Labor, Manufacturing, and Business Groups Launch National Infrastructure Coalition

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Advocates of infrastructure modernization and expansion announced today the launch of Grow America’s Infrastructure Now (GAIN), a coalition of stakeholders from across the country representing a diverse partnership of businesses, trade associations, and labor groups dedicated to rebuilding and strengthening our nation’s infrastructure.

In addition to drawing on a wealth of knowledge and experience from a diverse membership base, GAIN will also rely on the support and counsel of former Democratic Congressman Al Wynn, Major General (Ret) James A. “Spider” Marks, and Brigham McCown, who served as acting administrator of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration under President George W. Bush. Each of them will serve as strategic advisors to the coalition.

“It’s time to end years of inaction and finally support the long-needed investments in our roads, bridges, utilities, and communications infrastructure necessary to promote our 21st century economy,” Congressman Wynn said. “By investing in our nation’s infrastructure, we will put Americans back to work improving America.”

“A strong infrastructure is critical to delivering goods and services to American families across the country,” Brigham McCown said. “With the existing bipartisan support for infrastructural renewal we have a tremendous opportunity to start making smart investments in our nation.”

It is no secret that much of the nation’s infrastructure is in disrepair. Years of neglect has allowed vital, life-sustaining systems like our water and energy infrastructure to deteriorate or fail and left our transportation networks crippled by an inability to keep up with increasing demand.

“The future success of America depends on our ability to invest in the infrastructure needed to grow our economy and support the American Dream,” General Spider Marks said. “Failure to rebuild, modernize, and expand our nation’s infrastructure is simply not an option.”

Many members of GAIN were also formerly aligned with the Midwest Alliance for Infrastructure Now (MAIN)—a regional coalition founded on a shared belief that infrastructure development will give way to further economic opportunities. Like MAIN, which was a leading contributor to the debate over the Dakota Access Pipeline, GAIN will give voice to those who want to invest in American infrastructure and American workers. Craig Stevens will be the coalition’s spokesman.

“Just as MAIN was fact based and forward looking, so too will GAIN,” Craig Stevens said. “We hope to build on the success of our earlier work and a voice for regulatory certitude and smart, sound infrastructure development.”

Other members of GAIN include the Greater North Dakota Chamber of Commerce, Iowa Association of Business and Industry, Louisiana Oil and Gas Association, Louisiana Propane Gas Association, Michigan Forest Products Council, Ohio Chamber of Commerce, Ohio Manufacturers Association, Pipeliners Local Union 798, Poepping, Stone, Bach & Associates, Inc., and the South Dakota Petroleum and Propane Marketers Association. In the weeks ahead, GAIN will announce the addition of new members throughout the country. The Coalition’s website, www.GainNow.org, Twitter, @GAINNowAmerica, and and Facebook (fb.com/GAINNowAmerica) pages will be updated regularly with new information, blog posts, and other materials relevant to the ongoing debate surrounding the revitalization of our nation’s infrastructure.

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About GAIN: Grow America’s Infrastructure Now is a diverse coalition of businesses, trade associations, and labor groups that share a vested interest in creating jobs and strengthening our nation’s economy through infrastructure development.