ARTBA Washington Newsline NOVEMBER 12, 2012 Newsline Washington ElectionComplete, HardWorkBegins Continued on page 3 Follow ARTBA: Register Now for November 30 ARTBA Webinar Campaigns and outside groups spent an estimated $6 billion on the 2012 elections for federal office, yielding no significant changes in the control of the White House or Congress. After the last few “too close to call” races are decided, Democrats in the House will pick up about a half-dozen seats, but Republicans will maintain a very comfortable governing majority of approximately 235- 200. In the Senate, Democrats were able to add slightly to With a contentious election season now behind them, President Obama and congressional leadership began staking out positions last week on the upcoming negotiations on the long-term fiscal health of the nation and what agreements to cut the budget deficit can be made to avoid taking America over the “fiscal cliff”—a term ADVERTISEMENT their majority and will control the chamber 55-45 provided Independent Senator-elect Angus King (Maine) chooses to caucus with the majority. The new freshman class in Congress has over 30 individuals who have spent a significant amount of time in previous elected office. More than 25 are attorneys with about the same number coming from business backgrounds other than law firms. At least seven members have extensive military careers, at least three come from medical backgrounds, three are farmers, and at least six are educators at various levels. Unlike the last freshman class, it appears no new members come from a construction background. As such, bringing these new lawmakers up to speed on issues affecting the transportation construction In $6 Billion Election, No Sweeping Changes to Party Control Continued on page 4 Continued on page 2 VotersContinueto SupportLocal Transportation Initiatives Voters on November 6 demonstrated once again the importance of transportation by approving 68 percent of the measures to increase or extend funding for highways, bridges and transit, an ARTBA report found. The association tracked 31 measures overall—five were statewide initiatives and 26 were local. All of the seven bond initiatives were approved by voters. Eighteen measures were for increasing, extending or renewing a sales tax for transportation purposes, two were property tax extensions and one was for a local gas tax.
Transcript
ARTBA Washington Newsline
n o v e m B e R 1 2 2 0 1 2
NewslineWashington
Election Complete Hard Work Begins
Continued on page 3
Follow ARTBA
Register Now for November 30 ARTBA Webinar
Campaigns and outside groups spent an estimated $6 billion on the 2012 elections for federal office yielding no significant changes in the control of the White House or Congress After the last few ldquotoo close to callrdquo races are decided Democrats in the House will pick up about a half-dozen seats but Republicans will maintain a very comfortable governing majority of approximately 235-200 In the Senate Democrats were able to add slightly to
With a contentious election season now behind them President Obama and congressional leadership began staking out positions last week on the upcoming negotiations on the long-term fiscal health of the nation and what agreements to cut the budget deficit can be made to avoid taking America over the ldquofiscal cliffrdquomdasha term
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
their majority and will control the chamber 55-45 provided Independent Senator-elect Angus King (Maine) chooses to caucus with the majority
The new freshman class in Congress has over 30 individuals who have spent a significant amount of time in previous elected office More than 25 are attorneys with about the same number coming from business backgrounds other than law firms At
least seven members have extensive military careers at least three come from medical backgrounds three are farmers and at least six are educators at various levels Unlike the last freshman class it appears no new members come from a construction background As such bringing these new lawmakers up to speed on issues affecting the transportation construction
In $6 Billion Election No Sweeping Changes to Party Control
Continued on page 4
Continued on page 2
Voters Continue to Support Local Transportation Initiatives
Voters on November 6 demonstrated once again the importance of transportation by approving 68 percent of the measures to increase or extend funding for highways bridges and transit an ARTBA report found
The association tracked 31 measures overallmdashfive were statewide initiatives and 26 were local All of the seven bond initiatives were approved by voters Eighteen measures were for increasing extending or renewing a sales tax for transportation purposes two were property tax extensions and one was for a local gas tax
2 ARTBA Washington Newsline
Upcoming EventsVisit our Events Page for more information
Project Delivery AcademyNovember 12-14Washington DC [Add to Calendar]
Western Regional MeetingNovember 27-28San Francisco Calif[Add to Calendar]
Central Regional MeetingNovember 29-30Chicago Ill[Add to Calendar]
Southern Regional Meeting December 3-4Atlanta Ga [Add to Calendar]
Northeastern Regional MeetingDecember 5-6Boston Mass [Add to Calendar]
2013Project Management AcademyFebruary 4-6Washington DC [Add to Calendar]
P6 Scheduling AcademyFebruary 6-8Washington DC [Add to Calendar]
Local Transportation Management Virtual ConferenceMay 8-9Washington DC [Add to Calendar]
Federal Issues Program amp TCC Fly-InJune 3-5Washington DC [Add to Calendar]
25th Annual ARTBA P3 ConferenceJuly 25-26 Washington DC [Add to Calendar]
ARTBA National ConventionSeptember 8-10 Milwaukee Wisc[Add to Calendar]
2012-13
2012 Election
Continued from page 1
Watch this one-minute video to learn why you need to attend the 2012 ARTBA Regional Meetings WESTERN November 27-28 Hyatt at Fishermanrsquos Wharf San FranciscoCENTRAL November 29-30 Hyatt Rosemont OrsquoHare Airport ChicagoSOUTHERN December 3-4 Hilton Atlanta Airport Hotel AtlantaNORTHEASTERN December 5-6 Seaport Hotel Boston
REGISTER TODAY wwwartbaorgregional-meetings
industry is a key priority Read ARTBArsquos complete analysis of the 2012 election results
ARTBA will begin meeting with newly- elected officials as soon as possible We encourage you to set up meetings with both your current and newly-elected representatives and senators as they will all play a role in the looming fiscal cliff negotiations which may impact the future of federal investment in transportation For information about setting up these meetings and for assistance with talking points please contact ARTBArsquos Hank Webster
3ARTBA Washington Newsline
Products amp Services
Election CompleteContinued from page 1
ARTBA 110th Anniversary Share Your Memorabilia
Please send your items via email or regular mail to ARTBArsquos Jenny Ragone or The ARTBA Building 1219 28th Street nW Washington DC She can also be reached at 2022894434 We will include them in future ldquoWashington newslinesrdquo Thanks in advance for your assistance with this 110th anniversary-related project
The year 2012 marks ARTBArsquos 110th year of service to the US transportation design and construction industry An ARTBA member recently sent us this cover of the ldquoRoad Builder newsrdquo from December 1940 We started thinking that there must be other similar items out there that ARTBA members have In particular wersquore looking for interesting andor old photographs of bull road bridge airport rail
waterway and transit projects under construction
bull industry professionals at workbull equipment used in transportation
constructionbull road and airport signsbull ARTBA conventions meetings and
Join the growing ranks of companies like HCSS Industries that are advertising in ARTBArsquos digital Buyersrsquo Guide
HCSS specializes in construction software Since 1986 wersquove been helping infrastructure contractors streamline their operations through software for estimating equipment maintenance safety management GPS solutions and more
Contact ARTBA Director of Sales Peter Embrey at 2022894434 to become part of the 2013 guide
