For years, the physical infrastructure in the US has been suboptimal and communities around the country have been longing to improve the infrastructure of their city or state. Luckily, in 2021, Biden signed the new Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill into law, driving what has been defined as a “once-in-a-generation investment in our country’s infrastructure and competitiveness.”
Learn more about this bill and the consequences it can have on the asphalt paving industry in this guide by Ajax Paving.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL): An Overview
On November 15, 2021, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill became public law. The nationwide initiative aims to be an unprecedented investment destined to renovate, regenerate, and improve the country’s infrastructure. The BIL’s ultimate goal is to create a nation that is safer, more competitive, climate-resilient, kinder to the environment, and more efficient.
According to the White House's official fact sheet, the $1.2 trillion investment is destined for projects such as:
- Eliminating lead pipes and delivering clean water to all American families
- Providing every citizen with high-speed internet access
- Regenerating roads and bridges
- Increasing the efficiency and reach of public transportation systems
- Upgrading airports and passenger rails
- Boosting electric vehicle adoption
- Creating a more eco-friendly and climate-resilient country
An Expected Boom in Infrastructure Renovation Projects
While the United States ranked highly in the Global Competitiveness Report 2019, the country’s infrastructure has been suffering from a funding gap worth over $2.75 billion.
What’s more, data from the 2020 Report Card For America’s Infrastructure shows how most infrastructure in the US are past their expected service lifespan - and many go beyond the internationally-recognized 50-year mark. While many pieces of infrastructure can continue to work beyond their expected service age, they might have lower safety standards, reduced efficiency, and a high environmental impact.
Thanks to the funding delivered by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the number and extent of non-residential renovation and construction projects are expected to increase. From road regeneration to new infrastructure design, the concrete and asphalt paving industry is preparing to work on an unprecedented number of projects and paving contracts.
An Unprecedented Focus on Sustainable and Alternative Materials
The new Bipartisan Infrastructure Law focuses on creating an efficient and sustainable nation, thus growing and developing without exploiting important resources. That is why, in the future, concrete and paving companies are expected to offer much more sustainable and eco-friendly solutions.
Some aspects to consider include:
- New eco-friendly materials and alternatives to traditional elements
- More climate-resilient constructions that can last through the next decades’ changes
- More sustainable practices that are in harmony with the environment and support sustainable development
Industry Growth and the Creation of Millions of Paving Jobs
According to 2021 research, the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will lead to the creation of over 1.5 million jobs per year for the next 10 years. While several industries are about to become beneficiaries of the new law, the asphalt paving sector is on the front line.
This means that the new law will likely lead to high-paying construction jobs, especially in the paving and concrete sectors. What’s more, industry growth and better prospects will encourage a higher number of young talents to pursue a career in the industry.
Partner with Ajax Paving to Push Your Career Forward
The rising demand for construction work, combined with new materials, technology, and unprecedented funding, is expected to drive a whole-industry revolution. There are new opportunities in the paving industry including opportunities for those looking to begin or change their career. Consider starting your paving job with Ajax Paving, an industry leader that has been in the business for more than 50 years. Give our team a call today.
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