The document is a letter submitted by the American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) providing comments on the U.S. Department of Transportation's proposed rules for implementing the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21). ARTBA represents 6,000 members involved in planning, designing, constructing, and maintaining transportation infrastructure. The letter makes several recommendations, including that DOT should focus on implementing the specific goals outlined in MAP-21, establish performance measures tied to these goals, improve transparency and accountability in reporting project benefits to taxpayers, and integrate transportation planning with the environmental review process to reduce delays.
The American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) supports the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) proposed guidance allowing for the acquisition of rights-of-way prior to completing environmental reviews for transit capital projects. ARTBA represents 6,000 transportation construction industry members undertaking federal projects subject to environmental reviews. Allowing early rights-of-way acquisition as the guidance proposes could reduce project delays by permitting multiple tasks to occur simultaneously. Further, the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act authorized early acquisition of rights-of-way for transit projects, and ARTBA recommends FTA apply the new guidance broadly to maximize time savings from an earlier start to the acquisition process.
ARTBA Comments Supporting FHWA and FTA Proposed Streamlining Ruleartba
The American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) submitted comments in support of proposed changes to the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) environmental review process. ARTBA represents over 6,000 members involved in transportation construction and maintenance. The proposed changes aim to streamline the lengthy project review and approval process, which currently takes an average of 9-19 years to complete. ARTBA supports allowing lead agencies for multi-modal projects, combining environmental documents, and eliminating unnecessary paperwork. Faster project delivery is needed to improve infrastructure and make efficient use of transportation funding.
Comments Opposing Tightening Federal Ozone Regulationsartba
The American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding its review of the national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) for ozone. ARTBA represents 6,000 transportation construction industry members. ARTBA is concerned that tightening ozone standards could result in penalties under the Clean Air Act, including withholding of federal highway funds, for areas not meeting standards. ARTBA urges the EPA to consider air quality improvements already made from existing regulations and initiatives before deciding whether to tighten ozone standards further.
The document is a letter submitted by the American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) in support of the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) proposed memorandum of understanding (MOU) to delegate responsibilities for categorical exclusions (CEs) under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to the state of Utah. The letter argues that allowing states like Utah to assume responsibility for CEs will reduce the time required for environmental reviews and approvals. ARTBA also calls for flexibility in determining which projects qualify for CEs and establishing a centralized database to promote consistent implementation of the delegation process across states.
ARTBA Comments Supporting Ohio’s Application for NEPA Delegation Programartba
The document is a letter submitted to the U.S. Department of Transportation supporting Ohio's application to assume responsibility for federal environmental reviews of transportation projects from the Federal Highway Administration. It summarizes that the American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA), which represents 6,000 transportation construction industry members, has consistently supported letting states conduct environmental reviews to reduce project delays. The letter urges the department to make the delegation program attractive to states by allowing flexibility in responsibilities and sharing information about different approval arrangements between states.
ARTBA Comments on EPA “Exceptional Events” RuleJenny Fischer
This document provides comments from the American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) in response to the EPA's proposed revisions to regulations governing air quality data influenced by exceptional events. ARTBA represents 6,000 transportation construction industry members. It urges the EPA to allow states maximum flexibility in dealing with exceptional events to avoid needless transportation project delays and conformity lapses caused by events beyond states' control. ARTBA recommends a case-by-case approach and allowing states to delay submission of air quality data until after recovering from exceptional events.
ARTBA Comments on DOT Geographic Based Preferences Pilot Programartba
The American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) submitted comments opposing the US Department of Transportation's (US DOT) proposed rule allowing geographic hiring preferences on federal transportation projects. ARTBA argues that such preferences will increase project costs, undermine workforce safety standards, and potentially violate constitutional protections. While supporting economic benefits of transportation investments, ARTBA disagrees that preferences will achieve these ends and could function as barriers. The organization requests that US DOT reconsider implementing the pilot program and conduct a more thorough analysis of its potential impacts.
ARTBA Comments on FHWA/FTA Environmental Review Process Guidance artba
The American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) submitted comments in support of the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) revised guidance on the environmental review process. ARTBA represents 6,000 members involved in transportation construction and maintenance. The revised guidance implements changes from the MAP-21 Act to streamline the environmental review process, including setting deadlines, establishing alternative dispute resolution, and penalties for delays. ARTBA supports these changes to reduce the excessive time currently required to complete environmental reviews, which can take over a decade to complete and involves numerous overlapping laws and agencies.
The American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) supports the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) proposed guidance allowing for the acquisition of rights-of-way prior to completing environmental reviews for transit capital projects. ARTBA represents 6,000 transportation construction industry members undertaking federal projects subject to environmental reviews. Allowing early rights-of-way acquisition as the guidance proposes could reduce project delays by permitting multiple tasks to occur simultaneously. Further, the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act authorized early acquisition of rights-of-way for transit projects, and ARTBA recommends FTA apply the new guidance broadly to maximize time savings from an earlier start to the acquisition process.
ARTBA Comments Supporting FHWA and FTA Proposed Streamlining Ruleartba
The American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) submitted comments in support of proposed changes to the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) environmental review process. ARTBA represents over 6,000 members involved in transportation construction and maintenance. The proposed changes aim to streamline the lengthy project review and approval process, which currently takes an average of 9-19 years to complete. ARTBA supports allowing lead agencies for multi-modal projects, combining environmental documents, and eliminating unnecessary paperwork. Faster project delivery is needed to improve infrastructure and make efficient use of transportation funding.
Comments Opposing Tightening Federal Ozone Regulationsartba
The American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding its review of the national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) for ozone. ARTBA represents 6,000 transportation construction industry members. ARTBA is concerned that tightening ozone standards could result in penalties under the Clean Air Act, including withholding of federal highway funds, for areas not meeting standards. ARTBA urges the EPA to consider air quality improvements already made from existing regulations and initiatives before deciding whether to tighten ozone standards further.
The document is a letter submitted by the American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) in support of the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) proposed memorandum of understanding (MOU) to delegate responsibilities for categorical exclusions (CEs) under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to the state of Utah. The letter argues that allowing states like Utah to assume responsibility for CEs will reduce the time required for environmental reviews and approvals. ARTBA also calls for flexibility in determining which projects qualify for CEs and establishing a centralized database to promote consistent implementation of the delegation process across states.
ARTBA Comments Supporting Ohio’s Application for NEPA Delegation Programartba
The document is a letter submitted to the U.S. Department of Transportation supporting Ohio's application to assume responsibility for federal environmental reviews of transportation projects from the Federal Highway Administration. It summarizes that the American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA), which represents 6,000 transportation construction industry members, has consistently supported letting states conduct environmental reviews to reduce project delays. The letter urges the department to make the delegation program attractive to states by allowing flexibility in responsibilities and sharing information about different approval arrangements between states.
ARTBA Comments on EPA “Exceptional Events” RuleJenny Fischer
This document provides comments from the American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) in response to the EPA's proposed revisions to regulations governing air quality data influenced by exceptional events. ARTBA represents 6,000 transportation construction industry members. It urges the EPA to allow states maximum flexibility in dealing with exceptional events to avoid needless transportation project delays and conformity lapses caused by events beyond states' control. ARTBA recommends a case-by-case approach and allowing states to delay submission of air quality data until after recovering from exceptional events.
ARTBA Comments on DOT Geographic Based Preferences Pilot Programartba
The American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) submitted comments opposing the US Department of Transportation's (US DOT) proposed rule allowing geographic hiring preferences on federal transportation projects. ARTBA argues that such preferences will increase project costs, undermine workforce safety standards, and potentially violate constitutional protections. While supporting economic benefits of transportation investments, ARTBA disagrees that preferences will achieve these ends and could function as barriers. The organization requests that US DOT reconsider implementing the pilot program and conduct a more thorough analysis of its potential impacts.
