Dec. 14 ARTBA Webinar on “Construction Manager General Contractor” Register Today! ARTBA Washington Newsline DECEMBER 12, 2011 Newsline Washington Letters Signal Momentum on Reauthorization Continued on page 4 Continued on page 3 Continued on page 2 ADVERTISEMENT Members of both the House of Representatives and Senate continue to signal their interest in moving forward with a surface transportation bill. In the December 6 House letter, 62 Democrats and 49 Republicans expressed support for “a six- year, fully funded and paid-for transportation reauthorization with investments above current levels.” The number of Republicans signing the letter is especially significant in that it represents a large degree of bipartisan support for a reauthorization bill that would increase, as opposed to maintain existing highway and public transportation investment. House Republican leaders have not finalized their multi-year reauthorization bill, and this letter is intended to influence those deliberations. In the Senate, seven GOP members of the Senate Finance Committee wrote December 2 to Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) expressing their willingness to work to develop a bipartisan revenue package that supports the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee reauthorization proposal, which would authorize investment at current levels (plus inflation since 2009) for two years. The letter included suggestions on how to bridge the $12-13 billion gap between the EPW bill and current Highway Trust Fund receipts. Each of these developments emphasizes the importance of maintaining activism by our industry to highlight the need to complete the reauthorization Heritage Construction & Materials: Building America’s Transportation Network U.S. Traffic Fatalities Hit 60-Year Low The U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) December 8 announced that U.S. highway deaths in 2010 fell to 32,885, the lowest level since 1949. The decline occurred even as American drivers traveled nearly 46 billion more miles during the year, an increase of 1.6 percent over the 2009 level. “While we have more work to do to continue to protect American motorists, these numbers show we’re House Panel Questions Administration’s HSR Choices The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee December 6 held a hearing to largely critique the Obama Administration’s implementation of their $10 billion high-speed rail initiative. Several witnesses criticized the Administration for spreading the money thinly across many small projects to make incremental improvements, rather than
Transcript
Dec 14 ARTBA Webinar on ldquoConstruction Manager General Contractorrdquo Register Today
ARTBA Washington Newsline
D E C E M B E R 1 2 2 0 1 1
NewslineWashington
Letters Signal Momentum on Reauthorization
Continued on page 4
Continued on page 3
Continued on page 2
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
Members of both the House of Representatives and Senate continue to signal their interest in moving forward with a surface transportation bill In the December 6 House letter 62 Democrats and 49 Republicans expressed support for ldquoa six-year fully funded and paid-for transportation reauthorization with investments above current levelsrdquo The number of Republicans signing the letter is especially significant in that it represents a large degree of bipartisan support for a reauthorization bill that would
increase as opposed to maintain existing highway and public transportation investment House Republican leaders have not finalized their multi-year reauthorization bill and this letter is intended to influence those deliberations
In the Senate seven GOP members of the Senate Finance Committee wrote December 2 to Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont) expressing their willingness to work to develop a bipartisan revenue package that supports the Senate Environment and Public
Works (EPW) Committee reauthorization proposal which would authorize investment at current levels (plus inflation since 2009) for two years The letter included suggestions on how to bridge the $12-13 billion gap between the EPW bill and current Highway Trust Fund receipts
Each of these developments emphasizes the importance of maintaining activism by our industry to highlight the need to complete the reauthorization
Heritage Construction amp Materials Building Americarsquos Transportation Network
US Traffic Fatalities Hit 60-Year LowThe US Department of Transportation (US DOT) December 8 announced that US highway deaths in 2010 fell to 32885 the lowest level since 1949 The decline occurred even as American drivers traveled nearly 46 billion more miles during the year an increase of 16 percent over the 2009 level
ldquoWhile we have more work to do to continue to protect American motorists these numbers show wersquore
House Panel Questions Administrationrsquos HSR ChoicesThe House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee December 6 held a hearing to largely critique the Obama Administrationrsquos implementation of their $10 billion high-speed rail initiative Several witnesses criticized the Administration for spreading the money thinly across many small projects to make incremental improvements rather than
2 ARTBA Washington Newsline
Upcoming EventsVisit our Events Page for more information
2012Transportation Construction Project Management Academy January 30 - February 3Washington DC
4th Annual Construction Law amp Regulatory ForumApril TBDWashington DC
CUTC National Transportation Workforce SummitApril 24-26Washington DC
Federal Issues Program amp TCC Fly-InMay 29 - 31 Washington DC
Young Executive Development ProgramMay 29 - June 1Washington DC
TransOvation WorkshopJuly 25-27Leesburg Va
National ConventionSeptember 11ndash14 Memphis Tenn
P3s in Transportation ConferenceOctober 11ndash12 Washington DC
2012
ND
SD WY
ID
MO
IA
MN
WI
NE
KS CO
OK AR
MS AL
SC
NM
TN
KY
NC
VA
OH PA
NY
ME
MD UT NV
AZ
OR
WA
MT
TX
FL
VT
NH
MA
RI CT
NJ
DE
DC
Highway amp Bridge Contract Awards FY 2011 versus FY 2010
Source ARTBA analysis of McGraw Hill Data Fiscal Year is October 1 through September 30
Today from 100 - 230 pm EST ARTBArsquos senior economist and top lobbyist will provide a ldquobehind the scenesrdquo look at the political and economic factors that could impact the transportation design and construction market sector in 2012 The chart below offers a preview of the information they will share Register now
Continued from page 1
making historic progress when it comes to improving safety on our nationrsquos roadwaysrdquo US DOT Secretary Ray LaHood said ldquoThanks to the tireless work of our safety agencies and partner organizations over the past few decades to save lives and reduce injuries wersquore saving lives reducing injuries and building the foundation for what we hope will be even greater success in the futurerdquo
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said 2010 was the lowest fatality rate ever recorded with 110 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled down from 115 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled in 2009 The agency noted however that fatalities rose among pedestrians motorcycle riders and large truck occupants
2010 Traffic Fatality Rate Lowest on Record
Last Chance to Register 2012 Economic Forecast Webinar Today
3ARTBA Washington Newsline
Products amp Services
Purchase the ARTBA Highway Construction Salary amp Wage Guide
As you plan for your 2012 budgets and consider your personnel needs you will want to purchase the most comprehensive guide providing salary and wage information for 112 occupations in the transportation design and construction industry including management engineering construction finance administrative and safety-related positions
The ldquo2011 US Highway Street amp Bridge Construction Salary amp Hourly Wage Guidesrdquo utilize just released US Department of Labor data for national state urban and rural areas so that you can benchmark your companyrsquos wages against competitors
Check out a sample report Order the national or state guides Contact ARTBArsquos Peter Embrey with questions
