$580 Billion BUILD America 250 Act Clears Committee With Industry Backing
According to Pit & Quarry, the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) and the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) have both endorsed the BUILD America 250 Act, a newly introduced five-year surface transportation reauthorization bill that cleared the House Transportation & Infrastructure (T&I) Committee on Friday with a 62-2 vote.
Market Impact
The BUILD America 250 Act, introduced by Rep. Sam Graves (R-Missouri) and Rep. Rick Larsen (D-Washington), carries a $580 billion price tag over five years. Graves chairs the House T&I Committee while Larsen serves as ranking member. NSSGA president and CEO Michele Stanley called the bill “critically important to our industry and the national economy,” citing the long-term funding certainty it would provide for planning and delivering transportation infrastructure projects. Stanley also pointed to a multiplier effect within the aggregates sector, noting that each dollar of earnings in the industry generates an additional $4.95 in earnings across other sectors.
The bill also introduces a new fee structure requiring electric and hybrid vehicle drivers to contribute to road funding, a provision NSSGA supports as part of a broader push for sustainable, user-based revenue for the Highway Trust Fund. NAPA president and CEO Audrey Copeland described the legislation as “a step forward for our nation and the asphalt pavement industry.” Both associations are urging the full House of Representatives to move quickly on passage.
What It Means for Subcontractors
- Pipeline visibility: A five-year reauthorization gives highway and heavy civil contractors a longer planning horizon, which can support equipment investment decisions and workforce staffing.
- Bridge and roadway focus: The bill prioritizes highway formula programs and roadway and bridge investment, meaning demand for paving, grading, and civil subcontractors could increase if the bill passes the full House.
- Project delivery timelines: The legislation includes provisions aimed at improving project delivery timelines, which could affect how quickly subcontractors see funded work reach the bidding stage.
- Watch the Senate: Committee passage is one step. Subcontractors should track whether the full House and Senate move on this before the current infrastructure authorization lapses.
