AASHTO Journal - Six State DOT CEOs to Sign National Equity Pledge

On October 11, six state department of transportation chief executives will sign a national “Equity in Infrastructure Pledge” or EIP at a ceremony in the nation’s capital

[Above image by the Michigan DOT]

Those state DOTs – representing California, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, and Michigan – will pledge to create opportunities for historically underutilized businesses or HUBs as they disburse funding from the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, enacted in November 2021.

The signing event is scheduled for 11 a.m. at the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America international headquarters building in Washington, D.C.

The EIP defines HUBs as firms formally designated as disadvantaged business enterprises, minority and women-owned business enterprises, small business enterprises, as well as any other business classification used locally in the United States intended to boost the participation of otherwise underutilized firms.

Through the pledge, the EIP Advisory Council works to secure commitments from public agencies to improve public contracting practices to help build generational wealth and reduce the racial wealth gap by creating prime, joint venture, and equity contracting opportunities for HUBs.