[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 159 (Wednesday, November 5, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2229]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING THE NATIONAL STONE, SAND, AND GRAVEL ASSOCIATION

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. GARY G. MILLER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 4, 2003

  Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong 
support of H. Con. Res. 280, ``Recognizing the National Stone, Sand and 
Gravel Association for 100 years of service.'' I was pleased to 
cosponsor this resolution because over the past 100 years the National 
Stone, Sand and Gravel Association (NSSGA) has made valuable and 
lasting contributions to our nation's infrastructure and economy, and 
improved the quality of life for all of our citizens.
  As a developer and member of the House Transportation and 
Infrastructure Committee, I know first-hand how important this industry 
is to the continued growth of our nation. Aggregates are an integral 
building material used in a variety of construction projects from 
roads, airport runways, railroad beds, and sidewalks to homes and 
skyscrapers. It is one of the oldest and most versatile building 
materials on earth and its numerous benefits include high energy 
efficiency and durability against natural disasters such as floods, 
earthquakes, and extreme winds.
  In addition to its contributions to quality growth, the aggregates 
industry has helped to enhance our nation's economy through the 
creation of jobs and wealth. For every new dollar of output in the 
aggregates industry, an additional $1.58 is generated in the U.S. 
economy. The industry contributes $37.6 billion to America's Gross 
Domestic Product and supports 284,090 jobs in all sectors of the 
economy with personal earnings totaling $10.74 billion. In 2001 alone, 
over three billion tons of aggregates were produced at a value of over 
$14.5 billion--a significant contribution by all accounts.
  Companies responsible for the production of aggregates also make 
important contributions to the communities in which they operate. 
Currently, there is a quarry or sand and gravel pit in almost every 
county in the United States. Their proximity near a community 
significantly reduces costs for residential, commercial and industrial 
buildings and street, road and highway construction projects. When the 
mines and quarries have utilized the resources available to them, the 
operation sites can easily be reclaimed by the local community and 
converted into residential, commercial or industrial properties, parks, 
recreation areas, storm water management facilities or farmland.
  Aggregates could not have become the nation's construction material 
of choice without the significant contributions of NSSGA. NSSGA is 
depended upon by many organizations, including agencies of the federal 
government, for crucial work in standards development for aggregate 
design, construction, and repair. Without all NSSGA has achieved over 
the past century, our nation would surely be disadvantaged structurally 
and economically.
  I appreciate the continued commitment and service NSSGA has 
contributed to our nation over the past 100 years and look forward to 
working with them further as we seek to build a better America in the 
21st century.

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