Vermont Road Repair Highlights Industry Contributions
The transportation construction industryrsquos public image has taken its share of hits over the years but a December 5 page 1 story in the ldquoNew York Timesrdquo ldquoVermont Rebounding Quickly from Hurricane Irenerdquo highlights the many positive contributions the industry makes in the wake of natural disasters
After the storm washed-out many of Vermontrsquos roads this summer the state worked quickly with ldquolegions of contractorsrdquo to repair corridors like Route 107 before the economically crucial fall foliage and winter ski seasons
ldquoIn the three months since Hurricane Irene the state repaired and reopened some 500 miles of damaged road replaced a dozen bridges with temporary structures and repaired about 200 altogetherhellipVermontrsquos success in repairing roads while keeping the state open for tourism is a story of bold action and high-tech innovationrdquo reporter John Schwartz wrote
ldquoWhile many Americans have come to wonder whether the nation has lost the ability to fix its ailing infrastructure or do big things lsquothey havenrsquot been to Vermontrsquo said Megan Smith the statersquos commissioner of tourism and marketingrdquo Read the full story
Continued from page 1
bill Members of Congress are getting ready to spend significant time in their home states over the holidays and we urge you to set up a meeting with your elected officials and ask them to support moving forward with the reauthorization process If you have any questions on meeting with your elected officials please contact ARTBArsquos Hank Webster at 2022894434
Members Break Silence on Transportation Bill
ARTBA and its FHWA Work Zone Safety Training partners are releasing a series of nine ldquoGuidance Documentsrdquo to provide contractors roadway owners designers and others with industry ldquobest practicesrdquo to improve safety and productivity during construction and maintenance operations
Over the next nine weeks in the ldquoWashington Newslinerdquo we will provide links to PDF files that can be downloaded printed and distributed free of charge This weekrsquos guidance is ldquoGuidelines on Payment for Temporary Traffic Controlrdquo
ldquoBest Safety Practicesrdquo Guidance Available
4 ARTBA Washington Newsline
Overheard
ldquo rdquo
TRB Newsletter December 6 2011ARTBA is pleased to make available another service for members that highlights new research technologies industry best practices and information resources available to the transportation design and construction industry This material comes from the Transportation Research Board Read the most recent newsletter
Fostering Innovation
Legislative amp Regulatory News
Foundation News
Submit Your 2012 ldquoGloberdquo amp ldquoPride Awardrdquo Nominations ARTBArsquos Transportation Development Foundation (ARTBA-TDF) announced December 9 that it is now accepting nominations for the 2012 ldquoPRIDErdquo and ldquoGlobe Awardsrdquo
First given in 1999 the annual PRIDE Awards celebrate community relations and public education of transportation construction projects that enhance the image of the industry The award is presented in two categories ldquoCommunity Relationsrdquo which honors programs that demonstrate
ldquoAmerican Road and Transportation Builders Association President and CEO Pete Ruane leads a large and dedicated staff at the oldest transportation construction association in the country Hersquos a fiery yet articulate advocate for project streamlining and increased federal support His group is a powerful voice shaping the highway debaterdquoFrom a December 5 ldquoTransportation Forecastrdquo story by Adam Snider in ldquoPoliticordquo
positive civic involvement within a community where a transportation project takes place and ldquoPublic-Media RelationsEducationrdquo which pays tribute to programs that educate the public and opinion leaders about the significant contributions the industry makes to the quality of life in America
Established in 1998 the annual Globe Awards highlight examples of transportation construction industry excellence in environmental protection This award is presented in two categories ldquoProject Awardsrdquo which recognizes private-sector firms and public-sector agencies that do an outstanding job of protecting or enhancing the natural environment during the planning design and construction of transportation projects and ldquoProcess Awardsrdquo which honor companies that have exhibited environmentally responsible practices during manufacturing production resource extraction or other processes
To obtain a copy of the awards application forms visit the ARTBA-TDF website or contact ARTBArsquos Awards Program Manager Holly Bolton
According to new Federal Highway Administration data travel on all roads and streets decreased by 15 percent or
September Vehicle Miles Trails 2010 Figures
investing heavily in a single corridormdashnamely the Northeast Corridor (NEC) between Boston Mass and Washington DC The panel also called upon the Administration to open up the Northeast Corridor to private investment as a way to encourage the development of true high-speed railmdashwhich the panel considers average speeds of over 150 miles per hour (mph) Amtrakrsquos Acela train which claims high-speed rail status has a maximum speed of 150 mph but an average speed of 72 mph throughout the NEC route
US Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood defended the Administrationrsquos implementation of the high-speed rail program by referencing the hundreds of improvements being made to the nationrsquos rail infrastructure across the nation which otherwise would have gone unaddressed LaHood also invoked the Administrationrsquos vision of providing high-speed rail access to 80 percent of Americans within 25 years House Railroads Subcommittee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-Pa) countered ldquoI support high-speed rail where it makes sense but the Presidentrsquos vision of providing 80 percent of Americans with access to high-speed rail is unnecessary and isnrsquot going to happenrdquo
37 billion vehicle miles in September 2011 compared to the previous year Additionally total travel for 2011 is behind 2010 figures by 13 percent or 298 billion vehicle miles compared to the first nine months of last year The September datamdashthe most recent availablemdashrepresents seven consecutive monthly decreases in year-to-year vehicle miles travelled
TampI Committee critiques Administrationrsquos HSR ProgramContinued from page 1
5ARTBA Washington Newsline
Download a PDF copy of the digital ldquoWashington Newslinerdquo
infrastructure needs is foremost to our interstate commerce safety security and global competitiveness Our best-regarded presidents supported infrastructure and fully understood what America would get in return for its investments From George Washingtonrsquos survey work for the first proposed national road that traced a path similar to todayrsquos Interstate 70 from Maryland to Indiana to Thomas Jeffersonrsquos promotion of the development of the nationrsquos early canals to Abraham Lincolnrsquos support of the construction of the transcontinental railroad our greatest political leaders have long known that a strong infrastructure system promotes a more nimble military creates jobs sparks economic development and advances Americarsquos competitiveness in the international marketplace
Contemporary presidents and infrastructure proponents such as Dwight Eisenhower Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton also understood such investments provide an outstanding return and that there needs to be a source of revenue to pay for them Under President Eisenhower the National Defense Highway System began funded by a gas tax that later turned into our current interstate highway system that is so vital to our economy Revenue increases to the Highway Trust Fund occurred during both President Reagan and President Clintonrsquos administrations President Reagan said in signing the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982 ldquoThe state of our transportation system affects our commerce our economy and our futurerdquo All three of these presidents saw the need to fund transportation and all three administrations moved the economy of the United States in a positive direction
