Inspenet, June 17, 2023.
Houston, Texas and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – (June 15, 2023).
The Association for the Protection of Materials and Coatings (AMPP), the world’s largest coatings and corrosion association, welcomes the recent introduction of the Bipartisan Supported Bridge Corrosion Prevention and Repair Act of 2023. Legislation requires corrosion planning and the use of qualified and trained professionals in all bridge construction, repair and maintenance projects throughout the country.
The Bridge Corrosion Prevention and Repair Act of 2023
Sponsored by Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA), Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA), and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), it recognizes the urgent need to address the effects detrimental causes of corrosion on America’s bridge infrastructure.
“Corrosion has long been a silent threat, undermining the structural integrity and strength of bridges across the country,” said Paul Vinik, Vice President of the AMPP Board of Directors. “This important legislation marks a critical step toward ensuring the safety and longevity of our nation’s bridges and is a testament to our commitment to improving the protection, sustainability, and reliability of these vital transportation arteries.”
Corrosion poses significant risks to public safety, causes environmental damage, and imposes unnecessary financial burdens, amounting to billions of dollars annually. A 2001 study by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) revealed that corrosion directly costs the US economy approximately 3.1% of our gross domestic product. According to experts, a third of this cost can be avoided by applying existing corrosion control practices, giving the United States an estimated total savings of between 15% and 35%. It is important to note that these figures do not include indirect costs, such as lost productivity due to road closures, potential environmental damage or loss of life.
“As a leading advocate for infrastructure improvements and corrosion prevention and control, AMPP thanks Senators Casey and Stabenow and Representatives Garamendi and Fitzpatrick for their support of this bill that aims to create a standardized framework for corrosion protection across the country,” said Alan Thomas, CEO of AMPP. “We believe that setting industry standards and using high-quality materials, along with certifying skilled contractors and craftsmen, and engaging competent inspection companies, is essential to ensure effective corrosion protection on construction projects. bridges financed by the federal government.”
Therefore, the Bridge Corrosion Prevention and Repair Act of 2023 will be central to AMPP ‘s mission to advance the performance of materials to protect society, assets and the environment.
About AMPP
The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) is a global community of professionals focused on asset protection and performance of industrial and natural materials. The AMPP was created in 2021 following the merger of NACE International and SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings. The new association brings together 145 years of experience in corrosion control and protective coatings and service to industry and members worldwide. Today, AMPP is the world’s largest corrosion control and protective coatings organization, with more than 30,000 members in 130 countries. AMPP is headquartered in the United States with offices in Houston and Pittsburgh, as well as in Brazil, Canada, China, Dubai (training center), Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom. www.ampp.org
Source: www.ampp.org
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