U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-IL) on Feb. 13 introduced a bipartisan bill to encourage the research and use of innovative materials and associated techniques in the construction and maintenance of the nation’s transportation and water infrastructure systems.
“Addressing our crumbling infrastructure is long overdue,” said Rep. Davis on Feb. 21.
The congressman is the lead original cosponsor of the Innovative Materials for America’s Growth and Infrastructure Newly Expanded (IMAGINE) Act, H.R. 1159, which is sponsored by U.S. Rep. David Cicilline (D-RI). The same-named S. 403 was introduced in the U.S. Senate by U.S. Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Lamar Alexander (R-TN).
“Congress should encourage more innovation as we invest in rebuilding our infrastructure and that’s exactly what the IMAGINE Act does,” Rep. Davis said. “Finding new, more resilient materials will help tax dollars go further and our infrastructure catch up to 21st century transportation needs.”
If enacted, according to Rep. Davis, the proposal would establish a task force charged with examining the approval process for infrastructure materials, promote research and development (R&D) of new materials, and increase federal investment in infrastructure projects that use such newly developed construction materials.
Specifically, the legislation would encourage the development of high-performance asphalt mixtures and concrete formulations, geo-synthetic materials, advanced insulating materials, advanced alloys and metals, reinforced polymer composites and advanced polymers, nanocellulose and wood-based composites, coatings, highly functional adhesives, and other corrosion prevention methods and material or aggregate materials, Rep. Davis said last week.
Marsia Geldert-Murphey, region 7 director of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) in Rep. Davis’ home state, said Illinois received a C- on the ASCE 2018 Illinois Infrastructure Report Card, meaning the state “is barely in mediocre condition and requires immediate attention.”
“From a local perspective, Illinois’ bridges, highways, transit systems and water lines — and the deterioration of these aging systems — are costing all our families in Illinois and across the country $9 a day, which is $3,400 each year, in disposable income,” said Geldert-Murphey. “I enthusiastically applaud this bill’s goal of encouraging research and use of innovative construction materials and techniques in our transportation and water infrastructure projects.”
Rep. Cicilline added that “it’s critical that we move forward on this bill so we can better take on the challenge of rebuilding our bridges, roads, and public transit systems.”
Also under the bill, the U.S. Transportation Secretary would be required to set up material hubs located around the United States to promote the R&D of such new materials, said Rep. Davis.
H.R. 1159 has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee; the U.S. House Science, Space, and Technology Committee; and the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee. The Senate version is under review by the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.