ARTBA Comments on FHWA/FTA Environmental Review Process Guidance artba
The American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) submitted comments in support of the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) revised guidance on the environmental review process. ARTBA represents 6,000 members involved in transportation construction and maintenance. The revised guidance implements changes from the MAP-21 Act to streamline the environmental review process, including setting deadlines, establishing alternative dispute resolution, and penalties for delays. ARTBA supports these changes to reduce the excessive time currently required to complete environmental reviews, which can take over a decade to complete and involves numerous overlapping laws and agencies.
FHWA MOU with the State of Texas Regarding Environmental Reviews.artba
This letter supports the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) memorandum of understanding (MOU) assigning environmental review responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to the state of Texas. The American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) has consistently supported allowing states to assume responsibility for environmental reviews rather than relying on federal agencies, which could reduce project delays. ARTBA urges FHWA to make the delegation program flexible and attractive to other states by allowing states to customize their level of responsibility and sharing information on different approaches between states.
This document summarizes the key points made by the American Road & Transportation Builders Association in testimony to the Senate Finance Committee on funding and financing highways and transit. It notes that the Highway Trust Fund faces a significant long-term revenue shortfall and will be unable to support new investment starting in 2015 without additional funding sources. It reviews options like cutting funding, supplementing the trust fund with general revenues, or generating new revenues through gas tax increases or other user fees. The testimony emphasizes the importance of transportation infrastructure to the economy and jobs and argues that devolving responsibility to states would lead to underinvestment given the national benefits of federal surface programs.
May 29 2014 Draft Small Business Wotus Hearing Statementartba
The American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) is concerned that EPA's proposed expansion of federal jurisdiction over "Waters of the United States" under the Clean Water Act will negatively impact transportation projects and small businesses. ARTBA argues that the proposal could subject more transportation projects to lengthy permitting requirements and litigation, even for minor impacts. They support reasonable protection of truly sensitive wetlands but think definitions and regulations should recognize the partnership between federal and state governments, as intended by the Clean Water Act. ARTBA urges EPA to establish a wetlands classification system and "de minimis" standards to reduce unnecessary burdens while still protecting important water resources.
09/25/13: Senate EPW Highway Trust Fund Hearingartba
This document summarizes the testimony of Dr. T. Peter Ruane before the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works regarding the need to invest in America's infrastructure and preserve federal transportation funding. It notes that the Highway Trust Fund will be unable to support new transportation obligations beginning in 2015 without additional funding sources. It also provides data showing states' reliance on federal highway funding, which averages 51.6% of state transportation capital spending nationally.
The American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) submitted testimony to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee regarding the potential impacts of proposed changes to the Clean Water Act jurisdictional rule. ARTBA represents over 6,000 transportation construction firms and agencies. The testimony expressed concerns that expanding the definition of "waters of the United States" would increase permitting requirements and delays for transportation projects, jeopardizing streamlining reforms. ARTBA advocated for continued federal-state partnership in protecting water resources and urged the EPA to establish a wetlands classification system based on ecological value.
The document is a letter from the American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) commenting on the EPA's proposed rule for administrative wage garnishment (AWG). ARTBA represents 6,000 transportation construction companies and has concerns about how AWG could unfairly target individuals for violations. ARTBA argues that AWG should only be used in cases of willful violations where an individual has been found responsible in court, and should not apply if conditions changed or a contractor was following incorrect information. ARTBA is also concerned about EPA expanding jurisdiction in ways that could make past legal actions into later violations.
02/12/14: Testimony to Senate Environment & Public Works Committeeartba
The document discusses the importance of federal investment in transportation infrastructure to the U.S. economy. It notes that the average U.S. household spends $46.33 per month on federal and state motor fuels taxes used to build and maintain transportation infrastructure, compared to $123 per month on television/internet and $159 per month on electricity/natural gas. In 2012, federal funds supported over 12,500 highway and bridge projects across the U.S., totaling over $6 billion and maintaining critical national transportation networks. Reliable transportation infrastructure is essential for interstate commerce and is tied to over 70 million American jobs.
EPA Proposed “Waters of the United States” Ruleartba
EPA’s proposed “waters of the United States” rule extends federal authority too far and would lead to greater project delays, ARTBA explains to a joint House and Senate committees.
Coalition letter urging withdrawal of EPA/Corps “Waters of the U.S.” propose...artba
The document is a letter from the Waters Advocacy Coalition raising concerns about the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers' proposed rule to define "waters of the United States." Specifically, the letter argues that the agencies are repeatedly releasing new explanatory documents and revising existing documents outside of the official public comment process, creating a "moving target" that makes meaningful public comment difficult. The letter calls on the agencies to withdraw the proposed rule due to these procedural issues and substantive concerns raised by the Science Advisory Board.
03/10: Draft Core Toll Concessions P3 Model Contract Guideartba
This document provides initial comments from the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) in response to the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) draft guide on core toll concessions public-private partnerships. ARTBA advocates that the guide should be educational rather than prescriptive given P3s rely on market efficiencies. ARTBA also suggests discussing performance bonding requirements and toll collection/enforcement responsibilities and mechanisms in more detail given their complexity in P3 projects. ARTBA incorporates prior detailed comments submitted in 2013 and offers to engage further with FHWA to refine the guide.
04/24/13: State of the Highway Trust Fund: Long-Term Solutions for Solvencyartba
This document discusses the challenges facing the Highway Trust Fund and proposes long-term solutions for its solvency. It notes that the HTF's revenues have not kept pace with needs due to the federal gas tax not being adjusted in 20 years. While the HTF revenues fell during the recession, travel and the economy have rebounded. The document argues that highways are crucial to the national economy by enabling the efficient transportation of goods, and that a strong federal role in investment is needed due to spillover benefits across states from highways.
ARTBA Comments on the Federal Accounting Standard Board’s Disclosure Requirem...artba
The American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) submitted comments in response to the Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board's (FASAB) proposed disclosure requirements for public-private partnerships (P3s). ARTBA represents over 6,000 members involved in transportation infrastructure and advocates for P3s. While agreeing that transparency is important, ARTBA expressed concerns that the proposal did not sufficiently define key terms like "significant exposure" and included disclosing remote contingencies and business risks. ARTBA suggested revising the standards to address these issues and clarifying the definition of P3s to reflect key features like long-term agreements and performance-based payments in transportation projects. ARTBA also disagreed with permitting aggregated disclosures,
Comments Opposing ESA protections for the Long-Eared Batartba
The American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) submitted comments in response to the proposed listing of the northern long-eared bat as a threatened species. ARTBA represents 6,000 transportation construction companies and is concerned about potential impacts on transportation projects. Specifically, ARTBA is concerned that a broad critical habitat designation could restrict development over large areas without direct conservation benefits. ARTBA urges the Fish and Wildlife Service to conduct more research on the causes of white-nose syndrome before enacting regulations and to craft a targeted approach that balances conservation needs with economic impacts.
Comments Objecting to ESA protections for the Long-Eared Batartba
The American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) submitted comments in response to the Fish and Wildlife Service's (FWS) listing of the northern long-eared bat as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. ARTBA represents 6,000 transportation construction companies and is concerned about the potential impacts of a critical habitat designation for the bat. A broad critical habitat designation could hinder hundreds of miles of planned transportation and economic development projects across 37 states. ARTBA urges FWS to rescind the bat listing until more research is done on white nose syndrome, the main threat to the bats, and until a more targeted critical habitat designation is crafted that adequately considers economic impacts.
LTR Wac For Small Business CMTE Hearing 7-30-14artba
The Waters Advocacy Coalition (WAC) supports the House Small Business Committee's attention to the proposed Clean Water Act rule redefining "Waters of the United States." WAC believes the rule would significantly expand federal jurisdiction over small bodies of water and wetlands, increasing permitting requirements and costs for small businesses. The EPA failed to properly analyze the rule's economic impacts or comply with laws requiring consideration of its effects on small entities. If finalized, the rule could delay infrastructure projects, increase compliance costs, and disadvantage small businesses.
