BOWIE, Md. – The Tire Industry Association (TIA), as part of the American Highway Users Alliance (AHUA), is pushing for increased funding for infrastructure projects along with greater use of rubber modified asphalt (RMA) and tire derived aggregate (TDA) in parking and other such projects.
TIA joined with the AHUA to send a letter May 19, 2023, to the chairs and ranking members of the House and Senate Subcommittees on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations encouraging them to continue to include funding for highways and bridges in the Fiscal Year 2024 Appropriations bill that exceeds the levels set by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
The most recent Conditions and Performance Report by the U.S. Department of Transportation highlighted a backlog of $786.4 billion in highways and bridge investments. Given the impact inflation has had on the cost to construct highways and bridges, TIA believes increased investment in highways and bridges is critical.
In addition, TIA continues to advocate for additional funds for Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) parking. Particularly, TIA believes Congressional members should consider the use of rubber modified asphalt (RMA) and tire derived aggregate (TDA) in parking and other infrastructure projects.
Rubber modified asphalt and TDA are both innovative and sustainable solutions that have been proven to enhance the performance and longevity of pavement surfaces, while also reducing waste and environmental impact, TIA said.
“TIA recognizes the importance of promoting sustainable practices and supporting the use of recycled materials in infrastructure projects,” said TIA Vice President of Government Affairs Roy Littlefield IV. “The Association strongly advocates for the widespread adoption of RMA and TDA and is committed to supporting initiatives and policies that promote the use of these sustainable technologies.”
TIA further maintains that the use of RMA and TDA should be encouraged and supported by the federal and state governments, the construction industry and the public, Littlefield said. He noted the infrastructure package (IIJA) set aside $350 million for recycling purposes and RMA and TDA should be considered as part of this funding.