11_12_news by ARTBA

Newsline Washington

november 12, 2012

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.

In $6 Billion Election, No Sweeping Changes to Party Control

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ElectionComplete, HardWorkBegins 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 Continued on page 3 Follow ARTBA:

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 235200. In the Senate, Democrats were able to add slightly to

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 Continued on page 2

2012 Election Continued from page 1

industry is a key priority. Read ARTBA’s complete analysis of the 2012 election results. ARTBA will begin meeting with newlyelected 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 ARTBA’s Hank Webster.

Watch this one-minute video to learn why you need to attend the 2012 ARTBA Regional Meetings. WESTERN: November 27-28, Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco CENTRAL: November 29-30, Hyatt Rosemont O’Hare Airport, Chicago SOUTHERN: December 3-4, Hilton Atlanta Airport Hotel, Atlanta NORTHEASTERN: December 5-6, Seaport Hotel, Boston

Upcoming Events

2012-13

Visit our Events Page for more information. Project Delivery Academy November 12-14 Washington, D.C. [Add to Calendar]

Western Regional Meeting November 27-28 San Francisco, Calif. [Add to Calendar]

Central Regional Meeting November 29-30 Chicago, Ill. [Add to Calendar]

Southern Regional Meeting December 3-4 Atlanta, Ga. [Add to Calendar]

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Northeastern Regional Meeting December 5-6 Boston, Mass. [Add to Calendar]

2013 Project Management Academy February 4-6 Washington, D.C. [Add to Calendar]

P6 Scheduling Academy February 6-8 Washington, D.C. [Add to Calendar]

Local Transportation Management Virtual Conference May 8-9 Washington, D.C. [Add to Calendar]

Federal Issues Program & TCC Fly-In June 3-5 Washington, D.C. [Add to Calendar]

25th Annual ARTBA P3 Conference July 25-26 Washington, D.C. [Add to Calendar]

ARTBA National Convention September 8-10 Milwaukee, Wisc. [Add to Calendar]

Election Complete Continued from page 1

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 nation’s 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 highincome individuals and spending cuts. House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) made the first advance in a November 7 press conference, saying “Mr. President, the Republican majority in the House of

Representatives stands ready to work with you to do what’s best for our country,” 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 party’s opposition to increasing rates, saying “raising tax rates is unacceptable...it couldn’t even pass the House. I’m not sure it could pass the Senate.” 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 “build consensus around the challenges we can only solve together.” Obama reiterated his position that the nation “can’t 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 taxes…I’m not wedded to every detail of my plan, but I refuse to accept any approach that is not balanced.” 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 “with the establishment of a dedicated and sustainable transportationrelated 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 programs.”

ARTBA 110 th Anniversary: Share Your Memorabilia

Products & Services Join the growing ranks of companies like HCSS Industries that are advertising in ARTBA’s digital Buyers’ Guide.

The year 2012 marks ARTBA’s 110 th year of service to the U.S. transportation design and construction industry. An ARTBA member recently sent us this cover of the “Road Builder News” from December 1940. We started thinking that there must be other similar items out there that ARTBA members have. In particular, we’re looking for interesting and/or old photographs of: •

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HCSS specializes in construction software. Since 1986, we’ve been helping infrastructure contractors streamline their operations through software for estimating, equipment maintenance, safety management, GPS solutions and more.

• • • •

road, bridge, airport, rail, waterway and transit projects under construction; industry professionals at work equipment used in transportation construction; road and airport signs ARTBA conventions, meetings and events; ARTBA leaders; and ARTBA publications.

Please send your items via email or regular mail to ARTBA’s Jenny Ragone or The ARTBA Building, 1219 28th Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. She can also be reached at 202.289.4434. We will include them in future “Washington Newslines.” Thanks in advance for your assistance with this 110 th anniversary-related project!

Contact ARTBA Director of Sales Peter Embrey at 202.289.4434 to become part of the 2013 guide. ARTBA Washington Newsline

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Overheard “The 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 York’s spirit. In Staten Island last week they were bitterly calling it ‘the race through the ruins.’ There is a disconnect.” Columnist Peggy Noon in a Nov. 6 “Wall Street Journal” blog post.

