The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), the world’s largest coatings and corrosion association, announced its support for H.R. 8033. Officially titled the Bridge Corrosion Prevention and Repair Act, the bill was introduced by Rep. John Garamendi (CA-3). 

The new legislation requires corrosion planning and the use of qualified and trained professionals on all bridge construction, repair, and maintenance projects throughout the country.

“We thank Congressman Garamendi for introducing this important legislation,” said Sam Scaturro, chair of the AMPP Board of Directors. “H.R. 8033 is a decisive step toward ensuring that our bridges are protected from the harmful effects of corrosion. Corrosion negatively affects all bridges and infrastructure throughout the country, and it’s essential we actively address this issue. Unfortunately, our industry has seen firsthand the costly and sometimes tragic consequences that occur when corrosion planning isn’t placed at the forefront.”

Costs of Corrosion

Corrosion puts public safety at risk, harms the environment, and costs billions of dollars annually. According to a 2001 study from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), corrosion directly costs the U.S. economy approximately 3.1 percent of gross domestic product (over $570 billion) annually. 

By using currently available corrosion control practices, researchers estimate a savings between 15 percent and 35 percent could be realized—or between $85.5 and $199.5 billion. However, these numbers don’t include indirect costs such as lost productivity due to road closures, potential damage to the environment, or loss of life.

Certified Contractors

“Under the bipartisan infrastructure law, Congress and the Biden Administration is making the largest federal investment to modernize our nation’s infrastructure since the Interstate Highway System was established,” Garamendi said. 

“My ‘Bridge Corrosion Prevention and Repair Act’ would require all federally funded bridge projects to use certified contractors for any corrosion control work and employ industry-recognized standards for corrosion mitigation and prevention,” he added. America’s corrosion professionals and union painters are ready, willing, and able to do the job, especially those who have completed federally registered apprenticeship programs.”

AMPP’s Mission and Role

AMPP’s mission is to advance materials performance to protect society, assets, and the environment. The association achieves this mission by helping policymakers and industries advance policies that mitigate corrosion. One of the key means of realizing this mission is by informing policymakers and industries so that they can advance practical corrosion mitigation policies.

“AMPP supports measures that protect the environment, reduce overall costs for maintenance and repairs, and ensure the highest levels of public safety,” Scaturro said. “Similar language has passed the House of Representatives with bipartisan support twice in the last two years. We look forward to working with Congress to make sure this bill becomes law.”

For more information, contact: Adam Christopher, manager of government relations at AMPP, (281) 228-6477, adam.christopher@ampp.org