reflecting the scheduled December 31 lapse of temporary tax cuts the imposition of new taxes and deep spending cuts agreed to last year Supporting future federal investment in transportation infrastructure is a key part of the nationrsquos long-term fiscal policy and ARTBA continues to push for a long-term Highway Trust Fund revenue solution
In the opening salvo before negotiations begin both parties highlighted their views on the issues of raising tax rates on high-income individuals and spending cuts
House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) made the first advance in a November 7 press conference saying ldquoMr President the Republican majority in the House of
Representatives stands ready to work with you to do whatrsquos best for our countryrdquo and proposed a framework that includes entitlement reforms spending cuts and reforms to the tax code but avoids raising tax rates Boehner again clarified November 9 his partyrsquos opposition to increasing rates saying ldquoraising tax rates is unacceptableit couldnrsquot even pass the House Irsquom not sure it could pass the Senaterdquo
President Obama delivered the last word on the subject before the lame duck session of Congress begins November 13 announcing he has invited leaders of both parties to the White House this week to ldquobuild consensus around the challenges we can only solve togetherrdquo Obama reiterated his position that the nation ldquocanrsquot just cut our way to prosperity If we are serious
about reducing the deficit we have to combine spending cuts with revenue And that means asking the wealthiest Americans to pay a little more in taxeshellipIrsquom not wedded to every detail of my plan but I refuse to accept any approach that is not balancedrdquo
ARTBA will continue to engage all parties on the economic importance of a robust transportation infrastructure vision paid for by a fiscally responsible revenue stream ARTBA President and CEO Pete Ruane said November 7 the upcoming negotiations should begin ldquowith the establishment of a dedicated and sustainable transportation-related revenue source not on the further reliance of limited general funds Urgently needed infrastructure improvements should not add to the deficit or detract from other government programsrdquo
4 ARTBA Washington Newsline
ldquoThe exact dimensions of the disaster will become clearer when the election is over One word infrastructure Officials knew the storm was coming and everyone knew it would be bad but the people of the tristate area were not aware until now just how vulnerable to deep damage their physical system was The people in charge of that system are the politicians Mayor Bloomberg wanted to have the Marathon to show New Yorkrsquos spirit In Staten Island last week they were bitterly calling it lsquothe race through the ruinsrsquo There is a disconnectrdquo
Columnist Peggy Noon in a Nov 6 ldquoWall Street Journalrdquo blog post
ldquoI look forward to working together to promote competitiveness and economic growth reform programs focus our resources where they are needed most and better manage our Federal assetshellip I am prepared to take on the tough challenges ahead and ask for your support to serve as chairmanrdquo
Rep Bill Shuster (R-Pa) in a Nov 7 letter to his colleagues officially declaring his candidacy for chairman of the House TampI Committee
Overheardldquo rdquo
TRB Newsletter Nov 6 Highlighting new research technologies industry best practices and information resources available to the transportation design and construction industry
A service of ARTBArsquos multi-modal councils it features current transportation developments making news across all modes and regions Contact Sara Jones to become a subscriber or visit wwwartbamultimodalorg
Fostering Innovation
MultimodalNews
Legislative amp Regulatory News
Continued from page 1
Continued from page 1
Voters Support Local Transportation Initiatives
Shuster Seeks TampI ChairRepresentative Bill Shuster
(R-Pa) announced November 8 he will seek the chairmanship of the House Transportation and Infrastructure (TampI) Committee Shuster elected last week to his seventh term in Congress currently serves as the chairman of the TampI Subcommittee on Railroads Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Shuster ended the months-long speculation that he would seek the chairmanship by writing a letter to fellow House Republicans seeking their support in the bid Current House TampI Chairman John Mica (R-Fla) is term-limited by Republican Caucus rules which limit representatives to serving a total of six years as the chairman andor ranking member of a committeemdashMica was ranking member for four and chairman for two Reporters have signaled Mica will meet with House speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) this week to discuss his future committee roles Mica has not signaled whether he will seek a waiver of the rules to remain the
Industry News
The total value approved was $24 billion
The results are consistent with previous elections ARTBA says In 2010 voters approved 61 percent of similar measures 78 percent in 2008 77 percent in 2006 and 76 percent in 2004
Three of the four statewide measures to raise additional transportation funds passed with an average approval rate of 63 percent Arkansas voters approved a one-half cent increase in the state sales tax to cover a $13 billion bond issue for roads and bridges The temporary sales and use tax will help fund improvements for state highways and bridges county roads city streets and other surface transportation Alaska voters approved a bond issue of $4535 million for transportation
Although a strong majority of voters (65 percent) in Los Angeles Calif supported Measure J which would have extended the 30-year one-half sales tax passed in 2008 for an additional 30 years the ballot initiative needed a 66 percent super majority for approval The current sales tax measure is set to expire in 2039 Had the measure passed it would have extended the current sales tax to 2069
Read ARTBArsquos complete analysis of state and local ballot initiatives
40+ Lawmakers Urge Congress to Provide Emergency Funds for Sandy
A bipartisan group of 44 US Representatives from the states most affected by Hurricane SandymdashNew Jersey New York and Connecticutmdashwrote House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif) urging Congress to ldquostand ready to provide the aid and assistance to the people and communities most devastated by this stormrdquo They specifically highlighted the regionrsquos roads public transit systems and infrastructure have suffered billions of dollars in damage As Congress enters its lame duck session disaster relief for the tri-state area could be on the agenda and emergency infrastructure investment may be included We will keep you apprised of any details
The US Department of Transportation has already released nearly $30 million in emergency funds to aid with rebuilding roads bridges seawalls and tunnels affected by the storm and expects to receive additional applications in the coming weeks and months
5ARTBA Washington Newsline
ARTBA News
Download a PDF copy of the digital ldquoWashington Newslinerdquo
2013 Leadership Directory amp Buyersrsquo Guide
Promote your firmrsquos products before thousands of the nationrsquos top transportation contractors engineers public officials materials suppliers manufacturers safety professionals and researchers and educators
The annual ARTBA Leadership Directory amp Buyersrsquo Guide which helps keep members connected is the most frequently utilized resource throughout the year
It contains a definitive listing of ldquowhorsquos whordquo in the US transportation design and construction industry It features contact information for the associationrsquos top leaders including officers the board division presidents state chapter executives and past chairmen And it has rosters of the various ARTBA committees councils and Young executive Development Program fellows
