(NAM) WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Association of Manufacturers launched “Building to Win,” a six-figure campaign urging Congress to pass robust infrastructure investments and reauthorize critical federal highway programs before they expire on Sept. 30. As part of the launch, the NAM unveiled a new infrastructure policy roadmap, including original analysis on the economic costs of congestion on manufacturers and a set of core infrastructure policy pillars. The NAM also debuted a new ad underscoring the importance of infrastructure investment and permitting reform to manufacturing competitiveness.
“Manufacturers need modern, reliable infrastructure to create more jobs, grow our economy and keep America competitive,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. “From roads and bridges to ports and airports, from highways to runways and waterways, 21st-century infrastructure means supply chains that deliver, commutes that work and communities that thrive. That’s why policymakers must act with urgency this year to invest in robust American infrastructure by passing a strong surface transportation reauthorization bill and commonsense, comprehensive permitting reform.”
Manufacturers’ Infrastructure Policy Pillars:
The NAM’s policy roadmap outlines four pillars for a robust surface transportation reauthorization:
- Continuing robust investment levels for federal infrastructure, including by developing long-term solutions for Highway Trust Fund solvency
- Strengthening supply chains across transportation modes
- Investing in water infrastructure that will support manufacturing growth and public health
- Reforming burdensome permitting laws and regulations to ensure federal infrastructure investments are made efficiently and responsibly
Original Analysis from the NAM:
- The NAM’s analysis shows that highway congestion costs manufacturers more than $25 billion annually and results in over 65 million hours of delays in freight carrying finished goods and critical inputs each year.
- The analysis also visualizes, through a new map, key logistics nodes intersecting with the nation’s 25 worst freight bottlenecks, revealing more than 2 million hours of annual delays incurred and faced by manufacturers.
- In addition, the NAM estimates that congestion at container and bulk ports costs manufacturers more than $13 billion annually in carrying costs and demurrage charges.
