New York Joins 'Buy American' Bandwagon

New York State legislators approved an agreement this week prohibiting foreign steel to be used for New York roads and bridges. The “Buy American” legislation requires that seven identified state agencies purchase steel and iron manufactured completely in the U.S. for infrastructure projects valued at $1 million or more. Exemptions could be granted for specific projects, and the requirements could be suspended for emergencies or public threats, such as natural disasters. The legislation will pertain to all new contracts submitted after April 1, 2018.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo worked with Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan, and others, to reach an agreement on the legislation. “When we Buy American, we support the continued growth of our manufacturing industries here at home, preserve and create jobs and invest in our future,” Gov. Cuomo said. “This legislation will reinvest in the talent that made this state and this country what it is today and strengthen our role as a global leader in manufacturing for years to come.”