The comprehensive Buyersrsquo Guidemdashavailable in both print and digitallymdashalso provides opportunities for companies to reach key industry decision makers with
additional information about their products and services
view the full range of advertising rates and buyersrsquo guide options or contact ARTBArsquos Director of Sales Peter embrey at 2022894434 for more information
TRANSPORTATION DESIGN amp CONSTRUCTION LEADERSHIP DIRECTORY amp BUYERS GUIDE
2013
chairmanmdashan exception that has not been frequently granted by Republican leadership
As always ARTBA will keep you updated as the House and Senate announce party and committee leadership decisions
ARTBA Calls for Flexibility in Procurement in Engineering Services
ARTBA urged the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) November 5 to work to ensure a proposed rule relating to the procurement of design and engineering services provides state departments of transportation sufficient flexibility to deliver needed transportation improvements in an environment of increasing fiscal constraints ARTBA specifically recommended elimination of a provision in the proposed rule that would
preclude private sector firms that had entered into program management agreements with a public agency from being able to perform routine activities related to the implementation of those programs ARTBA pointed out external limitations on these mutually beneficial public-private arrangements could dilute the potential benefits to both sides ARTBA further noted ldquothe wide array of transportation and budgetary challenges that exist among the states warrants a federal approach to implementation that emphasizes outcomes and flexibility over top-down managementrdquo
Read ARTBArsquos full comments
Our Dangerous Illusion of Tech Progress
The genuine progress in IT from the 1970s up to the 2000s masked the relative stagnation of energy transportation space materials agriculture and medicine IT enabled the processes of globalisation and efficient management that delivered economic growth without increasing
real median wages But it also induced a misleading sensation of technological acceleration We can now use our phones to send cute kitten photos around the world or watch episodes of The Jetsons while riding a century-old subway we can programme software to simulate futuristic landscapes But the actual landscape around us is almost identical to the 1960s Our ability to do basic things such as protect ourselves from earthquakes and hurricanes to travel and to extend our lifespans is barely increasing
The writers are a former world chess champion and the founder of PayPal Tonight they are participating in an Oxford Martin School debate on technology at the Oxford Union
Garry Kasparov writer and political activist
by Garry Kasparov and Peter Thiel
Peter Thiel president Clarium Capital
LAST CALL on Space Deadline is November 14
November 30 ARTBA Webinar 2013 Transportation Construction Market Forecast amp Election Analysis and Legislative Update
Registration ARTBA Members $300 Non-Members $425Register at wwwartbastoreorg or contact ARTBArsquos Brie Johnson 202-289-4434 or bjohnsonartbaorg
ARTBA Senior Vice President of Govern-ment Relations Dave Bauer joined the association in 1997 after spending seven years on Capitol Hill as a key staffer on the Senate Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee He has extensive expertise
on federal transportation capital investment issues and programmatic improvements and leads ARTBArsquos direct lobbying grassroots initiatives and policy develop-ment
BONUS Paid participants will receive a comprehensive 55-page analysis containing ARTBArsquos 2013 national forecast and state-by-state market outlook
ARTBArsquos Chief Economist Dr Alison Pre-mo Black earned her doctorate from The George Washington University She rou-tinely develops ARTBArsquos economic prod-ucts reports and state studies and has conducted numerous studies examining
national and state transportation funding and invest-ment patterns
2 ARTBA Washington Newsline
Upcoming EventsVisit our Events Page for more information
Project Delivery AcademyNovember 12-14Washington DC [Add to Calendar]
Western Regional MeetingNovember 27-28San Francisco Calif[Add to Calendar]
Central Regional MeetingNovember 29-30Chicago Ill[Add to Calendar]
Southern Regional Meeting December 3-4Atlanta Ga [Add to Calendar]
Northeastern Regional MeetingDecember 5-6Boston Mass [Add to Calendar]
2013Project Management AcademyFebruary 4-6Washington DC [Add to Calendar]
P6 Scheduling AcademyFebruary 6-8Washington DC [Add to Calendar]
Local Transportation Management Virtual ConferenceMay 8-9Washington DC [Add to Calendar]
Federal Issues Program amp TCC Fly-InJune 3-5Washington DC [Add to Calendar]
25th Annual ARTBA P3 ConferenceJuly 25-26 Washington DC [Add to Calendar]
ARTBA National ConventionSeptember 8-10 Milwaukee Wisc[Add to Calendar]
2012-13
2012 Election
Continued from page 1
Watch this one-minute video to learn why you need to attend the 2012 ARTBA Regional Meetings WESTERN November 27-28 Hyatt at Fishermanrsquos Wharf San FranciscoCENTRAL November 29-30 Hyatt Rosemont OrsquoHare Airport ChicagoSOUTHERN December 3-4 Hilton Atlanta Airport Hotel AtlantaNORTHEASTERN December 5-6 Seaport Hotel Boston
REGISTER TODAY wwwartbaorgregional-meetings
industry is a key priority Read ARTBArsquos complete analysis of the 2012 election results
ARTBA will begin meeting with newly- elected officials as soon as possible We encourage you to set up meetings with both your current and newly-elected representatives and senators as they will all play a role in the looming fiscal cliff negotiations which may impact the future of federal investment in transportation For information about setting up these meetings and for assistance with talking points please contact ARTBArsquos Hank Webster
3ARTBA Washington Newsline
Products amp Services
Election CompleteContinued from page 1
ARTBA 110th Anniversary Share Your Memorabilia
Please send your items via email or regular mail to ARTBArsquos Jenny Ragone or The ARTBA Building 1219 28th Street nW Washington DC She can also be reached at 2022894434 We will include them in future ldquoWashington newslinesrdquo Thanks in advance for your assistance with this 110th anniversary-related project
The year 2012 marks ARTBArsquos 110th year of service to the US transportation design and construction industry An ARTBA member recently sent us this cover of the ldquoRoad Builder newsrdquo from December 1940 We started thinking that there must be other similar items out there that ARTBA members have In particular wersquore looking for interesting andor old photographs of bull road bridge airport rail
waterway and transit projects under construction
bull industry professionals at workbull equipment used in transportation
constructionbull road and airport signsbull ARTBA conventions meetings and
Join the growing ranks of companies like HCSS Industries that are advertising in ARTBArsquos digital Buyersrsquo Guide
HCSS specializes in construction software Since 1986 wersquove been helping infrastructure contractors streamline their operations through software for estimating equipment maintenance safety management GPS solutions and more
Contact ARTBA Director of Sales Peter Embrey at 2022894434 to become part of the 2013 guide
reflecting the scheduled December 31 lapse of temporary tax cuts the imposition of new taxes and deep spending cuts agreed to last year Supporting future federal investment in transportation infrastructure is a key part of the nationrsquos long-term fiscal policy and ARTBA continues to push for a long-term Highway Trust Fund revenue solution
In the opening salvo before negotiations begin both parties highlighted their views on the issues of raising tax rates on high-income individuals and spending cuts
House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) made the first advance in a November 7 press conference saying ldquoMr President the Republican majority in the House of
