Metalcasting sand mentioned in new transportation bill signed in August.

After two years of failed attempts to create successful legislation, Congress passed a $286.4 billion surface transportation reauthorization bill (H.R. 3) by an overwhelming margin July 29. This bill is of particular importance to the metalcasting industry because it contains a reference to the use of spent molding sand in one of the research provisions of the legislation.

Lawmakers called for the creation of an "Innovative Pavement Research and Deployment Program" which, according to the text of the bill, will include "the deployment of new', cost-effective, innovative designs, materials, recycled materials (including talconite railings and foundry sand) and practices to extend pavement life and performance to improve customer satisfaction."

The transportation bill also con rains thousands of earmarks authorizing spending to build, widen or resurface roads, build or repair bridges, and provide sidewalks or bikeways. President Bush signed the legislation Aug. 10 in Montgomery, Ill.

For more information, read the press release from the Senate Transportation Committee at http:// commerce.senate.gov/newsroom/ printable.cfm?id=242136.