05/08: California Assumption of CE Responsibilitiesartba
The document is a letter submitted to the U.S. Department of Transportation providing comments in support of a proposed memorandum of understanding to delegate authority for certain categorical exclusions under the National Environmental Policy Act to the state of California. The letter notes that delegating this authority would reduce delays in the environmental review process for transportation projects. It urges flexibility in determining which projects qualify for categorical exclusions and supports treating a state's categorical exclusion determination as permanent. The letter also calls for uniform training and guidance to facilitate consistent implementation of the categorical exclusion process across states.
Coalition Letter to Senate Appropriators Supporting Increased Corps Fundingartba
The document is a letter from various navigation stakeholders requesting $2.755 billion in funding for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers navigation program for fiscal year 2016. This amount is $407 million more than was appropriated for fiscal year 2015 and would allow the Corps to meet targets set in recent legislation, fund various navigation projects and studies, and maintain inland waterways and navigation channels for efficient freight movement. The stakeholders emphasize that federal investment in navigation infrastructure supports economic prosperity and trade.
Suggested Best Practices for Design-Build in Transportation Constructionartba
This document provides guidelines for implementing design-build project delivery for transportation construction. Some key points covered include:
- Procurement methods like single-step hard bidding or two-step best value processes. Evaluation involves factors like technical score and price.
- Elements like requirements for design submittals, "bridging documents" from the owner, contracts, dialogue period meetings, and alternative technical concepts.
- Other considerations regarding precluded participation, stipends for shortlisted teams, funding certainty, and the use of bid options or price/technical proposal adjustments.
FHWA MOU with the State of Texas Regarding Environmental Reviews.artba
This letter supports the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) memorandum of understanding (MOU) assigning environmental review responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to the state of Texas. The American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) has consistently supported allowing states to assume responsibility for environmental reviews rather than relying on federal agencies, which could reduce project delays. ARTBA urges FHWA to make the delegation program flexible and attractive to other states by allowing states to customize their level of responsibility and sharing information on different approaches between states.
This document summarizes the key points made by the American Road & Transportation Builders Association in testimony to the Senate Finance Committee on funding and financing highways and transit. It notes that the Highway Trust Fund faces a significant long-term revenue shortfall and will be unable to support new investment starting in 2015 without additional funding sources. It reviews options like cutting funding, supplementing the trust fund with general revenues, or generating new revenues through gas tax increases or other user fees. The testimony emphasizes the importance of transportation infrastructure to the economy and jobs and argues that devolving responsibility to states would lead to underinvestment given the national benefits of federal surface programs.
May 29 2014 Draft Small Business Wotus Hearing Statementartba
The American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) is concerned that EPA's proposed expansion of federal jurisdiction over "Waters of the United States" under the Clean Water Act will negatively impact transportation projects and small businesses. ARTBA argues that the proposal could subject more transportation projects to lengthy permitting requirements and litigation, even for minor impacts. They support reasonable protection of truly sensitive wetlands but think definitions and regulations should recognize the partnership between federal and state governments, as intended by the Clean Water Act. ARTBA urges EPA to establish a wetlands classification system and "de minimis" standards to reduce unnecessary burdens while still protecting important water resources.
09/25/13: Senate EPW Highway Trust Fund Hearingartba
This document summarizes the testimony of Dr. T. Peter Ruane before the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works regarding the need to invest in America's infrastructure and preserve federal transportation funding. It notes that the Highway Trust Fund will be unable to support new transportation obligations beginning in 2015 without additional funding sources. It also provides data showing states' reliance on federal highway funding, which averages 51.6% of state transportation capital spending nationally.
The American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) submitted testimony to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee regarding the potential impacts of proposed changes to the Clean Water Act jurisdictional rule. ARTBA represents over 6,000 transportation construction firms and agencies. The testimony expressed concerns that expanding the definition of "waters of the United States" would increase permitting requirements and delays for transportation projects, jeopardizing streamlining reforms. ARTBA advocated for continued federal-state partnership in protecting water resources and urged the EPA to establish a wetlands classification system based on ecological value.
The document is a letter from the American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) commenting on the EPA's proposed rule for administrative wage garnishment (AWG). ARTBA represents 6,000 transportation construction companies and has concerns about how AWG could unfairly target individuals for violations. ARTBA argues that AWG should only be used in cases of willful violations where an individual has been found responsible in court, and should not apply if conditions changed or a contractor was following incorrect information. ARTBA is also concerned about EPA expanding jurisdiction in ways that could make past legal actions into later violations.
02/12/14: Testimony to Senate Environment & Public Works Committeeartba
The document discusses the importance of federal investment in transportation infrastructure to the U.S. economy. It notes that the average U.S. household spends $46.33 per month on federal and state motor fuels taxes used to build and maintain transportation infrastructure, compared to $123 per month on television/internet and $159 per month on electricity/natural gas. In 2012, federal funds supported over 12,500 highway and bridge projects across the U.S., totaling over $6 billion and maintaining critical national transportation networks. Reliable transportation infrastructure is essential for interstate commerce and is tied to over 70 million American jobs.
EPA Proposed “Waters of the United States” Ruleartba
EPA’s proposed “waters of the United States” rule extends federal authority too far and would lead to greater project delays, ARTBA explains to a joint House and Senate committees.
Coalition letter urging withdrawal of EPA/Corps “Waters of the U.S.” propose...artba
The document is a letter from the Waters Advocacy Coalition raising concerns about the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers' proposed rule to define "waters of the United States." Specifically, the letter argues that the agencies are repeatedly releasing new explanatory documents and revising existing documents outside of the official public comment process, creating a "moving target" that makes meaningful public comment difficult. The letter calls on the agencies to withdraw the proposed rule due to these procedural issues and substantive concerns raised by the Science Advisory Board.
03/10: Draft Core Toll Concessions P3 Model Contract Guideartba
This document provides initial comments from the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) in response to the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) draft guide on core toll concessions public-private partnerships. ARTBA advocates that the guide should be educational rather than prescriptive given P3s rely on market efficiencies. ARTBA also suggests discussing performance bonding requirements and toll collection/enforcement responsibilities and mechanisms in more detail given their complexity in P3 projects. ARTBA incorporates prior detailed comments submitted in 2013 and offers to engage further with FHWA to refine the guide.
04/24/13: State of the Highway Trust Fund: Long-Term Solutions for Solvencyartba
This document discusses the challenges facing the Highway Trust Fund and proposes long-term solutions for its solvency. It notes that the HTF's revenues have not kept pace with needs due to the federal gas tax not being adjusted in 20 years. While the HTF revenues fell during the recession, travel and the economy have rebounded. The document argues that highways are crucial to the national economy by enabling the efficient transportation of goods, and that a strong federal role in investment is needed due to spillover benefits across states from highways.
ARTBA Comments on the Federal Accounting Standard Board’s Disclosure Requirem...artba
The American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) submitted comments in response to the Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board's (FASAB) proposed disclosure requirements for public-private partnerships (P3s). ARTBA represents over 6,000 members involved in transportation infrastructure and advocates for P3s. While agreeing that transparency is important, ARTBA expressed concerns that the proposal did not sufficiently define key terms like "significant exposure" and included disclosing remote contingencies and business risks. ARTBA suggested revising the standards to address these issues and clarifying the definition of P3s to reflect key features like long-term agreements and performance-based payments in transportation projects. ARTBA also disagreed with permitting aggregated disclosures,
Comments Opposing ESA protections for the Long-Eared Batartba
The American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) submitted comments in response to the proposed listing of the northern long-eared bat as a threatened species. ARTBA represents 6,000 transportation construction companies and is concerned about potential impacts on transportation projects. Specifically, ARTBA is concerned that a broad critical habitat designation could restrict development over large areas without direct conservation benefits. ARTBA urges the Fish and Wildlife Service to conduct more research on the causes of white-nose syndrome before enacting regulations and to craft a targeted approach that balances conservation needs with economic impacts.
Comments Objecting to ESA protections for the Long-Eared Batartba
The American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) submitted comments in response to the Fish and Wildlife Service's (FWS) listing of the northern long-eared bat as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. ARTBA represents 6,000 transportation construction companies and is concerned about the potential impacts of a critical habitat designation for the bat. A broad critical habitat designation could hinder hundreds of miles of planned transportation and economic development projects across 37 states. ARTBA urges FWS to rescind the bat listing until more research is done on white nose syndrome, the main threat to the bats, and until a more targeted critical habitat designation is crafted that adequately considers economic impacts.