Representatives stands ready to work with you to do whatrsquos best for our countryrdquo and proposed a framework that includes entitlement reforms spending cuts and reforms to the tax code but avoids raising tax rates Boehner again clarified November 9 his partyrsquos opposition to increasing rates saying ldquoraising tax rates is unacceptableit couldnrsquot even pass the House Irsquom not sure it could pass the Senaterdquo
President Obama delivered the last word on the subject before the lame duck session of Congress begins November 13 announcing he has invited leaders of both parties to the White House this week to ldquobuild consensus around the challenges we can only solve togetherrdquo Obama reiterated his position that the nation ldquocanrsquot just cut our way to prosperity If we are serious
about reducing the deficit we have to combine spending cuts with revenue And that means asking the wealthiest Americans to pay a little more in taxeshellipIrsquom not wedded to every detail of my plan but I refuse to accept any approach that is not balancedrdquo
ARTBA will continue to engage all parties on the economic importance of a robust transportation infrastructure vision paid for by a fiscally responsible revenue stream ARTBA President and CEO Pete Ruane said November 7 the upcoming negotiations should begin ldquowith the establishment of a dedicated and sustainable transportation-related revenue source not on the further reliance of limited general funds Urgently needed infrastructure improvements should not add to the deficit or detract from other government programsrdquo
4 ARTBA Washington Newsline
ldquoThe exact dimensions of the disaster will become clearer when the election is over One word infrastructure Officials knew the storm was coming and everyone knew it would be bad but the people of the tristate area were not aware until now just how vulnerable to deep damage their physical system was The people in charge of that system are the politicians Mayor Bloomberg wanted to have the Marathon to show New Yorkrsquos spirit In Staten Island last week they were bitterly calling it lsquothe race through the ruinsrsquo There is a disconnectrdquo
Columnist Peggy Noon in a Nov 6 ldquoWall Street Journalrdquo blog post
ldquoI look forward to working together to promote competitiveness and economic growth reform programs focus our resources where they are needed most and better manage our Federal assetshellip I am prepared to take on the tough challenges ahead and ask for your support to serve as chairmanrdquo
Rep Bill Shuster (R-Pa) in a Nov 7 letter to his colleagues officially declaring his candidacy for chairman of the House TampI Committee
Overheardldquo rdquo
TRB Newsletter Nov 6 Highlighting new research technologies industry best practices and information resources available to the transportation design and construction industry
A service of ARTBArsquos multi-modal councils it features current transportation developments making news across all modes and regions Contact Sara Jones to become a subscriber or visit wwwartbamultimodalorg
Fostering Innovation
MultimodalNews
Legislative amp Regulatory News
Continued from page 1
Continued from page 1
Voters Support Local Transportation Initiatives
Shuster Seeks TampI ChairRepresentative Bill Shuster
(R-Pa) announced November 8 he will seek the chairmanship of the House Transportation and Infrastructure (TampI) Committee Shuster elected last week to his seventh term in Congress currently serves as the chairman of the TampI Subcommittee on Railroads Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Shuster ended the months-long speculation that he would seek the chairmanship by writing a letter to fellow House Republicans seeking their support in the bid Current House TampI Chairman John Mica (R-Fla) is term-limited by Republican Caucus rules which limit representatives to serving a total of six years as the chairman andor ranking member of a committeemdashMica was ranking member for four and chairman for two Reporters have signaled Mica will meet with House speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) this week to discuss his future committee roles Mica has not signaled whether he will seek a waiver of the rules to remain the
Industry News
The total value approved was $24 billion
The results are consistent with previous elections ARTBA says In 2010 voters approved 61 percent of similar measures 78 percent in 2008 77 percent in 2006 and 76 percent in 2004
Three of the four statewide measures to raise additional transportation funds passed with an average approval rate of 63 percent Arkansas voters approved a one-half cent increase in the state sales tax to cover a $13 billion bond issue for roads and bridges The temporary sales and use tax will help fund improvements for state highways and bridges county roads city streets and other surface transportation Alaska voters approved a bond issue of $4535 million for transportation
Although a strong majority of voters (65 percent) in Los Angeles Calif supported Measure J which would have extended the 30-year one-half sales tax passed in 2008 for an additional 30 years the ballot initiative needed a 66 percent super majority for approval The current sales tax measure is set to expire in 2039 Had the measure passed it would have extended the current sales tax to 2069
Read ARTBArsquos complete analysis of state and local ballot initiatives
40+ Lawmakers Urge Congress to Provide Emergency Funds for Sandy
A bipartisan group of 44 US Representatives from the states most affected by Hurricane SandymdashNew Jersey New York and Connecticutmdashwrote House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif) urging Congress to ldquostand ready to provide the aid and assistance to the people and communities most devastated by this stormrdquo They specifically highlighted the regionrsquos roads public transit systems and infrastructure have suffered billions of dollars in damage As Congress enters its lame duck session disaster relief for the tri-state area could be on the agenda and emergency infrastructure investment may be included We will keep you apprised of any details
The US Department of Transportation has already released nearly $30 million in emergency funds to aid with rebuilding roads bridges seawalls and tunnels affected by the storm and expects to receive additional applications in the coming weeks and months
5ARTBA Washington Newsline
ARTBA News
Download a PDF copy of the digital ldquoWashington Newslinerdquo
2013 Leadership Directory amp Buyersrsquo Guide
Promote your firmrsquos products before thousands of the nationrsquos top transportation contractors engineers public officials materials suppliers manufacturers safety professionals and researchers and educators
The annual ARTBA Leadership Directory amp Buyersrsquo Guide which helps keep members connected is the most frequently utilized resource throughout the year
It contains a definitive listing of ldquowhorsquos whordquo in the US transportation design and construction industry It features contact information for the associationrsquos top leaders including officers the board division presidents state chapter executives and past chairmen And it has rosters of the various ARTBA committees councils and Young executive Development Program fellows
The comprehensive Buyersrsquo Guidemdashavailable in both print and digitallymdashalso provides opportunities for companies to reach key industry decision makers with
additional information about their products and services
view the full range of advertising rates and buyersrsquo guide options or contact ARTBArsquos Director of Sales Peter embrey at 2022894434 for more information
TRANSPORTATION DESIGN amp CONSTRUCTION LEADERSHIP DIRECTORY amp BUYERS GUIDE
2013
chairmanmdashan exception that has not been frequently granted by Republican leadership
As always ARTBA will keep you updated as the House and Senate announce party and committee leadership decisions
ARTBA Calls for Flexibility in Procurement in Engineering Services