“I 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 assets… I am prepared to take on the tough challenges ahead and ask for your support to serve as chairman.” Rep. Bill Shuster (R-Pa.) in a Nov. 7 letter to his colleagues officially declaring his candidacy for chairman of the House T&I Committee.

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Legislative & Regulatory News

40+ Lawmakers Urge Congress to Provide Emergency Funds for Sandy

Industry News

Voters Support Local Transportation Initiatives

A bipartisan group of 44 U.S. Representatives from the states most affected by Hurricane Sandy—New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut—wrote House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) urging Congress to “stand ready to provide the aid and assistance to the people and communities most devastated by this storm.” They specifically highlighted the region’s 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 U.S. 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.

Representative Bill Shuster (R-Pa.) announced November 8 he will seek the chairmanship of the House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee. Shuster, elected last week to his seventh term in Congress, currently serves as the chairman of the T&I 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 T&I 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 and/or ranking member of a committee—Mica 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

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The total value approved was $2.4 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 $1.3 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 $453.5 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 ARTBA’s complete analysis of state and local ballot initiatives.

Shuster Seeks T&I Chair

Multimodal News

Fostering Innovation

A service of ARTBA’s multimodal councils, it features current transportation developments making news across all modes and regions. Contact Sara Jones to become a subscriber or visit www.artbamultimodal.org.

TRB Newsletter: Nov. 6

Highlighting new research, technologies, industry best practices and information resources available to the transportation design and construction industry.

chairman—an 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 News 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, “the 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 management.” Read ARTBA’s full comments.

Our Dangerous Illusion of Tech Progress by Garry Kasparov and Peter Thiel 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 Garry Kasparov, Peter Thiel, and efficient management writer and political president, Clarium that delivered economic activist. Capital. 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.

2013 Leadership Directory & Buyers’ Guide LAST CALL on Space Deadline is November 14. Promote your firm’s products before thousands of the nation’s top transportation contractors, engineers, public officials, materials suppliers, manufacturers, safety professionals, and researchers and educators. TRANSPORTATION DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION LEADERSHIP DIRECTORY & BUYERS' GUIDE

2013

The annual ARTBA Leadership Directory & Buyers’ Guide, which helps keep members connected, is the most frequently utilized resource throughout the year. It contains a definitive listing of “who’s who” in the U.S. transportation design and construction industry. It features contact information for the association’s 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 Buyers’ Guide—available in both print and digitally—also 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 buyers’ guide options, or contact ARTBA’s Director of Sales Peter Embrey at 202.289.4434 for more information. Download a PDF copy of the digital “Washington Newsline.” ARTBA Washington Newsline

November 30 ARTBA Webinar: 2013 Transportation Construction Market Forecast & Election Analysis, and Legislative Update Friday, November 30

12:00-1:30 p.m., EST

Covered topics: • National 2013 U.S. transportation construction market forecast; • Modal forecast: highway, bridge, airport runway, transit, freight rail and ports/waterway markets; • New MAP-21 law and whether it will help fuel growth; • States poised for market growth and ones that will be flat; • Potential market impacts of Hurricane Sandy-related infrastructure recovery projects; • 2012 election results and what they could mean for the 2013 congressional transportation legislative agenda; and • How the “fiscal cliff” could affect market conditions.

About the Presenters ARTBA’s Chief Economist Dr. Alison Premo Black earned her doctorate from The George Washington University. She routinely develops ARTBA’s economic products, reports and state studies, and has conducted numerous studies examining national and state transportation funding and investment patterns.

ARTBA Senior Vice President of Government 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 ARTBA’s direct lobbying, grassroots initiatives, and policy development.

BONUS: Paid participants will receive a comprehensive 55-page analysis containing ARTBA’s 2013 national forecast and state-by-state market outlook.

Registration

ARTBA Members: $300

Non-Members: $425