From Dallas Express · Dallas Express · · 1m 20s
Texas Manhole Covers Say 'Made In India'
Texas cities use Indian-made manhole covers due to cheaper prices, federal rules, and historical procurement.
In brief
Texas cities use Indian-made manhole covers due to cheaper prices, federal rules, and historical procurement. Imported manhole covers are cheaper but still meet local standards under federal law. Originally reported by Dallas Express.
Why Texas Manhole Covers Say 'Made In India'
Houston and Austin have Indian-made covers, while Fort Worth used them since 2001.
“Fort Worth officials switched from U.S.-made covers to Indian versions in 2001.”
Federal Law Requires Country of Origin
Manhole covers must show country of origin under 19 U.S.C. § 1304.
“Federal law requires country of origin to be permanently marked on the top surface.”
New York Uses Indian Covers
New York City buys 25% of its manhole covers from India.
“Con Edison said one-quarter of its 11,000 annual covers came from India.”
Texas Made Covers Historically
San Antonio had covers made by local foundries in the 1920s.
“W.H. Winterborne & Sons produced over 500 covers between 1923 and 1925.”
Domestic Manufacturers Still Active
Bass & Hays Foundry in Grand Prairie makes covers since 1958.
“Bass and Hays supplies manhole covers using certified U.S.-sourced materials.”
Federal Rules Affect Imports
Federal Build America, Buy America rules require domestic content for some projects.
“EPA identifies manhole covers as iron and steel for federal sourcing rules.”
Mixed Inventory Explained
Cities have older local covers, imported covers, and newer U.S.-made castings.
“Austin has covers with Indian lids and U.S.-made rings.”
Why 'Made In India' Stamps Exist
Imported covers are 37% cheaper than U.S.-made versions for Fort Worth.
“Fort Worth officials said imported covers were 37% cheaper in a 2013 bid.”
Historical Context
San Antonio used local foundries for manhole covers until the 1920s.
“W.H. Winterborne & Sons produced covers between 1923 and 1925.”
Federal Funding Changes Rules
Projects funded by federal money must use domestic materials.
“Federal Build America, Buy America rules apply to federally assisted infrastructure.”
The main idea
Imported manhole covers are cheaper but still meet local standards under federal law.
