U.S. Department of Transportation
Office of Public Affairs
Washington, D.C.
www.dot.gov/affairs/briefing.htm
News
Friday, October 6, 2006
Contact: James Wiggins
202-215-6615
202-366-4978
Strong Demand for New Pipelines Helping Pipe Manufacturer Add Jobs in Birmingham, Top DOT Pipeline Safety Official Says On Day Government Announced More than 51,000 Jobs Were Created in September
BIRMINGHAM, AL — On the day the government announced that over 51,000 new jobs were created last month in the U.S, a top federal transportation official was in Birmingham to see how strong demand for new pipelines is helping a local pipe manufacturer add jobs.
Thomas J. Barrett, Administrator for the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, toured the American Steel Pipe plant in Birmingham, which has added 300 new jobs since 2005 to keep up with growing demand for new products. During the tour, Administrator Barrett observed the manufacturing of steel and cast iron pipe used in building new oil and natural gas pipelines. Barrett reminded the group that Americas energy highways, the pipeline transportation system, carry nearly two-thirds of the energy products used to generate electricity, provide fuel for vehicles, and heat and cool homes and businesses, specifying that "it all starts here at this facility and others like it across the nation." Barrett said what is happening in Birmingham is happening around the country, noting that "everywhere we look, this economy is creating jobs by the thousands." Barrett also said September job growth marked the 37th straight month that the economy has added jobs, and since August 2003, the economy has added more than 6.6 million jobs, with 1.7 million coming in the last year alone.
He added that unemployment declined in September from 4.7 to 4.6 percent while hourly wages were at their highest level since June of 2001. Alabama is a leading state with only 3.5 percent unemployment.
He explained that the pipe being manufactured in Birmingham is helping support economic growth by meeting the demand for the construction and expansion that continues across the country.
"An expanded workforce ultimately expands communities, resulting in the need for increased pipeline manufacturing and new construction to meet energy demand," said Barrett.
###