Today, Congresswoman Betty Sutton (OH-13) spoke before a Congressional briefing on the costs of corrosion, where she highlighted the problems it causes for our nation’s infrastructure and economy, and spoke about the work local institutions are doing to combat its effects.

“Corrosion is a serious problem that is not just found on our bridges and roads, it is found in our pocketbooks and budgets,” said Sutton. “Every day we delay addressing this issue is a day that we face an even larger financial burden on our country and its people. Instead of delays, we should seize upon this opportunity to create new jobs and economic opportunities through this emerging and exciting field.  I am proud of the work done in Northeast Ohio by the University of Akron and other partners to take the lead on this critical issue and ensure that investments made now result in savings later.”

From bridges and harbors to medical devices and tanks, corrosion is a problem found throughout all elements in the private and public sector. For example, a 2010 U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) study found that the yearly cost of corrosion to the DoD is nearly $23 billion. However, mitigation and prevention programs have been found to have a high return on investment. For example, according to a 2011 Government Accountability Office Report, the DoD Corrosion Policy and Oversight Office delivered a 57 to 1 return on investment through its corrosion mitigation initiatives.

“Despite being such an enormous problem, we're convinced that the corrosion problem facing our country's infrastructure can be addressed by a collaborative effort between government, technical societies, and private industry,” says Stan Theobald, Managing Director of ASM International, who also spoke at the briefing. “ASM is pleased to work with NACE International to raise the awareness of the corrosion issue as well as provide the resources necessary to address the problem.  Educating both policy makers and the engineering community on the benefits of using advanced materials, coatings, and cutting edge design tools such as the Corrosion Analysis Network can make a significant impact on this costly problem. ”

Congresswoman Sutton’s leadership on addressing corrosion led to the establishment of the National Center for Education and Research on Corrosion and Materials Performance at the University of Akron, which includes the nation's first undergraduate degree program in corrosion engineering. The highly-skilled workforce necessary for these cutting-edge jobs will help the center pay for itself dozens of times over, and it will lead the way in developing and producing the cost-cutting materials for this emerging industry.