The Iron and Steel Preference Provisions in Improvement Contracts requires the use of domestic iron and steel on contracts awarded by TxDOT for the improvement of the state highway system without federal aid. These contracts must contain the same preference provisions for iron and steel and iron and steel products that are required under federal law for an improvement made with federal aid, as outlined in Transportation Code, Section 223.045. If a state-funded contract is awarded without the subject provisions, it would become ineligible for reimbursement.

On state-funded projects, utility facility owners will use domestically manufactured products that are composed predominately of steel and/or iron to incorporate into the permanent installation of the utility facility - in compliance with the provisions established in Transportation Code, Section 223.045. Examples of such products may include poles, cross arms, and structural support members; towers and girders used to comprise transmission towers and stand-alone structures; conductor support cables; high-strength bolts used as anchor bolts and anchor rods; iron or steel baseplates; encasement pipes, pipes and valves; rebar and other reinforcing iron/steel for all cast-in-place and precast installations; conduit and ducting; fire hydrants; manhole covers, rims, and drop-inlet grates.