LTR Wac For Small Business CMTE Hearing 7-30-14artba
The Waters Advocacy Coalition (WAC) supports the House Small Business Committee's attention to the proposed Clean Water Act rule redefining "Waters of the United States." WAC believes the rule would significantly expand federal jurisdiction over small bodies of water and wetlands, increasing permitting requirements and costs for small businesses. The EPA failed to properly analyze the rule's economic impacts or comply with laws requiring consideration of its effects on small entities. If finalized, the rule could delay infrastructure projects, increase compliance costs, and disadvantage small businesses.
05/08: California Assumption of CE Responsibilitiesartba
The document is a letter submitted to the U.S. Department of Transportation providing comments in support of a proposed memorandum of understanding to delegate authority for certain categorical exclusions under the National Environmental Policy Act to the state of California. The letter notes that delegating this authority would reduce delays in the environmental review process for transportation projects. It urges flexibility in determining which projects qualify for categorical exclusions and supports treating a state's categorical exclusion determination as permanent. The letter also calls for uniform training and guidance to facilitate consistent implementation of the categorical exclusion process across states.
Coalition Letter to Senate Appropriators Supporting Increased Corps Fundingartba
The document is a letter from various navigation stakeholders requesting $2.755 billion in funding for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers navigation program for fiscal year 2016. This amount is $407 million more than was appropriated for fiscal year 2015 and would allow the Corps to meet targets set in recent legislation, fund various navigation projects and studies, and maintain inland waterways and navigation channels for efficient freight movement. The stakeholders emphasize that federal investment in navigation infrastructure supports economic prosperity and trade.
Suggested Best Practices for Design-Build in Transportation Constructionartba
This document provides guidelines for implementing design-build project delivery for transportation construction. Some key points covered include:
- Procurement methods like single-step hard bidding or two-step best value processes. Evaluation involves factors like technical score and price.
- Elements like requirements for design submittals, "bridging documents" from the owner, contracts, dialogue period meetings, and alternative technical concepts.
- Other considerations regarding precluded participation, stipends for shortlisted teams, funding certainty, and the use of bid options or price/technical proposal adjustments.
The document is a letter signed by over 100 trade associations and business groups supporting regulatory reform legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. The letter supports a bill called the ALERRT Act that would increase transparency and accountability in the federal regulatory process. Specifically, the bill would require agencies to disclose upcoming rules and their estimated costs/benefits. The letter argues this and similar bills are needed to reassert Congressional oversight over the opaque and unaccountable federal regulatory system. The groups urge support for the ALERRT Act and regulatory reform.
03/05: State Department Approval of Keystone XL Pipelineartba
The document argues that the Keystone XL pipeline should be approved immediately because it serves the national interest. It claims the pipeline will have minimal negative environmental effects but will provide significant economic and national security benefits to the US by increasing oil supply. During construction, the pipeline would support over 42,000 jobs and $2 billion in earnings while contributing $3.4 billion to US GDP. After completion, pipeline operations would continue to employ workers and generate economic activity, including substantial tax revenues for local communities. The letter concludes that the pipeline offers a safe and practical way to improve US energy security.
Industry letter supporting S. 2006, “The Regulatory Accountability Act of 2015.”artba
The 387 undersigned groups applaud the introduction of the Regulatory Accountability Act, which would reform the federal regulatory process to improve transparency and accountability. They believe current regulations are too burdensome and impose large costs while lacking strong evidence. The bill would make the regulatory process more open and ensure regulations are narrowly tailored to Congressional intent without unduly burdening the public.
1/08 – Industry Letter Supporting Passage of Keystone XL Pipeline Legislationartba
The document is a letter from 18 construction industry organizations to Congressional leaders expressing strong support for legislation approving the Keystone XL Pipeline. The organizations argue that the pipeline will create over 42,000 American jobs and contribute $2 billion in earnings and $3.4 billion to GDP during construction. Once operational, the pipeline will continue to employ American workers and generate economic activity and tax revenues for local communities. The letter urges Congressional approval of the pipeline to benefit American energy security, consumers and workers without further delay.
ARTBA Comments on “Waters of the United States” Proposed Ruleartba
This document provides comments from the American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) on the EPA's proposed rule regarding the definition of "waters of the United States" under the Clean Water Act. ARTBA expresses concerns that the proposed expanded definition of jurisdictional waters could subject many roadside ditches to unnecessary permitting requirements, increasing costs and project delays. ARTBA argues the proposed rule goes against Supreme Court precedent limiting the scope of federal jurisdiction. The document recommends alternative approaches like a classification system for wetlands based on ecological value and a "de minimis" standard for minor impacts.
ARTBA and Industry Allies Urge Funding Agreement for U.S./Canada Bridge Projectartba
The letter urges President Obama to swiftly resolve funding questions for the U.S. Federal Plaza associated with the New International Trade Crossing bridge between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario. It notes that the new six-lane bridge will enhance vital links with America's closest economic partner by addressing inadequate capacity of the existing 85-year old bridge. Resolving funding will allow the project to commence, providing thousands of construction jobs and boosting the economy in Michigan and the Midwest. The letter requests that the President make U.S. Customs and Border Protection funds available and name a senior White House official to coordinate progress on the project.
The American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) submitted comments on the EPA's draft assessment of nitrogen oxide (NOx) standards. ARTBA represents 6,000 transportation construction firms and agencies. It argues that the EPA should consider the 50% decline in NOx pollution since 2000 and existing programs that will further reduce NOx in assessing whether standards need to be tightened. ARTBA also urges the EPA to ensure air quality monitors used to determine county compliance are placed to provide an accurate assessment of overall county air quality, not just high-traffic areas.
Artba comments on OSHA workplace injury and illness reporting ruleartba
The American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) submitted comments in response to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) proposed rule to improve tracking of workplace injuries and illnesses. ARTBA supports OSHA's goal of ensuring timely and accurate reporting to protect worker safety. However, ARTBA is concerned that the proposed shorter reporting deadlines may penalize employers for situations beyond their control, such as if employees do not report injuries or illnesses to their employers in a timely manner. ARTBA also expresses concerns about potential confusion over what types of injuries would be considered reportable, and asks that OSHA consider a wide range of interpretations to avoid unintentionally harming employers.
The American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) submitted comments to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regarding a proposed rulemaking on categorical exclusions (CEs) under the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21). ARTBA supports MAP-21's expansion of CEs for projects within existing rights-of-way and those involving minimal federal funds to reduce delays. However, ARTBA is concerned that FHWA and FTA's proposal would limit the opportunities for these new CEs by imposing restrictions not found in MAP-21, such as excluding certain rights-of-way. ARTBA urges FHWA and FTA to revise their proposal
The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21):
- Provides over $105 billion in funding for surface transportation programs for fiscal years 2013-2014.
- Transforms the policy and programmatic framework for transportation infrastructure investments to guide growth.
- Creates a streamlined, performance-based program to address challenges like safety, infrastructure condition, congestion, freight movement, environment, and project delays.
Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21) reauthorizes the Federal-aid highway program at the Congressional Budget Office’s baseline level—equal to current funding levels plus inflation—for two fiscal years.
This document provides an executive summary of the 2040 Metropolitan Transportation Plan for the Hattiesburg Urbanized Area. It summarizes the planning process used to develop the plan, including establishing a vision, assessing current system performance, forecasting future needs, and conducting a financial analysis. Key aspects of the current transportation system are described, such as roadway and transit conditions. The plan identifies transportation needs over the next 25 years and prioritizes projects for inclusion in the fiscally constrained plan based on criteria like reducing travel delay and improving safety.