Our elected officials and all Americans can help shape the nationrsquos transportation future while contributing to our nationrsquos economy and prosperity Congress has the opportunity to envision what ldquocould berdquomdasha new multimodal transportation plan that incorporates highways rail air and water That vision can start with a robust highway and transit bill with adequate investment levels and needed
policy reforms that will allow us to move our transportation infrastructure program forward Quite frankly the status quo in terms of investment and how we meet national priorities is just as unacceptable as the current performance of the nationrsquos surface transportation network America could be home to an integrated multimodal transportation network connecting our ports and manufacturing areas with raw materials and moving goods in a cost-effective manner while transporting people safely and efficiently all within the context of protecting the environment
Healthy infrastructure supports a healthy economy attracting new employers and improving the overall quality of life in our communities We consistently see paybacks along the roads rails and bridges that get us to our workplaces schools and other destinations These dividendsmdashsafe secure efficient transportationmdashpay us back in our day-to-day lives well in excess of every dollar we invest in them In fact Moodyrsquos estimates every additional dollar spent on infrastructure generates a $144 increase in gross domestic product
For these reasons alone the transportation industry should not simply accept fewer federal dollars in the future and the American public should not accept deterioration of the infrastructure they rely on People are willing to pay when they know what they will get in return and that there will be accountability in delivering it More than 70 percent of local infrastructure funding issues have passed in approximately the last five years Congress needs to hear this
Even in an era of limited resources the demand for true infrastructure investment remains high Itrsquos time to innovate to bring all forms of funding financing and technology-based tools to the table Itrsquos time to change the process of how we plan and deliver infrastructure projects Itrsquos time to change the conversationmdashand keep moving forward working diligently for everything we can get until we get what we want to keep America safe mobile and economically competitive End of conversation
Reprinted from HNTBrsquos Viewpoints
As the debate over jobs and funding drags on it has occurred to me as well as many other transportation professionals that we need to change our position on the subject of maintaining and improving our nationrsquos infrastructure Itrsquos painfully clear our transportation inventory is aging and our country needs to be more resilient against natural and manmade disasters We know globalization is driving a need for better intermodal connections to encourage trademdash that our economy is challenged and job creation is paramountmdashand we must meet these demands or fall behind Until recently our arguments for funding transportation have necessarily centered solely around all of these critical needs Our industry has centered the discussion around what the American people wonrsquot have without action by our political leaders
While this funding uncertainty has caused many state departments of transportation to postpone or cancel vital projects and related jobs our message has yet to motivate politicians to compromise on a multiyear reauthorization bill Recent activity by the House and Senate to move a transportation bill forward is encouraging However that movement is tempered by recent appropriation activities that reduce last yearrsquos funding to states by $2 billion dollars putting 50000 to 70000 jobs in jeopardy We need congressional action that creates jobs not reduces them
Letrsquos continue this trend to redirect the conversation by creating a sense of urgency Rather than sending out distress calls we need to emphasize and illustrate infrastructurersquos return on investment ROI is something everyone understands and values
The historic precedent and constitutional mandate is clearmdashmeeting our nationrsquos
ldquoChanging the Conversationrdquo Time to focus on how transportation investment pays back America
Today from 100 - 230 pm EST ARTBArsquos senior economist and top lobbyist will provide a ldquobehind the scenesrdquo look at the political and economic factors that could impact the transportation design and construction market sector in 2012 The chart below offers a preview of the information they will share Register now
Continued from page 1
making historic progress when it comes to improving safety on our nationrsquos roadwaysrdquo US DOT Secretary Ray LaHood said ldquoThanks to the tireless work of our safety agencies and partner organizations over the past few decades to save lives and reduce injuries wersquore saving lives reducing injuries and building the foundation for what we hope will be even greater success in the futurerdquo
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said 2010 was the lowest fatality rate ever recorded with 110 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled down from 115 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled in 2009 The agency noted however that fatalities rose among pedestrians motorcycle riders and large truck occupants
2010 Traffic Fatality Rate Lowest on Record
Last Chance to Register 2012 Economic Forecast Webinar Today
3ARTBA Washington Newsline
Products amp Services
Purchase the ARTBA Highway Construction Salary amp Wage Guide
As you plan for your 2012 budgets and consider your personnel needs you will want to purchase the most comprehensive guide providing salary and wage information for 112 occupations in the transportation design and construction industry including management engineering construction finance administrative and safety-related positions
The ldquo2011 US Highway Street amp Bridge Construction Salary amp Hourly Wage Guidesrdquo utilize just released US Department of Labor data for national state urban and rural areas so that you can benchmark your companyrsquos wages against competitors
Check out a sample report Order the national or state guides Contact ARTBArsquos Peter Embrey with questions
Vermont Road Repair Highlights Industry Contributions
The transportation construction industryrsquos public image has taken its share of hits over the years but a December 5 page 1 story in the ldquoNew York Timesrdquo ldquoVermont Rebounding Quickly from Hurricane Irenerdquo highlights the many positive contributions the industry makes in the wake of natural disasters
After the storm washed-out many of Vermontrsquos roads this summer the state worked quickly with ldquolegions of contractorsrdquo to repair corridors like Route 107 before the economically crucial fall foliage and winter ski seasons
ldquoIn the three months since Hurricane Irene the state repaired and reopened some 500 miles of damaged road replaced a dozen bridges with temporary structures and repaired about 200 altogetherhellipVermontrsquos success in repairing roads while keeping the state open for tourism is a story of bold action and high-tech innovationrdquo reporter John Schwartz wrote
ldquoWhile many Americans have come to wonder whether the nation has lost the ability to fix its ailing infrastructure or do big things lsquothey havenrsquot been to Vermontrsquo said Megan Smith the statersquos commissioner of tourism and marketingrdquo Read the full story
Continued from page 1
bill Members of Congress are getting ready to spend significant time in their home states over the holidays and we urge you to set up a meeting with your elected officials and ask them to support moving forward with the reauthorization process If you have any questions on meeting with your elected officials please contact ARTBArsquos Hank Webster at 2022894434
Members Break Silence on Transportation Bill