ARTBA urged the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) November 5 to work to ensure a proposed rule relating to the procurement of design and engineering services provides state departments of transportation sufficient flexibility to deliver needed transportation improvements in an environment of increasing fiscal constraints ARTBA specifically recommended elimination of a provision in the proposed rule that would
preclude private sector firms that had entered into program management agreements with a public agency from being able to perform routine activities related to the implementation of those programs ARTBA pointed out external limitations on these mutually beneficial public-private arrangements could dilute the potential benefits to both sides ARTBA further noted ldquothe wide array of transportation and budgetary challenges that exist among the states warrants a federal approach to implementation that emphasizes outcomes and flexibility over top-down managementrdquo
Read ARTBArsquos full comments
Our Dangerous Illusion of Tech Progress
The genuine progress in IT from the 1970s up to the 2000s masked the relative stagnation of energy transportation space materials agriculture and medicine IT enabled the processes of globalisation and efficient management that delivered economic growth without increasing
real median wages But it also induced a misleading sensation of technological acceleration We can now use our phones to send cute kitten photos around the world or watch episodes of The Jetsons while riding a century-old subway we can programme software to simulate futuristic landscapes But the actual landscape around us is almost identical to the 1960s Our ability to do basic things such as protect ourselves from earthquakes and hurricanes to travel and to extend our lifespans is barely increasing
The writers are a former world chess champion and the founder of PayPal Tonight they are participating in an Oxford Martin School debate on technology at the Oxford Union
Garry Kasparov writer and political activist
by Garry Kasparov and Peter Thiel
Peter Thiel president Clarium Capital
LAST CALL on Space Deadline is November 14
November 30 ARTBA Webinar 2013 Transportation Construction Market Forecast amp Election Analysis and Legislative Update
Registration ARTBA Members $300 Non-Members $425Register at wwwartbastoreorg or contact ARTBArsquos Brie Johnson 202-289-4434 or bjohnsonartbaorg
ARTBA Senior Vice President of Govern-ment Relations Dave Bauer joined the association in 1997 after spending seven years on Capitol Hill as a key staffer on the Senate Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee He has extensive expertise
on federal transportation capital investment issues and programmatic improvements and leads ARTBArsquos direct lobbying grassroots initiatives and policy develop-ment
BONUS Paid participants will receive a comprehensive 55-page analysis containing ARTBArsquos 2013 national forecast and state-by-state market outlook
ARTBArsquos Chief Economist Dr Alison Pre-mo Black earned her doctorate from The George Washington University She rou-tinely develops ARTBArsquos economic prod-ucts reports and state studies and has conducted numerous studies examining
national and state transportation funding and invest-ment patterns
3ARTBA Washington Newsline
Products amp Services
Election CompleteContinued from page 1
ARTBA 110th Anniversary Share Your Memorabilia
Please send your items via email or regular mail to ARTBArsquos Jenny Ragone or The ARTBA Building 1219 28th Street nW Washington DC She can also be reached at 2022894434 We will include them in future ldquoWashington newslinesrdquo Thanks in advance for your assistance with this 110th anniversary-related project
The year 2012 marks ARTBArsquos 110th year of service to the US transportation design and construction industry An ARTBA member recently sent us this cover of the ldquoRoad Builder newsrdquo from December 1940 We started thinking that there must be other similar items out there that ARTBA members have In particular wersquore looking for interesting andor old photographs of bull road bridge airport rail
waterway and transit projects under construction
bull industry professionals at workbull equipment used in transportation
constructionbull road and airport signsbull ARTBA conventions meetings and
Join the growing ranks of companies like HCSS Industries that are advertising in ARTBArsquos digital Buyersrsquo Guide
HCSS specializes in construction software Since 1986 wersquove been helping infrastructure contractors streamline their operations through software for estimating equipment maintenance safety management GPS solutions and more
Contact ARTBA Director of Sales Peter Embrey at 2022894434 to become part of the 2013 guide
reflecting the scheduled December 31 lapse of temporary tax cuts the imposition of new taxes and deep spending cuts agreed to last year Supporting future federal investment in transportation infrastructure is a key part of the nationrsquos long-term fiscal policy and ARTBA continues to push for a long-term Highway Trust Fund revenue solution
In the opening salvo before negotiations begin both parties highlighted their views on the issues of raising tax rates on high-income individuals and spending cuts
House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) made the first advance in a November 7 press conference saying ldquoMr President the Republican majority in the House of
Representatives stands ready to work with you to do whatrsquos best for our countryrdquo and proposed a framework that includes entitlement reforms spending cuts and reforms to the tax code but avoids raising tax rates Boehner again clarified November 9 his partyrsquos opposition to increasing rates saying ldquoraising tax rates is unacceptableit couldnrsquot even pass the House Irsquom not sure it could pass the Senaterdquo
President Obama delivered the last word on the subject before the lame duck session of Congress begins November 13 announcing he has invited leaders of both parties to the White House this week to ldquobuild consensus around the challenges we can only solve togetherrdquo Obama reiterated his position that the nation ldquocanrsquot just cut our way to prosperity If we are serious
about reducing the deficit we have to combine spending cuts with revenue And that means asking the wealthiest Americans to pay a little more in taxeshellipIrsquom not wedded to every detail of my plan but I refuse to accept any approach that is not balancedrdquo
ARTBA will continue to engage all parties on the economic importance of a robust transportation infrastructure vision paid for by a fiscally responsible revenue stream ARTBA President and CEO Pete Ruane said November 7 the upcoming negotiations should begin ldquowith the establishment of a dedicated and sustainable transportation-related revenue source not on the further reliance of limited general funds Urgently needed infrastructure improvements should not add to the deficit or detract from other government programsrdquo
4 ARTBA Washington Newsline
ldquoThe exact dimensions of the disaster will become clearer when the election is over One word infrastructure Officials knew the storm was coming and everyone knew it would be bad but the people of the tristate area were not aware until now just how vulnerable to deep damage their physical system was The people in charge of that system are the politicians Mayor Bloomberg wanted to have the Marathon to show New Yorkrsquos spirit In Staten Island last week they were bitterly calling it lsquothe race through the ruinsrsquo There is a disconnectrdquo
Columnist Peggy Noon in a Nov 6 ldquoWall Street Journalrdquo blog post
ldquoI look forward to working together to promote competitiveness and economic growth reform programs focus our resources where they are needed most and better manage our Federal assetshellip I am prepared to take on the tough challenges ahead and ask for your support to serve as chairmanrdquo
Rep Bill Shuster (R-Pa) in a Nov 7 letter to his colleagues officially declaring his candidacy for chairman of the House TampI Committee
Overheardldquo rdquo
TRB Newsletter Nov 6 Highlighting new research technologies industry best practices and information resources available to the transportation design and construction industry
