Section 10m - Statement of policy; sustainable building components; annual report(a) Policy. It shall be the State's policy to use sustainable building components, including recycled materials and manufacturing byproducts, in all maintenance, construction, and improvement projects within the State's Transportation Program to the extent that sources of quality sustainable building components are available and the use is consistent with producing transportation assets with a demonstrated evidence of long-term durability.(b) Specifications. The Agency shall define its performance and related specifications and contract bid documents to allow and, as practicable, encourage the use of sustainable building components.(c) Recycled asphalt pavement. Recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) shall be used on all Agency paving projects to the extent sources of RAP of a quality comparable to hot mix asphalt is available. The Agency shall define paving project specifications and contract bid documents to allow for the use of up to 50 percent RAP.(d) Research and testing. The Agency is encouraged to continue researching, testing, and, wherever practicable, using sustainable building components, pozzolans, and alternatives to Portland Cement as part of the construction specifications for all transportation infrastructure projects.(e) Annual report. The Agency, in consultation with the Recycled Materials Working Group, shall, during each session of the General Assembly, provide an oral report to the House and Senate Committees on Transportation on the use of sustainable building components in maintenance, construction, and improvement projects within the State's Transportation Program.Added by 2022, No. 184,§ 56, eff. 7/1/2022.