Statement: IUPAT President Jimmy Williams, Jr. Applauds Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration FHWA Announcement

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Contact: Ryan Kekeris, 410-564-5884, rkekeris@iupat.org

Statement: IUPAT President Jimmy Williams, Jr. Applauds Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration FHWA Announcement

The IUPAT applauds the Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announcement today of the largest bridge formula funding program in American history. Made possible by the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and coming just 60 days after President Biden signed it into law, this historic investment will make our communities safer and put industrial painters to work making these structures shine.

General President Williams said: “Every day our members go to work and protect infrastructure vital to our communities. Our work ensures that these assets don’t fall apart from corrosion – work which can add one hundred years to the lifespans of bridges alone.  And along with the safety improvements that come with protecting our bridges and water infrastructure from corrosion, workers will help protect the environment by properly removing and disposing of old coatings that often contain hazardous materials like lead. This work is vital and prevents disasters on our highways and bridges and in our homes and communities. The IUPAT looks forward to continuing to work with federal and state agencies to see these projects through.”

Funding will be used toward improving the condition of physical bridges  but will also help to address equity issues, barriers to opportunity, and challenges faced by individuals and underserved communities.  For the first time, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allows the use of federal funds to pay for 100 percent of the cost of repairing or rehabilitating locally owned, and off-system bridges. The FHA’s announcement will create jobs, boost our economy, and uplift communities.

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THE INTERNATIONAL UNION OF PAINTERS AND ALLIED TRADES (IUPAT)

Represents a growing community of over 140,000 active and retired craftspeople in the United States and Canada. The IUPAT membership extends far beyond the workplace. Recognized as one of the most active unions in the labor movement, IUPAT members help shape their communities in many ways: through an abiding commitment to service, by fighting passionately for workers’ rights that benefit all working families, and through effective worker education and mobilization.

Visit www.iupat.org to learn more

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