Senator Helming Announces Signing of Buy American Act

GENEVA – Senator Pam Helming is proud to announce that the New York Buy American Act has been signed into law. Under the Buy American legislation, the New York State Department of Transportation and Thruway Authority will be required to use American-made structural iron and structural steel for all road and bridge projects.

“As the daughter and granddaughter of U.S. Steel workers, supporting the New York Buy American Act earlier this year was a no-brainer. It was about supporting American products, made by American workers and American companies, and will help ensure that New York’s infrastructure projects are built with materials that are safe and will stand the test of time. This important change will help drive job creation and economic development in upstate New York — not overseas,” Senator Helming said.

The legislation will be implemented on April 1, 2018 and will pertain to contracts that are executed after that date. This will allow for consideration of any potential funding requirements or other considerations that may need to be implemented.

Senator Helming added, “The New York Buy American Act is a great step forward and demonstrates our commitment to supporting American businesses, driving job creation, and ensuring our tax dollars stay here in New York and here in America. As State Senator, I will continue my efforts to support our local manufacturers as we work together to level the playing field with foreign competitors. I thank Senator Robach for championing this important legislation in the Senate and the Governor for signing it into law.”

The measure also establishes a work group that, among its responsibilities, would consider the feasibility of expanding the provisions to other products manufactured in the United States, such as concrete, cement, and aluminum products.

Senator Helming represents the 54^th Senate District, which consists of Seneca and Wayne Counties, parts of Cayuga and Ontario Counties, and the towns of Lansing and Webster. For more information, please visit Senator Helming’s website, or follow @SenatorHelming on Facebook or Twitter.

###