MAP-21 is a bipartisan transportation bill that authorizes funding for federal highway programs over 2 years while maintaining current spending levels. It consolidates 87 existing programs into less than 30 programs to give states more flexibility. Key aspects include focusing funds on the most critical roads, improving freight movement, providing incentives for accelerating project delivery, and establishing performance targets for safety, infrastructure condition, and congestion. The bill also increases funding for credit assistance programs to leverage private investment in transportation projects.
08/28: Texas Assumption of CE Responsibilitiesartba
The document is a letter submitted by the American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) in support of a proposed memorandum of understanding between the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the state of Texas to delegate environmental responsibilities for categorical exclusions (CEs) to Texas. The letter argues that delegating CEs to states could reduce project delays by lessening the burden on federal agencies. ARTBA supports giving states flexibility in determining which projects qualify for CEs. The letter urges that states be allowed to modify the list of eligible CEs over time and that state CE determinations not be subject to reconsideration. ARTBA believes such delegation will help the environmental review process under NEPA achieve balance between environmental and transportation needs.
The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee proposed a six-year, $260 billion highway reauthorization bill. Key provisions include establishing a $2 billion National Freight Program, a $400 million permanent Projects of National and Regional Significance program, and streamlining project delivery requirements. The bill also requires research on alternative funding options for the Highway Trust Fund and authorizes $125 million annually for transportation best practice awards. However, the Senate Finance Committee must identify $100 billion in additional revenues to supplement the Highway Trust Fund to maintain current investment levels under the proposal.
The document describes the development of a performance-based planning framework for the Chattanooga 2040 Regional Transportation Plan. Stakeholders advocated for both local, community investments and larger regional investments. Rather than prioritize one over the other, the framework balanced consideration of both community and regional needs. Goals and objectives were organized by community, community-to-region, and region-to-region scales. Performance measures were weighted differently for each scale. This allowed fairer evaluation and ranking of projects across modes and scales, leading to a balanced investment package addressing multiple priorities.
Charging Ahead | Making Road User Pricing WorkTexxi Global
The document summarizes the findings of a feasibility study examining the potential for implementing road user charging schemes in three UK cities: London, Bristol, and Leeds. It considers options for scheme design, including paper permits, video-readable permits, and electronic schemes using dedicated short-range communications. Cost-benefit analyses indicate that road user charging schemes could generate substantial funds for local transport improvements in all three cities, ranging from £140-740 million over 10 years depending on the city and technology. The schemes appear commercially and politically viable, and the report recommends further developing implementation plans and business cases.
The document provides a critique of the City of Portland, Oregon's FY 2014-2015 adopted budget. It finds that the budget follows best practices recommended by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), including establishing broad goals, developing financial plans to achieve goals, developing a budget consistent with plans, and monitoring performance. The budget is highly transparent, defines terms, and clearly shows funding allocations with graphs. It adheres to GFOA's four-part budget process and monitors goals quantitatively. The only minor critique is a suggestion to provide more project-level details.
The document provides an overview and update on PLAN 2040, the long-range transportation plan for metro Atlanta. Key points:
- PLAN 2040 is updated every 4 years by the Atlanta Regional Commission to align with changing federal, state, and local priorities and financial realities.
- The current update is expected to be approved in early 2014 and incorporates changes from MAP-21, state plans, and local project updates.
- Financial challenges include declining property tax revenues, sales tax receipts, and motor fuel taxes compared to pre-recession levels.
The 2017 annual report of the San Mateo Rail Corridor Transportation Management Agency found that:
1) Overall vehicular traffic decreased 2% while pedestrian and bicycle traffic increased 37% and 47% respectively from the previous year.
2) Most developments were meeting their short-term trip caps except for two that shared a cap.
3) Trip counts for the Bay Meadows Phase II neighborhood were below thresholds requiring a traffic monitoring plan and were compliant with overall caps.
4) Five projects had been completed in the corridor area with seven ongoing developments in Bay Meadows Phase II.
The document summarizes ARTBA's activities and accomplishments in 2014, including:
1) Helping ensure Congress fully funded MAP-21 and passed temporary measures to avoid a shutdown of the Highway Trust Fund.
2) Protecting the transportation construction market by submitting over 35 comments on proposed regulations.
3) Launching new initiatives such as the Transportation Investment Advocacy Center and first National Workshop for State & Local Transportation Advocates.
4) Welcoming nearly 40 new member companies and agencies and providing industry professionals with networking opportunities at 16 events.
Rural Long Range Transportation Plan 2005 - 2030LSCOG
This document provides a summary of the Lower Savannah Council of Governments Rural Long-Range Transportation Plan for 2005-2030. The plan was developed in partnership with the South Carolina Department of Transportation and a Technical Advisory Committee to identify and prioritize rural transportation needs in the region in accordance with federal transportation planning requirements. Key aspects of the plan include maintaining and improving the region's highway, bridge, intersection and other infrastructure over the 25-year period through projects funded by rural system upgrade funds. Public involvement was an important part of developing and implementing the plan.
This document provides policy recommendations from the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) for the next federal surface transportation reauthorization bill regarding public-private partnerships (P3s). It recommends continuing to grow funding for the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) program to meet demand from P3 projects. It also recommends lifting the cap on using private activity bonds (PABs) for highway projects and allowing greater tolling flexibility to supplement limited federal funding. ARTBA supports these reforms to increase the role of P3s in financing transportation infrastructure.
Transportation Improvement Program 2014 - 2019LSCOG
This document provides an overview of the 2014-2019 Transportation Improvement Program for the Lower Savannah region of South Carolina. It discusses the planning process and goals for improving transportation in the region, which includes Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Calhoun and Orangeburg counties. The document outlines the projects and funding included in the improvement program, which must follow state and federal requirements regarding public input, civil rights compliance, and financial constraint. It also describes the process for amending projects in the program as needed.
The document provides an overview of funding for surface transportation projects from several sources, including the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), the State Dedicated Highway and Bridge Trust Fund, and the Federal Highway Trust Fund. It discusses the status of ARRA funding distributions for highways, transit, rail, and other projects in New York. It also summarizes the needs and challenges facing surface transportation funding at both the state and federal levels, such as the impending insolvency of funding sources like the Federal Highway Trust Fund. New York's positions on priorities and policies for the next federal transportation bill are outlined.
This paper analyzes the distributional effects of increasing the federal gasoline tax and implementing a vehicle mileage fee in the United States. It uses a regression model and 2001 National Household Travel Survey data to predict how households' vehicle miles traveled may change in response to policy changes, considering factors like income, location, and vehicle fuel efficiency. The paper finds that a gasoline tax increase or mileage fee could impact some groups more than others. It concludes that the effects on different populations should be carefully considered to promote both effective revenue generation and fair impacts across groups.
The letter objects to a provision in the draft House rules package that would remove the requirement for all Highway Trust Fund revenues to be used annually for transportation infrastructure investment. This would undermine the user-financed basis of the fund and subject transportation spending to the appropriations process, injecting uncertainty. At a time when transportation construction is suffering from lack of a long-term authorization and state budget challenges, this procedural change would cut investment and jobs rather than enact a robust, multi-year reauthorization as the focus of Congress should be. The letter urges reconsideration of the proposed rules change.
ARTBA Comments on CEQ Draft Guidance Including Climate Change and Greenhouse ...artba
The American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) opposes the Council on Environmental Quality's (CEQ) draft guidance expanding the scope of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to include greenhouse gas emissions and climate change impacts. ARTBA believes this expansion would increase project delays, as NEPA reviews already take 9-19 years on average. Additionally, NEPA was passed in 1969 before climate change was a regulatory issue, so it lacks mechanisms for assessing greenhouse gases and climate impacts properly. ARTBA urges CEQ to withdraw the proposed guidance to avoid further expanding NEPA's scope and increasing review delays.
Similar to Comments on DOT Planning Regulations (20)
The document provides information about advertising opportunities with the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA). It details the size and influence of the transportation construction market in the US. It also outlines ARTBA's print and digital publications that reach over 14,000 transportation industry professionals, and provides advertising rates and specifications. Key advertising options include placements in ARTBA's magazine, website, and weekly digital newsletter.