ARTBA and its FHWA Work Zone Safety Training partners are releasing a series of nine ldquoGuidance Documentsrdquo to provide contractors roadway owners designers and others with industry ldquobest practicesrdquo to improve safety and productivity during construction and maintenance operations
Over the next nine weeks in the ldquoWashington Newslinerdquo we will provide links to PDF files that can be downloaded printed and distributed free of charge This weekrsquos guidance is ldquoGuidelines on Payment for Temporary Traffic Controlrdquo
ldquoBest Safety Practicesrdquo Guidance Available
4 ARTBA Washington Newsline
Overheard
ldquo rdquo
TRB Newsletter December 6 2011ARTBA is pleased to make available another service for members that highlights new research technologies industry best practices and information resources available to the transportation design and construction industry This material comes from the Transportation Research Board Read the most recent newsletter
Fostering Innovation
Legislative amp Regulatory News
Foundation News
Submit Your 2012 ldquoGloberdquo amp ldquoPride Awardrdquo Nominations ARTBArsquos Transportation Development Foundation (ARTBA-TDF) announced December 9 that it is now accepting nominations for the 2012 ldquoPRIDErdquo and ldquoGlobe Awardsrdquo
First given in 1999 the annual PRIDE Awards celebrate community relations and public education of transportation construction projects that enhance the image of the industry The award is presented in two categories ldquoCommunity Relationsrdquo which honors programs that demonstrate
ldquoAmerican Road and Transportation Builders Association President and CEO Pete Ruane leads a large and dedicated staff at the oldest transportation construction association in the country Hersquos a fiery yet articulate advocate for project streamlining and increased federal support His group is a powerful voice shaping the highway debaterdquoFrom a December 5 ldquoTransportation Forecastrdquo story by Adam Snider in ldquoPoliticordquo
positive civic involvement within a community where a transportation project takes place and ldquoPublic-Media RelationsEducationrdquo which pays tribute to programs that educate the public and opinion leaders about the significant contributions the industry makes to the quality of life in America
Established in 1998 the annual Globe Awards highlight examples of transportation construction industry excellence in environmental protection This award is presented in two categories ldquoProject Awardsrdquo which recognizes private-sector firms and public-sector agencies that do an outstanding job of protecting or enhancing the natural environment during the planning design and construction of transportation projects and ldquoProcess Awardsrdquo which honor companies that have exhibited environmentally responsible practices during manufacturing production resource extraction or other processes
To obtain a copy of the awards application forms visit the ARTBA-TDF website or contact ARTBArsquos Awards Program Manager Holly Bolton
According to new Federal Highway Administration data travel on all roads and streets decreased by 15 percent or
September Vehicle Miles Trails 2010 Figures
investing heavily in a single corridormdashnamely the Northeast Corridor (NEC) between Boston Mass and Washington DC The panel also called upon the Administration to open up the Northeast Corridor to private investment as a way to encourage the development of true high-speed railmdashwhich the panel considers average speeds of over 150 miles per hour (mph) Amtrakrsquos Acela train which claims high-speed rail status has a maximum speed of 150 mph but an average speed of 72 mph throughout the NEC route
US Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood defended the Administrationrsquos implementation of the high-speed rail program by referencing the hundreds of improvements being made to the nationrsquos rail infrastructure across the nation which otherwise would have gone unaddressed LaHood also invoked the Administrationrsquos vision of providing high-speed rail access to 80 percent of Americans within 25 years House Railroads Subcommittee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-Pa) countered ldquoI support high-speed rail where it makes sense but the Presidentrsquos vision of providing 80 percent of Americans with access to high-speed rail is unnecessary and isnrsquot going to happenrdquo
37 billion vehicle miles in September 2011 compared to the previous year Additionally total travel for 2011 is behind 2010 figures by 13 percent or 298 billion vehicle miles compared to the first nine months of last year The September datamdashthe most recent availablemdashrepresents seven consecutive monthly decreases in year-to-year vehicle miles travelled
TampI Committee critiques Administrationrsquos HSR ProgramContinued from page 1
5ARTBA Washington Newsline
Download a PDF copy of the digital ldquoWashington Newslinerdquo
infrastructure needs is foremost to our interstate commerce safety security and global competitiveness Our best-regarded presidents supported infrastructure and fully understood what America would get in return for its investments From George Washingtonrsquos survey work for the first proposed national road that traced a path similar to todayrsquos Interstate 70 from Maryland to Indiana to Thomas Jeffersonrsquos promotion of the development of the nationrsquos early canals to Abraham Lincolnrsquos support of the construction of the transcontinental railroad our greatest political leaders have long known that a strong infrastructure system promotes a more nimble military creates jobs sparks economic development and advances Americarsquos competitiveness in the international marketplace
Contemporary presidents and infrastructure proponents such as Dwight Eisenhower Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton also understood such investments provide an outstanding return and that there needs to be a source of revenue to pay for them Under President Eisenhower the National Defense Highway System began funded by a gas tax that later turned into our current interstate highway system that is so vital to our economy Revenue increases to the Highway Trust Fund occurred during both President Reagan and President Clintonrsquos administrations President Reagan said in signing the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982 ldquoThe state of our transportation system affects our commerce our economy and our futurerdquo All three of these presidents saw the need to fund transportation and all three administrations moved the economy of the United States in a positive direction
Our elected officials and all Americans can help shape the nationrsquos transportation future while contributing to our nationrsquos economy and prosperity Congress has the opportunity to envision what ldquocould berdquomdasha new multimodal transportation plan that incorporates highways rail air and water That vision can start with a robust highway and transit bill with adequate investment levels and needed
policy reforms that will allow us to move our transportation infrastructure program forward Quite frankly the status quo in terms of investment and how we meet national priorities is just as unacceptable as the current performance of the nationrsquos surface transportation network America could be home to an integrated multimodal transportation network connecting our ports and manufacturing areas with raw materials and moving goods in a cost-effective manner while transporting people safely and efficiently all within the context of protecting the environment
Healthy infrastructure supports a healthy economy attracting new employers and improving the overall quality of life in our communities We consistently see paybacks along the roads rails and bridges that get us to our workplaces schools and other destinations These dividendsmdashsafe secure efficient transportationmdashpay us back in our day-to-day lives well in excess of every dollar we invest in them In fact Moodyrsquos estimates every additional dollar spent on infrastructure generates a $144 increase in gross domestic product
