resilience is important to agencies as the need for our infrastructure to withstand weather events increases,” he said. “We have a strong story to tell about the benefits of concrete as we discuss pavement design options with our agency partners.” Communicating the benefits of concrete pavement with designers, engineers, consultants, and others involved in state and local agency pavement projects is one step members of the industry should be doing now, said Dean. “We don’t want these funds used to build projects that will need perpetual maintenance, because the public is expecting to see value from these investments,” he said. “Designing for resilience and long life now will create not only sustainable transportation infrastructure but also earn public trust.” When talking with local agency representatives, share information learned with ACPA local chapter representatives, he suggested. “We want to be able to support members as they and local agencies look for the best approach to long-lasting infrastructure.” While requests for bids related to IIJA funds will not showup immediately as agencies review their strategic plans and gain approval from FHWA, projects supported with other funding will begin in the second half of 2022. “I expect to see bids associated with increased funding begin appearing in third quarter 2022,” said Cleary. “Then, we should see a tangible increase in volume in 2023 through 2025.” Extra Volume May Exacerbate Current Challenges As pavement contractors plan for the expected influx of work, there will be some challenges that are not new but will be more pronounced. “Once the projects related to IIJA funding are let, which will be on top of previously planned projects for bid, contractors may find their schedules filled,” said Leonard. The biggest question contractors will be asking is, “Can I find the labor?” he added. “Everyone I talk with comments on how hard it is to find skilled labor,” saidWeaver. While it is not a new problem for the industry, the combination of an aging workforce, a number of people who left the industry during the pandemic years, and a need formore employees over the next few years have made the issue more important than ever. An Arkansas initiative, Be Pro Be Proud, led by the Associated Industries of Arkansas is spearheading themovement to bring a new generation of pride, progress, and professionalism to Arkansas’ skilled workforce. “Be Pro Be Proud is an example of howwe can go into the community to teach young people, high school counselors, job How Much Will Your State Receive? Information on the level of funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for each state can be found at the following: “We don’t want these funds used to build projects that will need perpetual maintenance, because the public is expecting to see value from these investments. Designing for resilience and long life now will create not only sustainable transportation infrastructure but also earn public trust.” continues on page 14 » The American Society of Civil Engineers provides an overview of all funding categories by state at: The American Concrete Pavement Association created a concrete pavement-specific guide to major programs relevant to the industry at: The American Road & Transportation Builders Association breaks down IIJA funding by state and type at: Construction Equipment Guide provides a quick overview for each state at:
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