A service of ARTBArsquos multi-modal councils it features current transportation developments making news across all modes and regions Contact Sara Jones to become a subscriber or visit wwwartbamultimodalorg
Fostering Innovation
MultimodalNews
Legislative amp Regulatory News
Continued from page 1
Continued from page 1
Voters Support Local Transportation Initiatives
Shuster Seeks TampI ChairRepresentative Bill Shuster
(R-Pa) announced November 8 he will seek the chairmanship of the House Transportation and Infrastructure (TampI) Committee Shuster elected last week to his seventh term in Congress currently serves as the chairman of the TampI Subcommittee on Railroads Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Shuster ended the months-long speculation that he would seek the chairmanship by writing a letter to fellow House Republicans seeking their support in the bid Current House TampI Chairman John Mica (R-Fla) is term-limited by Republican Caucus rules which limit representatives to serving a total of six years as the chairman andor ranking member of a committeemdashMica was ranking member for four and chairman for two Reporters have signaled Mica will meet with House speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) this week to discuss his future committee roles Mica has not signaled whether he will seek a waiver of the rules to remain the
Industry News
The total value approved was $24 billion
The results are consistent with previous elections ARTBA says In 2010 voters approved 61 percent of similar measures 78 percent in 2008 77 percent in 2006 and 76 percent in 2004
Three of the four statewide measures to raise additional transportation funds passed with an average approval rate of 63 percent Arkansas voters approved a one-half cent increase in the state sales tax to cover a $13 billion bond issue for roads and bridges The temporary sales and use tax will help fund improvements for state highways and bridges county roads city streets and other surface transportation Alaska voters approved a bond issue of $4535 million for transportation
Although a strong majority of voters (65 percent) in Los Angeles Calif supported Measure J which would have extended the 30-year one-half sales tax passed in 2008 for an additional 30 years the ballot initiative needed a 66 percent super majority for approval The current sales tax measure is set to expire in 2039 Had the measure passed it would have extended the current sales tax to 2069
Read ARTBArsquos complete analysis of state and local ballot initiatives
40+ Lawmakers Urge Congress to Provide Emergency Funds for Sandy
A bipartisan group of 44 US Representatives from the states most affected by Hurricane SandymdashNew Jersey New York and Connecticutmdashwrote House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif) urging Congress to ldquostand ready to provide the aid and assistance to the people and communities most devastated by this stormrdquo They specifically highlighted the regionrsquos roads public transit systems and infrastructure have suffered billions of dollars in damage As Congress enters its lame duck session disaster relief for the tri-state area could be on the agenda and emergency infrastructure investment may be included We will keep you apprised of any details
The US Department of Transportation has already released nearly $30 million in emergency funds to aid with rebuilding roads bridges seawalls and tunnels affected by the storm and expects to receive additional applications in the coming weeks and months
5ARTBA Washington Newsline
ARTBA News
Download a PDF copy of the digital ldquoWashington Newslinerdquo
2013 Leadership Directory amp Buyersrsquo Guide
Promote your firmrsquos products before thousands of the nationrsquos top transportation contractors engineers public officials materials suppliers manufacturers safety professionals and researchers and educators
The annual ARTBA Leadership Directory amp Buyersrsquo Guide which helps keep members connected is the most frequently utilized resource throughout the year
It contains a definitive listing of ldquowhorsquos whordquo in the US transportation design and construction industry It features contact information for the associationrsquos top leaders including officers the board division presidents state chapter executives and past chairmen And it has rosters of the various ARTBA committees councils and Young executive Development Program fellows
The comprehensive Buyersrsquo Guidemdashavailable in both print and digitallymdashalso provides opportunities for companies to reach key industry decision makers with
additional information about their products and services
view the full range of advertising rates and buyersrsquo guide options or contact ARTBArsquos Director of Sales Peter embrey at 2022894434 for more information
TRANSPORTATION DESIGN amp CONSTRUCTION LEADERSHIP DIRECTORY amp BUYERS GUIDE
2013
chairmanmdashan exception that has not been frequently granted by Republican leadership
As always ARTBA will keep you updated as the House and Senate announce party and committee leadership decisions
ARTBA Calls for Flexibility in Procurement in Engineering Services
ARTBA urged the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) November 5 to work to ensure a proposed rule relating to the procurement of design and engineering services provides state departments of transportation sufficient flexibility to deliver needed transportation improvements in an environment of increasing fiscal constraints ARTBA specifically recommended elimination of a provision in the proposed rule that would
preclude private sector firms that had entered into program management agreements with a public agency from being able to perform routine activities related to the implementation of those programs ARTBA pointed out external limitations on these mutually beneficial public-private arrangements could dilute the potential benefits to both sides ARTBA further noted ldquothe wide array of transportation and budgetary challenges that exist among the states warrants a federal approach to implementation that emphasizes outcomes and flexibility over top-down managementrdquo
Read ARTBArsquos full comments
Our Dangerous Illusion of Tech Progress
The genuine progress in IT from the 1970s up to the 2000s masked the relative stagnation of energy transportation space materials agriculture and medicine IT enabled the processes of globalisation and efficient management that delivered economic growth without increasing
real median wages But it also induced a misleading sensation of technological acceleration We can now use our phones to send cute kitten photos around the world or watch episodes of The Jetsons while riding a century-old subway we can programme software to simulate futuristic landscapes But the actual landscape around us is almost identical to the 1960s Our ability to do basic things such as protect ourselves from earthquakes and hurricanes to travel and to extend our lifespans is barely increasing
The writers are a former world chess champion and the founder of PayPal Tonight they are participating in an Oxford Martin School debate on technology at the Oxford Union
Garry Kasparov writer and political activist
by Garry Kasparov and Peter Thiel
Peter Thiel president Clarium Capital
LAST CALL on Space Deadline is November 14
November 30 ARTBA Webinar 2013 Transportation Construction Market Forecast amp Election Analysis and Legislative Update
Registration ARTBA Members $300 Non-Members $425Register at wwwartbastoreorg or contact ARTBArsquos Brie Johnson 202-289-4434 or bjohnsonartbaorg
ARTBA Senior Vice President of Govern-ment Relations Dave Bauer joined the association in 1997 after spending seven years on Capitol Hill as a key staffer on the Senate Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee He has extensive expertise
on federal transportation capital investment issues and programmatic improvements and leads ARTBArsquos direct lobbying grassroots initiatives and policy develop-ment