For these reasons alone the transportation industry should not simply accept fewer federal dollars in the future and the American public should not accept deterioration of the infrastructure they rely on People are willing to pay when they know what they will get in return and that there will be accountability in delivering it More than 70 percent of local infrastructure funding issues have passed in approximately the last five years Congress needs to hear this
Even in an era of limited resources the demand for true infrastructure investment remains high Itrsquos time to innovate to bring all forms of funding financing and technology-based tools to the table Itrsquos time to change the process of how we plan and deliver infrastructure projects Itrsquos time to change the conversationmdashand keep moving forward working diligently for everything we can get until we get what we want to keep America safe mobile and economically competitive End of conversation
Reprinted from HNTBrsquos Viewpoints
As the debate over jobs and funding drags on it has occurred to me as well as many other transportation professionals that we need to change our position on the subject of maintaining and improving our nationrsquos infrastructure Itrsquos painfully clear our transportation inventory is aging and our country needs to be more resilient against natural and manmade disasters We know globalization is driving a need for better intermodal connections to encourage trademdash that our economy is challenged and job creation is paramountmdashand we must meet these demands or fall behind Until recently our arguments for funding transportation have necessarily centered solely around all of these critical needs Our industry has centered the discussion around what the American people wonrsquot have without action by our political leaders
While this funding uncertainty has caused many state departments of transportation to postpone or cancel vital projects and related jobs our message has yet to motivate politicians to compromise on a multiyear reauthorization bill Recent activity by the House and Senate to move a transportation bill forward is encouraging However that movement is tempered by recent appropriation activities that reduce last yearrsquos funding to states by $2 billion dollars putting 50000 to 70000 jobs in jeopardy We need congressional action that creates jobs not reduces them
Letrsquos continue this trend to redirect the conversation by creating a sense of urgency Rather than sending out distress calls we need to emphasize and illustrate infrastructurersquos return on investment ROI is something everyone understands and values
The historic precedent and constitutional mandate is clearmdashmeeting our nationrsquos
ldquoChanging the Conversationrdquo Time to focus on how transportation investment pays back America
Purchase the ARTBA Highway Construction Salary amp Wage Guide
As you plan for your 2012 budgets and consider your personnel needs you will want to purchase the most comprehensive guide providing salary and wage information for 112 occupations in the transportation design and construction industry including management engineering construction finance administrative and safety-related positions
The ldquo2011 US Highway Street amp Bridge Construction Salary amp Hourly Wage Guidesrdquo utilize just released US Department of Labor data for national state urban and rural areas so that you can benchmark your companyrsquos wages against competitors
Check out a sample report Order the national or state guides Contact ARTBArsquos Peter Embrey with questions
Vermont Road Repair Highlights Industry Contributions
The transportation construction industryrsquos public image has taken its share of hits over the years but a December 5 page 1 story in the ldquoNew York Timesrdquo ldquoVermont Rebounding Quickly from Hurricane Irenerdquo highlights the many positive contributions the industry makes in the wake of natural disasters
After the storm washed-out many of Vermontrsquos roads this summer the state worked quickly with ldquolegions of contractorsrdquo to repair corridors like Route 107 before the economically crucial fall foliage and winter ski seasons
ldquoIn the three months since Hurricane Irene the state repaired and reopened some 500 miles of damaged road replaced a dozen bridges with temporary structures and repaired about 200 altogetherhellipVermontrsquos success in repairing roads while keeping the state open for tourism is a story of bold action and high-tech innovationrdquo reporter John Schwartz wrote
ldquoWhile many Americans have come to wonder whether the nation has lost the ability to fix its ailing infrastructure or do big things lsquothey havenrsquot been to Vermontrsquo said Megan Smith the statersquos commissioner of tourism and marketingrdquo Read the full story
Continued from page 1
bill Members of Congress are getting ready to spend significant time in their home states over the holidays and we urge you to set up a meeting with your elected officials and ask them to support moving forward with the reauthorization process If you have any questions on meeting with your elected officials please contact ARTBArsquos Hank Webster at 2022894434
Members Break Silence on Transportation Bill
ARTBA and its FHWA Work Zone Safety Training partners are releasing a series of nine ldquoGuidance Documentsrdquo to provide contractors roadway owners designers and others with industry ldquobest practicesrdquo to improve safety and productivity during construction and maintenance operations
Over the next nine weeks in the ldquoWashington Newslinerdquo we will provide links to PDF files that can be downloaded printed and distributed free of charge This weekrsquos guidance is ldquoGuidelines on Payment for Temporary Traffic Controlrdquo
ldquoBest Safety Practicesrdquo Guidance Available
4 ARTBA Washington Newsline
Overheard
ldquo rdquo
TRB Newsletter December 6 2011ARTBA is pleased to make available another service for members that highlights new research technologies industry best practices and information resources available to the transportation design and construction industry This material comes from the Transportation Research Board Read the most recent newsletter
Fostering Innovation
Legislative amp Regulatory News
Foundation News
Submit Your 2012 ldquoGloberdquo amp ldquoPride Awardrdquo Nominations ARTBArsquos Transportation Development Foundation (ARTBA-TDF) announced December 9 that it is now accepting nominations for the 2012 ldquoPRIDErdquo and ldquoGlobe Awardsrdquo
First given in 1999 the annual PRIDE Awards celebrate community relations and public education of transportation construction projects that enhance the image of the industry The award is presented in two categories ldquoCommunity Relationsrdquo which honors programs that demonstrate
ldquoAmerican Road and Transportation Builders Association President and CEO Pete Ruane leads a large and dedicated staff at the oldest transportation construction association in the country Hersquos a fiery yet articulate advocate for project streamlining and increased federal support His group is a powerful voice shaping the highway debaterdquoFrom a December 5 ldquoTransportation Forecastrdquo story by Adam Snider in ldquoPoliticordquo
positive civic involvement within a community where a transportation project takes place and ldquoPublic-Media RelationsEducationrdquo which pays tribute to programs that educate the public and opinion leaders about the significant contributions the industry makes to the quality of life in America
Established in 1998 the annual Globe Awards highlight examples of transportation construction industry excellence in environmental protection This award is presented in two categories ldquoProject Awardsrdquo which recognizes private-sector firms and public-sector agencies that do an outstanding job of protecting or enhancing the natural environment during the planning design and construction of transportation projects and ldquoProcess Awardsrdquo which honor companies that have exhibited environmentally responsible practices during manufacturing production resource extraction or other processes