This document summarizes an issue of the publication "Transportation Builder" from September/October 2016. The cover story discusses the launch of the new "Safety Certification for Transportation Project Professionals" (SCTPP) certification program developed by the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA). The program aims to make all transportation construction projects worldwide zero-incident zones. It is designed specifically for the transportation industry and was developed by industry safety experts. Thousands of transportation professionals will be eligible for the certification, which covers a wide range of safety topics. ARTBA chairman David Zachry expresses support for the new program and thanks those involved in its creation.
The document summarizes the July/August 2016 issue of the Transportation Builder magazine published by the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA). The issue previews ARTBA's annual convention in Tucson, Arizona in October 2016 which will focus on transportation construction safety and feature speakers on business and aviation. It also advertises transportation construction equipment, products, and services.
The National Work Zone Management Conference Agenda 2016artba
The document outlines the schedule for the National Work Zone Management Conference taking place from September 20-22 in Springfield, Virginia. The conference consists of multiple tracks of sessions covering topics such as work zone safety certification, signage and lighting, crash characteristics and countermeasures, quality of work zone markings, accommodating pedestrians and bicyclists, and new technologies including autonomous and connected vehicles. There will also be presentations on coordinating multiple work zones, real-time monitoring using ITS, and preventing work zone intrusions from the contractor's perspective. An opening luncheon will feature a panel on autonomous and connected vehicles in work zones.
This document provides information about the 2016 ARTBA National Convention being held from October 4-6 at the JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa in Tucson, Arizona. The convention will focus on putting safety first and will feature presentations on new safety certification programs and discussions on transportation policy and business topics. The document outlines the schedule of events, list of sponsors, and information about the host hotel and exhibitors.
This document is the May/June 2016 issue of Transportation Builder, the official publication of the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA). The issue focuses on transportation construction safety. It includes articles on ARTBA's new safety certificate training course, innovations in mobile barriers that provide positive separation for workers, and using technology to detect and repair potholes. The chairman's letter expresses ARTBA's continued commitment to transportation worker safety and previews a major new safety initiative to be announced at the upcoming ARTBA National Convention.
The summary is:
The 2016 Northeastern Regional Meeting will take place November 2-4 at the Borgata Hotel in Atlantic City, NJ. The agenda includes registration, networking events, presentations on innovative transportation technologies, workshops, panels on the state of the transportation industry, and updates from regional transportation organizations. Presentation topics will cover drones, autonomous vehicles, transportation construction market trends, and policy issues. Representatives from the Port Authority of NY/NJ, New Jersey DOT, and state contractors associations will also provide information.
The 2016 Southern Regional Meeting will take place from October 26-28 at the Ritz Carlton in New Orleans, LA. The agenda includes presentations and panel discussions on topics such as the impact of artificial intelligence on the construction industry, the state of transportation design and construction in the South, and state and federal transportation policy and market updates. Events include a first-time attendee networking event, opening and networking receptions, breakfasts and luncheons, and presentations from transportation officials and industry leaders. The meeting will provide an opportunity for transportation construction professionals in the Southern region to network, learn, and discuss important issues facing the industry.
The 2016 Central Regional Meeting will take place from November 2-4 at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois. The meeting will include presentations and panel discussions on topics like the future transportation workforce and millennials, the state of the transportation industry in the central region, and transportation policy updates. There will also be opportunities for networking through various receptions and breakfast/lunch events. The meeting aims to bring together transportation construction professionals from the central United States to discuss current issues and opportunities in the industry.
The 2016 Western Regional Meeting will take place from October 26-28 at the Hilton in Austin, Texas. The agenda includes presentations and panel discussions on topics such as autonomous vehicles and their impact on infrastructure, the state of the transportation design and construction industry in the West, and transportation policy updates. There will also be opportunities for networking through various receptions and breaks during the three-day conference.
The 2016 Western Regional Meeting will take place from October 26-28 in Austin, Texas at the Hilton hotel. The agenda includes presentations and panel discussions on topics like autonomous vehicles and their impact on infrastructure, the state of the transportation design and construction industry in the West, and transportation policy updates. There will also be opportunities for networking through various receptions and meals. The meeting will conclude on Friday after presentations from the Texas Department of Transportation, an economic report, and state chapter affiliates.
The article discusses bridge infrastructure in the United States. It provides an overview of some recent bridge projects across the country, including projects in Chicago and Woodbridge Township, New Jersey that are repairing structurally deficient bridges. It also discusses Pennsylvania's efforts to address its large number of structurally deficient bridges. Additionally, it summarizes ARTBA's recent report that found over 61,000 structurally deficient bridges nationwide still need repair, though the number has decreased by over 2,000 from the previous year. The article encourages passage of a long-term transportation bill to provide increased and more stable funding for bridge repairs and replacements.
The document is the September-October 2015 issue of Transportation Builder, the official publication of the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA). It includes articles on ARTBA's advocacy efforts to pass a long-term surface transportation bill, safety initiatives, engaging young professionals, and the upcoming Dr. J. Don Brock TransOvation workshop. It also previews the 12th annual "Through the Lens" photo feature showcasing transportation construction projects.
The document discusses a new cutter bit called the GENERATION X from Wirtgen Rhino Parts. It reduces operating costs through longer life and downtime through greater reliability. Its carbide shape maximizes production and carbide utilization. The heavy-duty wear ring minimizes toolholder wear and improves protection while optimizing bit rotation. Wirtgen Rhino Parts produces consistent, high-quality products through precision manufacturing.
This document is the January-February 2016 issue of Transportation Builder, the official publication of the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA). It discusses several key issues and priorities for ARTBA in 2016, including:
1) Ensuring full funding of the surface transportation programs authorized in the FAST Act and obtaining long-term, increased funding for airport capital programs and the prevention of excessive regulatory actions.
2) ARTBA's strategic plan to engage the next generation of industry leaders, including rebranding the Young Executive Development Program as the Industry Leader Development Program and the Young Executive Leadership Council as the Industry Leader Development Council.
3) A new study showing that the Highway Trust Fund faces an annual $18
This issue of Transportation Builder focuses on bridges and airports. It provides information on 10 bridge projects and 14 airport construction projects across the U.S., including both new construction and rehabilitation of bridges and major capital work like terminals and runways at airports. Some of the projects are complete while others are still under construction, and some airport work remains planned. The issue also introduces a new Q&A feature interviewing a woman leader in transportation and highlights innovations from ARTBA's Research and Education Division.
This document outlines the schedule for a transportation construction industry conference held over three days. It lists over 30 different meetings, presentations, and events taking place during sessions on topics such as public-private partnerships, contracting, research and education, and legislative affairs. Sponsorship levels for the conference are also identified, ranging from platinum to silver to exhibitor levels.
This document contains the schedule and agenda for the 2016 ARTBA Federal Issues Program & Transportation Construction Coalition Fly-In event taking place from May 9-11 at the Hyatt Regency Washington Hotel. The schedule details the times and locations for various meetings, presentations, and legislative sessions focused on federal transportation issues. Sponsorship levels and participating organizations are also listed.
This document outlines the agenda and schedule for the 2016 Industry Leader Development Program hosted by the American Road & Transportation Builders Association. The program will provide an introduction to transportation infrastructure advocacy through presentations and discussions on topics such as transportation funding, the federal aid highway program, regulations, public-private partnerships, and meeting with congressional representatives. It will take place over two and a half days and include sessions, networking opportunities, and a reception on Capitol Hill.
The document is a program for the 2016 ARTBA P3s in Transportation Conference. It includes schedules, speakers, sessions and sponsors. The conference will feature discussions on public-private partnerships in transportation, international best practices, federal resources for P3s, and perspectives from Congress, state legislatures and the transportation industry. It will also include breakout sessions on emerging P3 markets, project protections, research developments, and impacts of the FAST Act.