BONUS Paid participants will receive a comprehensive 55-page analysis containing ARTBArsquos 2013 national forecast and state-by-state market outlook
ARTBArsquos Chief Economist Dr Alison Pre-mo Black earned her doctorate from The George Washington University She rou-tinely develops ARTBArsquos economic prod-ucts reports and state studies and has conducted numerous studies examining
national and state transportation funding and invest-ment patterns
4 ARTBA Washington Newsline
ldquoThe exact dimensions of the disaster will become clearer when the election is over One word infrastructure Officials knew the storm was coming and everyone knew it would be bad but the people of the tristate area were not aware until now just how vulnerable to deep damage their physical system was The people in charge of that system are the politicians Mayor Bloomberg wanted to have the Marathon to show New Yorkrsquos spirit In Staten Island last week they were bitterly calling it lsquothe race through the ruinsrsquo There is a disconnectrdquo
Columnist Peggy Noon in a Nov 6 ldquoWall Street Journalrdquo blog post
ldquoI look forward to working together to promote competitiveness and economic growth reform programs focus our resources where they are needed most and better manage our Federal assetshellip I am prepared to take on the tough challenges ahead and ask for your support to serve as chairmanrdquo
Rep Bill Shuster (R-Pa) in a Nov 7 letter to his colleagues officially declaring his candidacy for chairman of the House TampI Committee
Overheardldquo rdquo
TRB Newsletter Nov 6 Highlighting new research technologies industry best practices and information resources available to the transportation design and construction industry
A service of ARTBArsquos multi-modal councils it features current transportation developments making news across all modes and regions Contact Sara Jones to become a subscriber or visit wwwartbamultimodalorg
Fostering Innovation
MultimodalNews
Legislative amp Regulatory News
Continued from page 1
Continued from page 1
Voters Support Local Transportation Initiatives
Shuster Seeks TampI ChairRepresentative Bill Shuster
(R-Pa) announced November 8 he will seek the chairmanship of the House Transportation and Infrastructure (TampI) Committee Shuster elected last week to his seventh term in Congress currently serves as the chairman of the TampI Subcommittee on Railroads Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Shuster ended the months-long speculation that he would seek the chairmanship by writing a letter to fellow House Republicans seeking their support in the bid Current House TampI Chairman John Mica (R-Fla) is term-limited by Republican Caucus rules which limit representatives to serving a total of six years as the chairman andor ranking member of a committeemdashMica was ranking member for four and chairman for two Reporters have signaled Mica will meet with House speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) this week to discuss his future committee roles Mica has not signaled whether he will seek a waiver of the rules to remain the
Industry News
The total value approved was $24 billion
The results are consistent with previous elections ARTBA says In 2010 voters approved 61 percent of similar measures 78 percent in 2008 77 percent in 2006 and 76 percent in 2004
Three of the four statewide measures to raise additional transportation funds passed with an average approval rate of 63 percent Arkansas voters approved a one-half cent increase in the state sales tax to cover a $13 billion bond issue for roads and bridges The temporary sales and use tax will help fund improvements for state highways and bridges county roads city streets and other surface transportation Alaska voters approved a bond issue of $4535 million for transportation
Although a strong majority of voters (65 percent) in Los Angeles Calif supported Measure J which would have extended the 30-year one-half sales tax passed in 2008 for an additional 30 years the ballot initiative needed a 66 percent super majority for approval The current sales tax measure is set to expire in 2039 Had the measure passed it would have extended the current sales tax to 2069
Read ARTBArsquos complete analysis of state and local ballot initiatives
40+ Lawmakers Urge Congress to Provide Emergency Funds for Sandy
A bipartisan group of 44 US Representatives from the states most affected by Hurricane SandymdashNew Jersey New York and Connecticutmdashwrote House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif) urging Congress to ldquostand ready to provide the aid and assistance to the people and communities most devastated by this stormrdquo They specifically highlighted the regionrsquos roads public transit systems and infrastructure have suffered billions of dollars in damage As Congress enters its lame duck session disaster relief for the tri-state area could be on the agenda and emergency infrastructure investment may be included We will keep you apprised of any details
The US Department of Transportation has already released nearly $30 million in emergency funds to aid with rebuilding roads bridges seawalls and tunnels affected by the storm and expects to receive additional applications in the coming weeks and months
5ARTBA Washington Newsline
ARTBA News
Download a PDF copy of the digital ldquoWashington Newslinerdquo
2013 Leadership Directory amp Buyersrsquo Guide
Promote your firmrsquos products before thousands of the nationrsquos top transportation contractors engineers public officials materials suppliers manufacturers safety professionals and researchers and educators
The annual ARTBA Leadership Directory amp Buyersrsquo Guide which helps keep members connected is the most frequently utilized resource throughout the year
It contains a definitive listing of ldquowhorsquos whordquo in the US transportation design and construction industry It features contact information for the associationrsquos top leaders including officers the board division presidents state chapter executives and past chairmen And it has rosters of the various ARTBA committees councils and Young executive Development Program fellows
The comprehensive Buyersrsquo Guidemdashavailable in both print and digitallymdashalso provides opportunities for companies to reach key industry decision makers with
additional information about their products and services
view the full range of advertising rates and buyersrsquo guide options or contact ARTBArsquos Director of Sales Peter embrey at 2022894434 for more information
TRANSPORTATION DESIGN amp CONSTRUCTION LEADERSHIP DIRECTORY amp BUYERS GUIDE
2013
chairmanmdashan exception that has not been frequently granted by Republican leadership
As always ARTBA will keep you updated as the House and Senate announce party and committee leadership decisions
ARTBA Calls for Flexibility in Procurement in Engineering Services
ARTBA urged the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) November 5 to work to ensure a proposed rule relating to the procurement of design and engineering services provides state departments of transportation sufficient flexibility to deliver needed transportation improvements in an environment of increasing fiscal constraints ARTBA specifically recommended elimination of a provision in the proposed rule that would
preclude private sector firms that had entered into program management agreements with a public agency from being able to perform routine activities related to the implementation of those programs ARTBA pointed out external limitations on these mutually beneficial public-private arrangements could dilute the potential benefits to both sides ARTBA further noted ldquothe wide array of transportation and budgetary challenges that exist among the states warrants a federal approach to implementation that emphasizes outcomes and flexibility over top-down managementrdquo
Read ARTBArsquos full comments
Our Dangerous Illusion of Tech Progress
The genuine progress in IT from the 1970s up to the 2000s masked the relative stagnation of energy transportation space materials agriculture and medicine IT enabled the processes of globalisation and efficient management that delivered economic growth without increasing
