We all use our roadways for day-to-day activities. And in our travels, we’ve all seen the damaged, rough roads with potholes, maybe even a sink hole. Have you thought about what you can do?
The Astec family of companies is supporting a national campaign, “Don’t Let America Dead End,” to educate and prompt communication from everyday Americans to Congress to highlight the need for a long-term solution to highway funding. How can you be a part of this national campaign? It’s simple and takes 5 minutes or less.
HERE’S HOW IT WORKS
Go to: www.DontLetAmericaDeadEnd.com. This web page exists as a portal to help people contact their representatives in Congress. Click on the “TAKE ACTION” button to be directed to the Association of Equipment Manufacturer’s “I Make America” site. Provide your name and contact information on this web page and click “continue.” The next web page is the letter asking Congress to pass a long-term highway bill. You can send the letter with or without edits. The letter will be sent to the president and your representatives and senators in Congress (your specific Congressional delegation’s addresses populate the page.) You can elect to print out the letter to send via mail or you can send the letter electronically. The last step is to click “send/print.” It’s that simple.
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ONE PERSON MAKES A DIFFERENCE
Simply stated, one person can make a difference. By letting your voice be heard, you join a collective position on an issue. Our representatives and senators in Congress DO pay attention to correspondence received on the issues of the day. Whatever your position on the matter, speak out—join the political undercurrent that sways our nation.
When it comes to the Highway Trust Fund, it has been extended numerous times, essentially just short-term band-aids. Without the confidence of a viable long-term solution for funding, planning and actual work taking place has suffered. Looking around the country, some areas have not been able to maintain the roads. Other areas need additional roadways or expansion of roads to handle the growing number of vehicle usage. It just makes sense for our elected officials in Washington, D.C., to pass a long-term highway bill with increased funding.
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The campaign, “Don’t Let America Dead End,” is a way to connect all Americans to the funding issue at stake for the betterment of our nation’s infrastructure. The time is now; the short-term funding extension runs out of money on May 31, 2015. Will you voice your opinion? Will you spread the word for others to also be heard? I certainly hope so. ■
Follow the cause on Twitter @DontDeadEnd
About The Author:
Ben Brock is the president and CEO of Astec Industries, Inc., based in Chattanooga, Tenneessee. The Astec Industries, Inc. family of companies is a global leader in the manufacture of equipment for asphalt road building, aggregate processing, oil, gas and water well drilling, and wood processing, among others. For more information, visit www.astecindustries.com.
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Modern Contractor Solutions, March 2015
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