केरल उच्च न्यायालय ने 11 जून, 2024 को मंडला पूजा में भाग लेने की अनुमति मांगने वाली 10 वर्षीय लड़की की रिट याचिका को खारिज कर दिया, जिसमें सर्वोच्च न्यायालय की एक बड़ी पीठ के समक्ष इस मुद्दे की लंबित प्रकृति पर जोर दिया गया। यह आदेश न्यायमूर्ति अनिल के. नरेंद्रन और न्यायमूर्ति हरिशंकर वी. मेनन की खंडपीठ द्वारा पारित किया गया
15062024_First India Newspaper Jaipur.pdfFIRST INDIA
Find Latest India News and Breaking News these days from India on Politics, Business, Entertainment, Technology, Sports, Lifestyle and Coronavirus News in India and the world over that you can't miss. For real time update Visit our social media handle. Read First India NewsPaper in your morning replace. Visit First India.
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Federal Authorities Urge Vigilance Amid Bird Flu Outbreak | The Lifesciences ...The Lifesciences Magazine
Federal authorities have advised the public to remain vigilant but calm in response to the ongoing bird flu outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu.
लालू यादव की जीवनी LALU PRASAD YADAV BIOGRAPHYVoterMood
Discover the life and times of Lalu Prasad Yadav with a comprehensive biography in Hindi. Learn about his early days, rise in politics, controversies, and contribution.
projet de traité négocié à Istanbul (anglais).pdfEdouardHusson
Ceci est le projet de traité qui avait été négocié entre Russes et Ukrainiens à Istanbul en mars 2022, avant que les Etats-Unis et la Grande-Bretagne ne détournent Kiev de signer.
Slide deck with charts from our Digital News Report 2024, the most comprehensive exploration of news consumption habits around the world, based on survey data from more than 95,000 respondents across 47 countries.
#WenguiGuo#WashingtonFarm Guo Wengui Wolf son ambition exposed to open a far...rittaajmal71
Since fleeing to the United States in 2014, Guo Wengui has founded a number of projects in the United States, such as GTV Media Group, GTV private equity, farm loan project, G Club Operations Co., LTD., and Himalaya Exchange.
Recent years have seen a disturbing rise in violence, discrimination, and intolerance against Christian communities in various Islamic countries. This multifaceted challenge, deeply rooted in historical, social, and political animosities, demands urgent attention. Despite the escalating persecution, substantial support from the Western world remains lacking.
16062024_First India Newspaper Jaipur.pdfFIRST INDIA
Find Latest India News and Breaking News these days from India on Politics, Business, Entertainment, Technology, Sports, Lifestyle and Coronavirus News in India and the world over that you can't miss. For real time update Visit our social media handle. Read First India NewsPaper in your morning replace. Visit First India.
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13062024_First India Newspaper Jaipur.pdfFIRST INDIA
Find Latest India News and Breaking News these days from India on Politics, Business, Entertainment, Technology, Sports, Lifestyle and Coronavirus News in India and the world over that you can't miss. For real time update Visit our social media handle. Read First India NewsPaper in your morning replace. Visit First India.
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Youngest c m in India- Pema Khandu BiographyVoterMood
Pema Khandu, born on August 21, 1979, is an Indian politician and the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh. He is the son of former Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Dorjee Khandu. Pema Khandu assumed office as the Chief Minister in July 2016, making him one of the youngest Chief Ministers in India at that time.
12062024_First India Newspaper Jaipur.pdfFIRST INDIA
Find Latest India News and Breaking News these days from India on Politics, Business, Entertainment, Technology, Sports, Lifestyle and Coronavirus News in India and the world over that you can't miss. For real time update Visit our social media handle. Read First India NewsPaper in your morning replace. Visit First India.
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ग्रेटर मुंबई के नगर आयुक्त को एक खुले पत्र में याचिका दायर कर 540 से अधिक मुंबईकरों ने सभी अवैध और अस्थिर होर्डिंग्स, साइनबोर्ड और इलेक्ट्रिक साइनेज को तत्काल हटाने और 13 मई, 2024 की शाम को घाटकोपर में अवैध होर्डिंग के गिरने की विनाशकारी घटना के बाद अपराधियों के खिलाफ सख्त कार्रवाई की मांग की है, जिसमें 17 लोगों की जान चली गई और कई निर्दोष लोग गंभीर रूप से घायल हो गए।
1. October 2, 2014
Docket Management Facility
U.S. Department of Transportation
Room W12-140
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20590-0001
Re: Docket No. FHWA-2013-0037; Statewide and Nonmetropolitan Transportation Planning; Metropolitan Transportation Planning
On behalf of the 6,000 members of the American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA), I respectfully offer comments on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT’s) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking concerning statewide and nonmetropolitan transportation planning and metropolitan transportation planning.
ARTBA’s membership includes private and public sector members that plan, design, construct and maintain the nation’s roadways, waterways, bridges, ports, airports, rail and transit systems. Our industry generates more than $380 billion annually in U.S. economic activity and sustains more than 3.3 million American jobs.
ARTBA members undertake a variety of activities that are subject to both the transportation planning and environmental review and approval processes in the normal course of their business operations. ARTBA’s public sector members adopt, approve, or fund transportation plans, programs, or projects. ARTBA’s private sector members plan, design, construct and provide supplies for these federal transportation improvement projects. This document represents the collective views of our 6,000 member companies and organizations.
The “Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act” (MAP-21) initiated a significant change in the nature of the federal highway program. Whereas the core purpose of the highway program under prior surface transportation reauthorization laws was to share the cost of state and local improvements to highways on the federal-aid system, MAP-21 establishes two clear roles for the federal government in the nation’s highway system:
1. Establish goals and metrics for the physical condition and operational performance of the core highways that are important to the nation’s economy—the Interstate Highway System (IHS) and the National Highway System (NHS). MAP-21 recognizes highways provide critical infrastructure to support the nation’s economy, and that their condition and performance underpin the future growth and strength of the economy. To that end, MAP-21 consolidates a number of categorical highway programs into a new National Highway Performance Program (NHPP) to channel federal highway investment into projects that contribute to achieving the national goals established in the legislation.
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2. Create a National Freight Policy that recognizes the importance of freight movements to the overall performance of the economy. Under MAP-21, a clear federal responsibility is established for assuring that freight moves safely and efficiently by improving highway freight corridors and removing bottlenecks that impede the efficient flow of freight over the nation’s highways.
Enacting historic changes through legislation is just the first step in this process. It is essential the new law be implemented effectively and in ways that give the greatest return to those whose funds are invested in highways—the taxpayers whose motor fuel taxes are credited to the Highway Trust Fund to support highway and bridge improvements. MAP-21 takes a number of important steps to address past criticisms of federal highway investment, including eliminating earmarks, reducing diversions of highway revenues to non-highway uses and consolidating numerous programs into a handful that give recipients more flexibility to use limited resources to enhance the performance of the nation’s highways. Whether taxpayers receive the benefits will depend on how the new legislation is implemented and states use their new autonomy.
To that end, ARTBA offers the following comments on DOT’s proposed planning regulations:
Focus on the goals enumerated in the law
The authors of MAP-21 had the opportunity to include a host of external goals such as livability, reduction of transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions, reduction of reliance on foreign oil, adaptation to the effects of climate change, public health, housing, land-use patterns and air quality in the planning and performance process. Instead, Section 1203 of MAP-21 listed only one goal—environmental sustainability—that is not directly related to physical conditions and operational performance of the National Highway System. The same is true for the metropolitan and statewide planning processes laid out in Sections 1201-1202.
Accordingly, DOT should focus on implementing the goals and standards as spelled out in MAP- 21. While there may be stakeholders and perspectives that did not achieve their full objectives in the legislative process, we urge you to resist any recommendations to re-open the delicate compromise achieved in MAP-21 through over interpretation of the measure’s performance process. The simple fact is that few interest groups, including ARTBA, are entirely satisfied with every aspect of major legislation. That reality should in no way tarnish MAP-21’s meaningful policy reforms. Further, the common ground found during the legislative process is one of the main reasons MAP-21 was among the few significant pieces of legislation to secure broad bipartisan support during the 112th Congress.
