Each winter, your constituents rely on safe, open roads. Without road salt, winter accidents rise dramatically—up to 90% can be prevented with proper application. Meanwhile, every snow-closed day costs states between $300 million and $1 billion in lost productivity and commerce.
Despite being the second-largest salt producer in the world, the United States imported 16 million metric tons of rock salt in 2023, spending more than $300 million on foreign salt—primarily from Canada, Chile, and other countries. That’s hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars leaving the country while domestic suppliers remain underutilized.
In 2025, 25% of the rock salt used on U.S. highways was imported, undermining domestic production in favor of foreign supply disruptions and sending taxpayer funds overseas instead of into American jobs and communities.
Most states do not publicly disclose their sources of salt procurement or the associated costs. This lack of accountability undermines public trust and enables foreign suppliers to secure contracts without proper scrutiny.
American salt mines—from New York to Ohio, Michigan to Utah—are being undercut. One mine in New York alone supports over 300 local workers. When states buy from foreign countries, those jobs are put at risk.
The Open Roads for Business initiative unites local business leaders, state chambers, economic development coalitions, and public officials to ensure winter preparedness is treated as an economic priority—not just a public works function.
Prioritize US-produced road salt for all federally and state-funded road projects.
American Salt for American Roads is more than a supply chain issue; it is a matter of safety, sovereignty, and stewardship among local, state, and national governments.
It is time to put American priorities first—and ensure that taxpayer dollars remain at home to provide American jobs, support a strong economy, and connect communities throughout our states and coast to coast.
Promote NCFOR’s campaign to bring together American salt producers, equipment manufacturers, state Departments of Transportation, elected leaders, as well as first responders and snow fighters—all working toward one goal: keeping America’s roads safe, open, and focused on American resources to ensure self-reliance and national security.
American Salt for American Roads is more than a supply chain issue; it is a matter of safety, sovereignty, and stewardship among local, state, and national governments.
It is time to put American priorities first—and ensure that taxpayer dollars remain at home to provide American jobs, support a strong economy, and connect communities throughout our states and coast to coast.