To obtain a copy of the awards application forms visit the ARTBA-TDF website or contact ARTBArsquos Awards Program Manager Holly Bolton
According to new Federal Highway Administration data travel on all roads and streets decreased by 15 percent or
September Vehicle Miles Trails 2010 Figures
investing heavily in a single corridormdashnamely the Northeast Corridor (NEC) between Boston Mass and Washington DC The panel also called upon the Administration to open up the Northeast Corridor to private investment as a way to encourage the development of true high-speed railmdashwhich the panel considers average speeds of over 150 miles per hour (mph) Amtrakrsquos Acela train which claims high-speed rail status has a maximum speed of 150 mph but an average speed of 72 mph throughout the NEC route
US Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood defended the Administrationrsquos implementation of the high-speed rail program by referencing the hundreds of improvements being made to the nationrsquos rail infrastructure across the nation which otherwise would have gone unaddressed LaHood also invoked the Administrationrsquos vision of providing high-speed rail access to 80 percent of Americans within 25 years House Railroads Subcommittee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-Pa) countered ldquoI support high-speed rail where it makes sense but the Presidentrsquos vision of providing 80 percent of Americans with access to high-speed rail is unnecessary and isnrsquot going to happenrdquo
37 billion vehicle miles in September 2011 compared to the previous year Additionally total travel for 2011 is behind 2010 figures by 13 percent or 298 billion vehicle miles compared to the first nine months of last year The September datamdashthe most recent availablemdashrepresents seven consecutive monthly decreases in year-to-year vehicle miles travelled
TampI Committee critiques Administrationrsquos HSR ProgramContinued from page 1
5ARTBA Washington Newsline
Download a PDF copy of the digital ldquoWashington Newslinerdquo
infrastructure needs is foremost to our interstate commerce safety security and global competitiveness Our best-regarded presidents supported infrastructure and fully understood what America would get in return for its investments From George Washingtonrsquos survey work for the first proposed national road that traced a path similar to todayrsquos Interstate 70 from Maryland to Indiana to Thomas Jeffersonrsquos promotion of the development of the nationrsquos early canals to Abraham Lincolnrsquos support of the construction of the transcontinental railroad our greatest political leaders have long known that a strong infrastructure system promotes a more nimble military creates jobs sparks economic development and advances Americarsquos competitiveness in the international marketplace
Contemporary presidents and infrastructure proponents such as Dwight Eisenhower Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton also understood such investments provide an outstanding return and that there needs to be a source of revenue to pay for them Under President Eisenhower the National Defense Highway System began funded by a gas tax that later turned into our current interstate highway system that is so vital to our economy Revenue increases to the Highway Trust Fund occurred during both President Reagan and President Clintonrsquos administrations President Reagan said in signing the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982 ldquoThe state of our transportation system affects our commerce our economy and our futurerdquo All three of these presidents saw the need to fund transportation and all three administrations moved the economy of the United States in a positive direction
Our elected officials and all Americans can help shape the nationrsquos transportation future while contributing to our nationrsquos economy and prosperity Congress has the opportunity to envision what ldquocould berdquomdasha new multimodal transportation plan that incorporates highways rail air and water That vision can start with a robust highway and transit bill with adequate investment levels and needed
policy reforms that will allow us to move our transportation infrastructure program forward Quite frankly the status quo in terms of investment and how we meet national priorities is just as unacceptable as the current performance of the nationrsquos surface transportation network America could be home to an integrated multimodal transportation network connecting our ports and manufacturing areas with raw materials and moving goods in a cost-effective manner while transporting people safely and efficiently all within the context of protecting the environment
Healthy infrastructure supports a healthy economy attracting new employers and improving the overall quality of life in our communities We consistently see paybacks along the roads rails and bridges that get us to our workplaces schools and other destinations These dividendsmdashsafe secure efficient transportationmdashpay us back in our day-to-day lives well in excess of every dollar we invest in them In fact Moodyrsquos estimates every additional dollar spent on infrastructure generates a $144 increase in gross domestic product
For these reasons alone the transportation industry should not simply accept fewer federal dollars in the future and the American public should not accept deterioration of the infrastructure they rely on People are willing to pay when they know what they will get in return and that there will be accountability in delivering it More than 70 percent of local infrastructure funding issues have passed in approximately the last five years Congress needs to hear this
Even in an era of limited resources the demand for true infrastructure investment remains high Itrsquos time to innovate to bring all forms of funding financing and technology-based tools to the table Itrsquos time to change the process of how we plan and deliver infrastructure projects Itrsquos time to change the conversationmdashand keep moving forward working diligently for everything we can get until we get what we want to keep America safe mobile and economically competitive End of conversation
Reprinted from HNTBrsquos Viewpoints
As the debate over jobs and funding drags on it has occurred to me as well as many other transportation professionals that we need to change our position on the subject of maintaining and improving our nationrsquos infrastructure Itrsquos painfully clear our transportation inventory is aging and our country needs to be more resilient against natural and manmade disasters We know globalization is driving a need for better intermodal connections to encourage trademdash that our economy is challenged and job creation is paramountmdashand we must meet these demands or fall behind Until recently our arguments for funding transportation have necessarily centered solely around all of these critical needs Our industry has centered the discussion around what the American people wonrsquot have without action by our political leaders
While this funding uncertainty has caused many state departments of transportation to postpone or cancel vital projects and related jobs our message has yet to motivate politicians to compromise on a multiyear reauthorization bill Recent activity by the House and Senate to move a transportation bill forward is encouraging However that movement is tempered by recent appropriation activities that reduce last yearrsquos funding to states by $2 billion dollars putting 50000 to 70000 jobs in jeopardy We need congressional action that creates jobs not reduces them
Letrsquos continue this trend to redirect the conversation by creating a sense of urgency Rather than sending out distress calls we need to emphasize and illustrate infrastructurersquos return on investment ROI is something everyone understands and values
The historic precedent and constitutional mandate is clearmdashmeeting our nationrsquos
ldquoChanging the Conversationrdquo Time to focus on how transportation investment pays back America
