For Immediate Release: May 19, 2023
MEDIA CONTACT: Sophia Hughes, sophia.hughes@berlinrosen.com
New York Building Congress Launches “Infrastructure Action Council” to Spearhead Advocacy on Transformative Infrastructure Priorities Nationwide
Leading building industry organization marks Infrastructure Week with formation of Council to lead its advocacy to unlock Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funding
NEW YORK (May 19, 2023) — Today, the New York Building Congress announced the launch of the Infrastructure Action Council (IAC), a group of building industry leaders driving infrastructure advocacy efforts at the state and federal levels.
The 12-charter member Infrastructure Action Council will work to ensure federal funding under the historic Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) is expedited to critical infrastructure projects in New York and around the nation.
“More than a year and a half since President Biden’s signing of the historic $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, we’re still sitting on billions of unspent federal dollars that we can use to improve the lives of millions of Americans,” said Carlo A. Scissura, Esq., President and CEO of the New York Building Congress. “The Infrastructure Action Council unites leading voices in our nation’s building industry to advance our ongoing efforts to fund transformative projects across the state. This group’s commitment to returning the U.S. to the vanguard of infrastructure innovation is inspirational. Trust me when I say the IAC is ready to get to work.”
Members of the IAC, led by the Building Congress, will meet with state and federal leaders in Albany and Washington D.C. to promote critical legislation to facilitate the allocation of IIJA funding and get shovels in the ground, including:
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Streamlining, environmental reviews, permitting processes, overall project approvals and release of IIJA funds by federal agencies
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Increasing infrastructure funding support for the MTA, Port Authority, and other agency capital programs
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Expanding IIJA education and outreach opportunities to equip entities with the knowledge and resources needed to determine funding eligibility and submit applications
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Create a new state program to incentivize the creation of affordable housing units
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Dedicating federal and state funding to workforce development, removing barriers to entry into the workforce, and ensuring that our industry is equipped to deliver on these projects
The charter members of the Infrastructure Action Council are:
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AECOM
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Batska Consulting Group
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BRAVO Group
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General Contractors Association of New York, Inc.
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Global Infrastructure Solutions Inc.
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Halmar International LLC
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Langan
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Syska Hennessy Group
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STV Inc.
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Suffolk
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Thornton Tomasetti
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WSP USA
“Our nation’s infrastructure is the backbone of America’s economy and the key to our nation’s competitive advantage on the global stage. It is time to take action on the historic Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and start breaking ground on important projects that will create jobs and lay the foundation of success for future generations of Americans,” said Ralph Esposito, Chair of the New York Building Congress and President of Suffolk New York.
“Our nation’s roads, bridges, airports, and transit networks are poised for the reimagining they’ve needed for far too long thanks to the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The Building Congress’ Infrastructure Action Council will advocate on behalf of our industry to streamline processes, expedite funding, and expand education about this transformational program,” said Cyrus J. Izzo, PE, President & CEO of Syska Hennessy Group.
"It is an honor and a privilege to be part of the New York Building Congress’ Infrastructure Action Council, and we appreciate and recognize the strong leadership of its President & CEO, Carlo A. Scissura. With over 1,000 local professionals, WSP USA has been shaping New York with building and infrastructure engineering design for over 100 years. We fully support the IAC’s mission to continue investing in our region’s infrastructure, and look forward to continued collaboration in the best interests of serving local communities throughout the state," said Rebecca Ashton, Northeast District Leader, Senior Vice President, WSP USA.
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About The New York Building Congress:
The New York Building Congress, a broad-based membership association celebrating its 102nd year, is committed to promoting the growth and success of the construction industry in New York City and its environs. Learn more about the New York Building Congress at www.buildingcongress.com.
