The Impact of Crumbling Roads on the Manufacturing Industry Manufacturing continues to play a critical role in rural economies. Despite an overall reduction in manufacturing jobs between 2001 and 2015 (a period that included two recessions), manufacturing continues to provide more jobs and higher earnings in rural communities than many other sectors, such as agriculture and mining. It is also more important …
A Solution to America’s Crumbling Infrastructure – Energy Industry
The Economic Impact Energy production and extraction obviously have a powerful impact on local economies. For example, the Eagle Ford Shale Formation in southern Texas, after a $30 billion play development in 2013, was responsible for a $60 billion economic impact on south Texas and for 115,000 jobs, all by 2015. However, this benefit has come at a cost. As …
The Solution to Lignin Sulfonate Dust Control Products
There are many approaches to dust control. From watering to chlorides to lignin sulfonate dust control products, the dust control industry has tried just about everything. Many companies who have tried off-the-shelf chemicals have been frustrated by the various problems associated with these products. Either the product is toxic for the environment and corrosive to vehicles, like chlorides. Or it …
America’s Crumbling Infrastructure and What It Means for Tourism
Some Background on America’s Crumbling Infrastructure In May 2020, TRIP, a transportation research nonprofit, published a report that assessed the condition of rural America’s crumbling infrastructure. Its findings were not positive. First, 50% of all rural, non-highway roads are rated between poor and fair. Roads in this condition have cracking, potholes and ruts, to the point that the TRIP report states they “often …
The Key to Successfully Converting Paved to Unpaved Roads – Part 2
In a previous article, we looked at the growing trend of converting paved to unpaved roads. Unpaving rural, low-volume asphalt roads has financial and other benefits that are driving local road agencies to take this seemingly odd – yet innovative – step. What are the challenges to converting paved to unpaved roads? How does Midwest’s solution address all of these …