TRB Newsletter December 6 2011ARTBA is pleased to make available another service for members that highlights new research technologies industry best practices and information resources available to the transportation design and construction industry This material comes from the Transportation Research Board Read the most recent newsletter
Fostering Innovation
Legislative amp Regulatory News
Foundation News
Submit Your 2012 ldquoGloberdquo amp ldquoPride Awardrdquo Nominations ARTBArsquos Transportation Development Foundation (ARTBA-TDF) announced December 9 that it is now accepting nominations for the 2012 ldquoPRIDErdquo and ldquoGlobe Awardsrdquo
First given in 1999 the annual PRIDE Awards celebrate community relations and public education of transportation construction projects that enhance the image of the industry The award is presented in two categories ldquoCommunity Relationsrdquo which honors programs that demonstrate
ldquoAmerican Road and Transportation Builders Association President and CEO Pete Ruane leads a large and dedicated staff at the oldest transportation construction association in the country Hersquos a fiery yet articulate advocate for project streamlining and increased federal support His group is a powerful voice shaping the highway debaterdquoFrom a December 5 ldquoTransportation Forecastrdquo story by Adam Snider in ldquoPoliticordquo
positive civic involvement within a community where a transportation project takes place and ldquoPublic-Media RelationsEducationrdquo which pays tribute to programs that educate the public and opinion leaders about the significant contributions the industry makes to the quality of life in America
Established in 1998 the annual Globe Awards highlight examples of transportation construction industry excellence in environmental protection This award is presented in two categories ldquoProject Awardsrdquo which recognizes private-sector firms and public-sector agencies that do an outstanding job of protecting or enhancing the natural environment during the planning design and construction of transportation projects and ldquoProcess Awardsrdquo which honor companies that have exhibited environmentally responsible practices during manufacturing production resource extraction or other processes
To obtain a copy of the awards application forms visit the ARTBA-TDF website or contact ARTBArsquos Awards Program Manager Holly Bolton
According to new Federal Highway Administration data travel on all roads and streets decreased by 15 percent or
September Vehicle Miles Trails 2010 Figures
investing heavily in a single corridormdashnamely the Northeast Corridor (NEC) between Boston Mass and Washington DC The panel also called upon the Administration to open up the Northeast Corridor to private investment as a way to encourage the development of true high-speed railmdashwhich the panel considers average speeds of over 150 miles per hour (mph) Amtrakrsquos Acela train which claims high-speed rail status has a maximum speed of 150 mph but an average speed of 72 mph throughout the NEC route
US Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood defended the Administrationrsquos implementation of the high-speed rail program by referencing the hundreds of improvements being made to the nationrsquos rail infrastructure across the nation which otherwise would have gone unaddressed LaHood also invoked the Administrationrsquos vision of providing high-speed rail access to 80 percent of Americans within 25 years House Railroads Subcommittee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-Pa) countered ldquoI support high-speed rail where it makes sense but the Presidentrsquos vision of providing 80 percent of Americans with access to high-speed rail is unnecessary and isnrsquot going to happenrdquo
37 billion vehicle miles in September 2011 compared to the previous year Additionally total travel for 2011 is behind 2010 figures by 13 percent or 298 billion vehicle miles compared to the first nine months of last year The September datamdashthe most recent availablemdashrepresents seven consecutive monthly decreases in year-to-year vehicle miles travelled
TampI Committee critiques Administrationrsquos HSR ProgramContinued from page 1
5ARTBA Washington Newsline
Download a PDF copy of the digital ldquoWashington Newslinerdquo
infrastructure needs is foremost to our interstate commerce safety security and global competitiveness Our best-regarded presidents supported infrastructure and fully understood what America would get in return for its investments From George Washingtonrsquos survey work for the first proposed national road that traced a path similar to todayrsquos Interstate 70 from Maryland to Indiana to Thomas Jeffersonrsquos promotion of the development of the nationrsquos early canals to Abraham Lincolnrsquos support of the construction of the transcontinental railroad our greatest political leaders have long known that a strong infrastructure system promotes a more nimble military creates jobs sparks economic development and advances Americarsquos competitiveness in the international marketplace
Contemporary presidents and infrastructure proponents such as Dwight Eisenhower Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton also understood such investments provide an outstanding return and that there needs to be a source of revenue to pay for them Under President Eisenhower the National Defense Highway System began funded by a gas tax that later turned into our current interstate highway system that is so vital to our economy Revenue increases to the Highway Trust Fund occurred during both President Reagan and President Clintonrsquos administrations President Reagan said in signing the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982 ldquoThe state of our transportation system affects our commerce our economy and our futurerdquo All three of these presidents saw the need to fund transportation and all three administrations moved the economy of the United States in a positive direction
Our elected officials and all Americans can help shape the nationrsquos transportation future while contributing to our nationrsquos economy and prosperity Congress has the opportunity to envision what ldquocould berdquomdasha new multimodal transportation plan that incorporates highways rail air and water That vision can start with a robust highway and transit bill with adequate investment levels and needed
policy reforms that will allow us to move our transportation infrastructure program forward Quite frankly the status quo in terms of investment and how we meet national priorities is just as unacceptable as the current performance of the nationrsquos surface transportation network America could be home to an integrated multimodal transportation network connecting our ports and manufacturing areas with raw materials and moving goods in a cost-effective manner while transporting people safely and efficiently all within the context of protecting the environment
Healthy infrastructure supports a healthy economy attracting new employers and improving the overall quality of life in our communities We consistently see paybacks along the roads rails and bridges that get us to our workplaces schools and other destinations These dividendsmdashsafe secure efficient transportationmdashpay us back in our day-to-day lives well in excess of every dollar we invest in them In fact Moodyrsquos estimates every additional dollar spent on infrastructure generates a $144 increase in gross domestic product
For these reasons alone the transportation industry should not simply accept fewer federal dollars in the future and the American public should not accept deterioration of the infrastructure they rely on People are willing to pay when they know what they will get in return and that there will be accountability in delivering it More than 70 percent of local infrastructure funding issues have passed in approximately the last five years Congress needs to hear this
Even in an era of limited resources the demand for true infrastructure investment remains high Itrsquos time to innovate to bring all forms of funding financing and technology-based tools to the table Itrsquos time to change the process of how we plan and deliver infrastructure projects Itrsquos time to change the conversationmdashand keep moving forward working diligently for everything we can get until we get what we want to keep America safe mobile and economically competitive End of conversation