Establishing Performance Goals and Measures
For the purpose of carrying out the NHPP established in Section 119 of Title 23, Section 1203 of MAP-21 (Title 23, Section 150) requires the Secretary to establish performance measures for the IHS and the rest of the NHS. These are to form the basis for states and Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) to develop their highway asset management plans. Performance goals and measures should be directly related to the outcomes sought. MAP-21 establishes specific national goals related to the NHPP and the performance measures should be tied toward the achievement of these goals. Prior to the enactment of MAP-21, the mission of the federal highway program was clouded as the program was restructured time and again to be all things to
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all people. MAP-21’s national performance goals provide an opportunity to clearly demonstrate the mission of federal highway investment.
The traditional standard used to measure highway performance has been congestion, which has been measured in a number of ways, including the effect on travel time, duration, variability and cause. These are the concepts used both by the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) in its annual report on the cost of congestion in urban areas and by the U.S.DOT in its annual Conditions and Performance report. It should be noted that ARTBA fully appreciates the importance of mass transit facilities in reducing urban congestion—a fact demonstrated by the joint sponsorship of the TTI annual congestion report by ARTBA and the American Public Transportation Association.
To reflect the complexity of congestion, the performance standards developed by the Secretary should not focus on just one measure, but should reflect the various causes and consequences of congestion and should include the following:
1. The performance measures should be data driven. In recent years, TTI has significantly improved its sources and uses of congestion data and, as new technologies are developed. That process should continue. The performance measures set by the Secretary should be updated and revised on a regular schedule to incorporate the latest and most reliable data.
2. The performance measures should fully incorporate the economic costs of congestion. In calculating the cost of congestion, the TTI report focuses on two elements – the cost of travel time and wasted fuel. These, however, are only part of the story. More important is the cost congestion imposes on the productivity of the economy, including imposing delays on the manufacturing process, increasing logistics cost of planning shipments to avoid congestion and bottlenecks, and forcing firms to make non-optimal location decisions, among others, as well as the cost to public health and safety in terms of increased collisions. The performance measures should recognize these costs as well as the time and fuel costs calculated by the TTI.
3. The performance measures should also recognize the impact of infrastructure conditions on roadway safety. A 2009 study from the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation found that more than half of highway fatalities are related to deficient roadway conditions. These crashes were estimated to cost the U.S. more than $217 billion per year.
4. The performance measures should be integrated with the national freight policy. Highway bottlenecks cost freight shippers more than $8 billion each year. The performance measures should incorporate data on freight, as well as overall travel.
5. The performance measures should not be chosen on the basis of preferred solutions. Different stakeholders and analysts have strongly held views as to how highway congestion should be addressed. These views, however, should not be used to establish performance measures. Performance measures should be based on actual
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existing travel data and should be neutral as to how the states resolve the problem in their state asset management plans.
Assuring Accountability and Transparency
MAP-21 significantly alters the relationship between state and local transportation agencies and the public whose highway user taxes are invested in highway improvements. Under prior surface transportation laws, the main requirement for obligating federal funds for a project was the project’s conformity to the requirements of the program providing the funds. There was no requirement for the recipient of funds to justify the project or provide information about how the project achieves national goals or expected benefits, other than that the project be part of the state’s or MPO’s long-range transportation plan and be on the statewide transportation improvement program (STIP) or transportation improvement program (TIP). As a result, the public received little information that could be used to evaluate the benefits received from the motor fuel and other taxes paid into the federal Highway Trust Fund.
MAP-21 transforms the federal highway program into one where project selection is driven by performance targets. While MAP-21 focuses on development and implementation of state asset management plans to improve the condition and performance of the NHS, the success of this approach will depend on public understanding of the benefits of highway improvements and their views on the taxes they pay for highway investments. The more information taxpayers have on the purposes and benefits of highway and bridge improvement projects, the better will be their ability to evaluate the federal highway program. This can be accomplished in conjunction with the requirement in Section 1503(c) of MAP-21 that the U.S. DOT publish detailed information on all federally-aided highway projects on its website. The model for this should be the format used by the Department to report on the obligation and use of highway funds provided under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), but expanded to include information on the goal or goals each project is intended to achieve and what the project did achieve when completed.
We are extremely disappointed the Department has not yet complied with this requirement, despite the zeal it took in how new ARRA transportation funds were utilized. We urge the DOT to begin this important process in educating the public on the specific value each state receives from federal highway and bridge investment.
Implementing the National Highway Performance Program (NHPP)
Although Section 1104 of MAP-21 expands the definition of the National Highway System to include some roads, border crossings and intermodal connectors not currently part of the NHS, it is clear in the legislation that the sole focus of the NHS, and thus the NHPP, is highways and does not include other modes. While the goals of the NHPP include mitigating the environmental impact of highway travel and protecting and enhancing the natural environment, we urge you to resist recommendations that may suggest these goals constitute shifting Highway Account resources to other modes of transportation. MAP-21 is clear that the only other permissible uses of NHPP funds, other than for NHS highway and bridge improvements, are:
1. Ferry boats and ferry boat facilities that connect to the NHS;
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2. Federal-aid roads off the NHS if the project is in the same corridor as an access- controlled NHS route and provides a higher ratio of benefits to cost as a project on the NHS route;
3. Construction of a transit project, with the same limitations as in (2);
4. Bicycle routes and pedestrian walkways; and
5. Bus terminals servicing the NHS.
These are the same exceptions that existed under SAFETEA-LU, and there is nothing in MAP- 21 to suggest Congress now means they should be a platform for shifting limited Highway Account resources to other modes.
Similarly, there is no reason the state and MPO asset management plans required under MAP-21 should channel federal highway funds into other modes to any greater extent than under SAFETEA-LU and prior surface transportation authorization laws. The major change made by MAP-21 to state and MPO transportation improvement plans is that they are to be outcome- oriented with a focus on contributing to the national performance goals established in Section 150.
Programmatic Agreements
While ARTBA realizes a separate rulemaking is forthcoming on the subject of programmatic agreements, they are also covered in DOT’s proposed planning regulations. As a general note, ARTBA has consistently encouraged the use of programmatic agreements, which have been highlighted in the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) “Every Day Counts” program as an effective tool in reducing project delay.
ARTBA recommends that as states take advantage of these programmatic agreements, DOT should examine the agreements and quantify the benefits in terms of time saved. Also, a clearinghouse of programmatic agreements should be created in order to highlight the most effective examples. Such information would be useful in helping to demonstrate to additional states the advantages of this new option.
Transportation Planning & the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
MAP-21 encourages the integration of NEPA with the transportation planning process. ARTBA has long supported this concept, as allowing transportation planning materials to be used during the NEPA process serves to reduce unnecessary duplication of work and shorten delay.
Specifically, ARTBA has some concerns over the use of the phrase “significant new information” in determining whether or not an existing planning document may be used during NEPA review. In determining whether or not “significant new information” has become available between the time of the planning document and NEPA, deference should be given to the determination of the state project sponsor, which will have the greatest familiarity with both documents. Also, as with other planning decisions, the decision on whether “significant new information” precludes the use of a planning document during the NEPA process should not be
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reviewable by a court. In instances where “significant new information” is available, DOT should develop a mechanism where the planning document can be updated, as opposed to creation of an entirely new document.
Finally, a clearinghouse highlighting the successful implementation of planning products into NEPA reviews should be established. Such a resource will enable project sponsors to share how to best use this new tool offered by MAP-21 in order to reduce project delay.
Setting Standards for Pavement Conditions
Another key component of the MAP-21 performance management process is its requirement for the U.S. Secretary of Transportation to establish measures to assess the condition of pavements on the Interstate System and set minimum conditions states must maintain to avoid penalties. It is well understood that much of the Interstate Highway System, which was constructed in the 1960s and 1970s has exceeded its life expectancy and is in need of substantial repair. ARTBA therefore is eager to work with the Department in developing these requirements.
ARTBA looks forward to continuing to participate with DOT in effectively implementing MAP- 21’s project delivery reforms and look forward to continuing a dialogue on this critical endeavor.
Sincerely,
T. Peter Ruane
President & C.E.O