real median wages But it also induced a misleading sensation of technological acceleration We can now use our phones to send cute kitten photos around the world or watch episodes of The Jetsons while riding a century-old subway we can programme software to simulate futuristic landscapes But the actual landscape around us is almost identical to the 1960s Our ability to do basic things such as protect ourselves from earthquakes and hurricanes to travel and to extend our lifespans is barely increasing
The writers are a former world chess champion and the founder of PayPal Tonight they are participating in an Oxford Martin School debate on technology at the Oxford Union
Garry Kasparov writer and political activist
by Garry Kasparov and Peter Thiel
Peter Thiel president Clarium Capital
LAST CALL on Space Deadline is November 14
November 30 ARTBA Webinar 2013 Transportation Construction Market Forecast amp Election Analysis and Legislative Update
Registration ARTBA Members $300 Non-Members $425Register at wwwartbastoreorg or contact ARTBArsquos Brie Johnson 202-289-4434 or bjohnsonartbaorg
ARTBA Senior Vice President of Govern-ment Relations Dave Bauer joined the association in 1997 after spending seven years on Capitol Hill as a key staffer on the Senate Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee He has extensive expertise
on federal transportation capital investment issues and programmatic improvements and leads ARTBArsquos direct lobbying grassroots initiatives and policy develop-ment
BONUS Paid participants will receive a comprehensive 55-page analysis containing ARTBArsquos 2013 national forecast and state-by-state market outlook
ARTBArsquos Chief Economist Dr Alison Pre-mo Black earned her doctorate from The George Washington University She rou-tinely develops ARTBArsquos economic prod-ucts reports and state studies and has conducted numerous studies examining
national and state transportation funding and invest-ment patterns
5ARTBA Washington Newsline
ARTBA News
Download a PDF copy of the digital ldquoWashington Newslinerdquo
2013 Leadership Directory amp Buyersrsquo Guide
Promote your firmrsquos products before thousands of the nationrsquos top transportation contractors engineers public officials materials suppliers manufacturers safety professionals and researchers and educators
The annual ARTBA Leadership Directory amp Buyersrsquo Guide which helps keep members connected is the most frequently utilized resource throughout the year
It contains a definitive listing of ldquowhorsquos whordquo in the US transportation design and construction industry It features contact information for the associationrsquos top leaders including officers the board division presidents state chapter executives and past chairmen And it has rosters of the various ARTBA committees councils and Young executive Development Program fellows
The comprehensive Buyersrsquo Guidemdashavailable in both print and digitallymdashalso provides opportunities for companies to reach key industry decision makers with
additional information about their products and services
view the full range of advertising rates and buyersrsquo guide options or contact ARTBArsquos Director of Sales Peter embrey at 2022894434 for more information
TRANSPORTATION DESIGN amp CONSTRUCTION LEADERSHIP DIRECTORY amp BUYERS GUIDE
2013
chairmanmdashan exception that has not been frequently granted by Republican leadership
As always ARTBA will keep you updated as the House and Senate announce party and committee leadership decisions
ARTBA Calls for Flexibility in Procurement in Engineering Services
ARTBA urged the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) November 5 to work to ensure a proposed rule relating to the procurement of design and engineering services provides state departments of transportation sufficient flexibility to deliver needed transportation improvements in an environment of increasing fiscal constraints ARTBA specifically recommended elimination of a provision in the proposed rule that would
preclude private sector firms that had entered into program management agreements with a public agency from being able to perform routine activities related to the implementation of those programs ARTBA pointed out external limitations on these mutually beneficial public-private arrangements could dilute the potential benefits to both sides ARTBA further noted ldquothe wide array of transportation and budgetary challenges that exist among the states warrants a federal approach to implementation that emphasizes outcomes and flexibility over top-down managementrdquo
Read ARTBArsquos full comments
Our Dangerous Illusion of Tech Progress
The genuine progress in IT from the 1970s up to the 2000s masked the relative stagnation of energy transportation space materials agriculture and medicine IT enabled the processes of globalisation and efficient management that delivered economic growth without increasing
real median wages But it also induced a misleading sensation of technological acceleration We can now use our phones to send cute kitten photos around the world or watch episodes of The Jetsons while riding a century-old subway we can programme software to simulate futuristic landscapes But the actual landscape around us is almost identical to the 1960s Our ability to do basic things such as protect ourselves from earthquakes and hurricanes to travel and to extend our lifespans is barely increasing
The writers are a former world chess champion and the founder of PayPal Tonight they are participating in an Oxford Martin School debate on technology at the Oxford Union
Garry Kasparov writer and political activist
by Garry Kasparov and Peter Thiel
Peter Thiel president Clarium Capital
LAST CALL on Space Deadline is November 14
November 30 ARTBA Webinar 2013 Transportation Construction Market Forecast amp Election Analysis and Legislative Update
Registration ARTBA Members $300 Non-Members $425Register at wwwartbastoreorg or contact ARTBArsquos Brie Johnson 202-289-4434 or bjohnsonartbaorg
ARTBA Senior Vice President of Govern-ment Relations Dave Bauer joined the association in 1997 after spending seven years on Capitol Hill as a key staffer on the Senate Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee He has extensive expertise
on federal transportation capital investment issues and programmatic improvements and leads ARTBArsquos direct lobbying grassroots initiatives and policy develop-ment
BONUS Paid participants will receive a comprehensive 55-page analysis containing ARTBArsquos 2013 national forecast and state-by-state market outlook
ARTBArsquos Chief Economist Dr Alison Pre-mo Black earned her doctorate from The George Washington University She rou-tinely develops ARTBArsquos economic prod-ucts reports and state studies and has conducted numerous studies examining
national and state transportation funding and invest-ment patterns
November 30 ARTBA Webinar 2013 Transportation Construction Market Forecast amp Election Analysis and Legislative Update
Registration ARTBA Members $300 Non-Members $425Register at wwwartbastoreorg or contact ARTBArsquos Brie Johnson 202-289-4434 or bjohnsonartbaorg
ARTBA Senior Vice President of Govern-ment Relations Dave Bauer joined the association in 1997 after spending seven years on Capitol Hill as a key staffer on the Senate Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee He has extensive expertise
on federal transportation capital investment issues and programmatic improvements and leads ARTBArsquos direct lobbying grassroots initiatives and policy develop-ment
BONUS Paid participants will receive a comprehensive 55-page analysis containing ARTBArsquos 2013 national forecast and state-by-state market outlook
ARTBArsquos Chief Economist Dr Alison Pre-mo Black earned her doctorate from The George Washington University She rou-tinely develops ARTBArsquos economic prod-ucts reports and state studies and has conducted numerous studies examining
national and state transportation funding and invest-ment patterns