Reprinted from HNTBrsquos Viewpoints
As the debate over jobs and funding drags on it has occurred to me as well as many other transportation professionals that we need to change our position on the subject of maintaining and improving our nationrsquos infrastructure Itrsquos painfully clear our transportation inventory is aging and our country needs to be more resilient against natural and manmade disasters We know globalization is driving a need for better intermodal connections to encourage trademdash that our economy is challenged and job creation is paramountmdashand we must meet these demands or fall behind Until recently our arguments for funding transportation have necessarily centered solely around all of these critical needs Our industry has centered the discussion around what the American people wonrsquot have without action by our political leaders
While this funding uncertainty has caused many state departments of transportation to postpone or cancel vital projects and related jobs our message has yet to motivate politicians to compromise on a multiyear reauthorization bill Recent activity by the House and Senate to move a transportation bill forward is encouraging However that movement is tempered by recent appropriation activities that reduce last yearrsquos funding to states by $2 billion dollars putting 50000 to 70000 jobs in jeopardy We need congressional action that creates jobs not reduces them
Letrsquos continue this trend to redirect the conversation by creating a sense of urgency Rather than sending out distress calls we need to emphasize and illustrate infrastructurersquos return on investment ROI is something everyone understands and values
The historic precedent and constitutional mandate is clearmdashmeeting our nationrsquos
ldquoChanging the Conversationrdquo Time to focus on how transportation investment pays back America
Download a PDF copy of the digital ldquoWashington Newslinerdquo
infrastructure needs is foremost to our interstate commerce safety security and global competitiveness Our best-regarded presidents supported infrastructure and fully understood what America would get in return for its investments From George Washingtonrsquos survey work for the first proposed national road that traced a path similar to todayrsquos Interstate 70 from Maryland to Indiana to Thomas Jeffersonrsquos promotion of the development of the nationrsquos early canals to Abraham Lincolnrsquos support of the construction of the transcontinental railroad our greatest political leaders have long known that a strong infrastructure system promotes a more nimble military creates jobs sparks economic development and advances Americarsquos competitiveness in the international marketplace
Contemporary presidents and infrastructure proponents such as Dwight Eisenhower Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton also understood such investments provide an outstanding return and that there needs to be a source of revenue to pay for them Under President Eisenhower the National Defense Highway System began funded by a gas tax that later turned into our current interstate highway system that is so vital to our economy Revenue increases to the Highway Trust Fund occurred during both President Reagan and President Clintonrsquos administrations President Reagan said in signing the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982 ldquoThe state of our transportation system affects our commerce our economy and our futurerdquo All three of these presidents saw the need to fund transportation and all three administrations moved the economy of the United States in a positive direction
Our elected officials and all Americans can help shape the nationrsquos transportation future while contributing to our nationrsquos economy and prosperity Congress has the opportunity to envision what ldquocould berdquomdasha new multimodal transportation plan that incorporates highways rail air and water That vision can start with a robust highway and transit bill with adequate investment levels and needed
policy reforms that will allow us to move our transportation infrastructure program forward Quite frankly the status quo in terms of investment and how we meet national priorities is just as unacceptable as the current performance of the nationrsquos surface transportation network America could be home to an integrated multimodal transportation network connecting our ports and manufacturing areas with raw materials and moving goods in a cost-effective manner while transporting people safely and efficiently all within the context of protecting the environment
Healthy infrastructure supports a healthy economy attracting new employers and improving the overall quality of life in our communities We consistently see paybacks along the roads rails and bridges that get us to our workplaces schools and other destinations These dividendsmdashsafe secure efficient transportationmdashpay us back in our day-to-day lives well in excess of every dollar we invest in them In fact Moodyrsquos estimates every additional dollar spent on infrastructure generates a $144 increase in gross domestic product
For these reasons alone the transportation industry should not simply accept fewer federal dollars in the future and the American public should not accept deterioration of the infrastructure they rely on People are willing to pay when they know what they will get in return and that there will be accountability in delivering it More than 70 percent of local infrastructure funding issues have passed in approximately the last five years Congress needs to hear this
Even in an era of limited resources the demand for true infrastructure investment remains high Itrsquos time to innovate to bring all forms of funding financing and technology-based tools to the table Itrsquos time to change the process of how we plan and deliver infrastructure projects Itrsquos time to change the conversationmdashand keep moving forward working diligently for everything we can get until we get what we want to keep America safe mobile and economically competitive End of conversation
Reprinted from HNTBrsquos Viewpoints
As the debate over jobs and funding drags on it has occurred to me as well as many other transportation professionals that we need to change our position on the subject of maintaining and improving our nationrsquos infrastructure Itrsquos painfully clear our transportation inventory is aging and our country needs to be more resilient against natural and manmade disasters We know globalization is driving a need for better intermodal connections to encourage trademdash that our economy is challenged and job creation is paramountmdashand we must meet these demands or fall behind Until recently our arguments for funding transportation have necessarily centered solely around all of these critical needs Our industry has centered the discussion around what the American people wonrsquot have without action by our political leaders
While this funding uncertainty has caused many state departments of transportation to postpone or cancel vital projects and related jobs our message has yet to motivate politicians to compromise on a multiyear reauthorization bill Recent activity by the House and Senate to move a transportation bill forward is encouraging However that movement is tempered by recent appropriation activities that reduce last yearrsquos funding to states by $2 billion dollars putting 50000 to 70000 jobs in jeopardy We need congressional action that creates jobs not reduces them
Letrsquos continue this trend to redirect the conversation by creating a sense of urgency Rather than sending out distress calls we need to emphasize and illustrate infrastructurersquos return on investment ROI is something everyone understands and values
The historic precedent and constitutional mandate is clearmdashmeeting our nationrsquos
ldquoChanging the Conversationrdquo Time to focus on how transportation investment pays back America
