Asphalt Industry Headlines and News Items from Virginia and around the Country

NAPA2STEADY INCREASE IN SUSTAINABILITY OF ASPHALT PAVEMENTS, RECYCLED MATERIALS, WARM-MIX ASPHALT SHOW STEADY GROWTH INCREASIN
G THE SUSTAINABILITY PROFILE OF ASPHALT PAVEMENTS.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
November 10, 2015 T. Carter Ross, (888) 468-6499 cross@asphaltpavement.org

Lanham, Md. — Nationwide, asphalt pavement mix producers continue to improve the sustainability profile of America’s roads through the incorporation of recycled materials and the use of energy-saving warm-mix asphalt technologies.
According to the latest survey of asphalt mix producers conducted by the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), more than 75 million tons of recycled materials — primarily asphalt pavement material reclaimed from old roads and parking lots and recycled asphalt roofing shingles — was put to use in new asphalt pavement mixtures during the 2014 construction season.

[button link=”http://www.vaasphalt.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/2015-11-10-WMA-Recycled-Materials-Survey.pdf” color=”red”] Read More[/button]

[button link=”http://www.vaasphalt.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/IS138-2014_RAP-RAS-WMA_Survey_Executive_Sumary.pdf” color=”red” newwindow=”yes”] Survey Summary[/button]

 

 

VECAT575VIRGINIA EDUCATION CENTER FOR ASPHALT TECHNOLOGY (VECAT)

posted Monday October 5 2015, Culpeper Star Exponent, Rhonda Simmons

Led by Germanna, a new statewide effort will partner The Virginia Asphalt Association, the Virginia Department of Transportation and the Virginia Community College System to establish the Virginia Education Center for Asphalt Technology.   “Germanna is pleased to partner with the Virginia Asphalt Association in developing these vital certifications and apprenticeships,” said Germanna President David A. Sam. “The commonwealth needs people with the skills to pave, inspect and repair our roadways. And citizens of Virginia need well-paid jobs that make a difference. Our work together in developing these programs helps to close that skills gap and make for a better Virginia.”

Secretary of the Commonwealth Levar Stoney made the announcement Monday at the Jefferson Hotel in Richmond. “Whether you’re in Abingdon or Arlington, students will now have the ability to further their careers in one of Virginia’s key industries,” Stoney said. “The efforts of this partnership will send a signal to all our competitors that we know what it takes to continue building the new Virginia economy.”

Germanna spokesman Mike Zitz said the effort will be focused at Germanna with changes to the asphalt-related materials certification classes, the initiation of an asphalt technologist apprenticeship program and eventually an asphalt technologist associate’s degree.

[button link=”http://www.dailyprogress.com/starexponent/gcc-vdot-vaa-partner-for-asphalt-training/article_d638197e-6b89-11e5-88a0-afcfb9ee14c2.html” color=”red” newwindow=”yes”] Read More[/button]

 

 

amy575.325APA TAPS MILLER AS NEW NATIONAL DIRECTOR

The Asphalt Pavement Alliance (APA) today named Amy Miller, P.E., as its new National Director. She was introduced at the annual summer meeting of the State Asphalt Pavement Associations (SAPA) in Williamsburg, Va.
Miller, a professional engineer licensed in Florida, has an extensive background in pavement design and pavement type selection issues. As national director of the APA, she will be responsible for coordinating and leading education and field deployment efforts for the asphalt pavement industry, working in close cooperation with the Asphalt Institute (AI) in Lexington, Ky., the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) in Lanham, Md., and the 40 state associations.

[button link=”http://www.vaasphalt.org/apa-national-director/” color=”red” newwindow=”yes”] Read More[/button]

 

seal_va[1]

COMMONWEALTH TRANSPORTATION BOARD APPROVES SIX-YEAR IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

$13.3 billion in road, bridge, rail and public transportation improvements; board also approves VDOT’s $5.3 billion annual budget

The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) approved today the latest Six-Year Improvement Program (SYIP), which allocates 13.3 billion to transportation projects over the next six fiscal years beginning July 1, 2015.  Projects include highway, road, bridge, rail, transit, bicycle/pedestrian paths and other transportation improvements across the state.

[button link=”http://www.virginiadot.org/newsroom/statewide/2015/commonwealth_transportation_board_approves83856.asp” color=”red”] Read More[/button]

 

 

COMMONWEALTH TRANSPORTATION BOARD RELEASES DRAFT SIX-YEAR IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FOR PUBLIC REVIEW

$12.9 billion in road, bridge rail and public transportation improvements; public hearings to be held

RICHMOND – The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) released today the draft Six-Year Improvement Program (SYIP), which allocates $12.9 billion to transportation projects over the next six fiscal years beginning July 1, 2015.  Projects include highway, road, bridge, rail, transit, bicycle/pedestrian paths and other transportation improvements across the state.

The SYIP supports nearly 3,000 transportation projects to improve the state’s infrastructure.   The draft program does not include new projects that would be subject to scoring under the new prioritization process under House Bill 2 (HB2). This process will help determine critical transportation needs through a fair and objective analysis.

Governor Terry McAuliffe signed HB2 into law in 2014, which directs the CTB to develop and use a scoring process for project selection by July 2016. Candidate projects will be screened to determine if they qualify to be scored. Projects will be scored based on an objective and fair analysis applied statewide. The law will improve transparency and accountability. The public will know how projects scored and the decisions behind the CTB’s project selections.

[button link=”http://www.virginiadot.org/newsroom/statewide/2015/commonwealth_transportation_board_releases81716.asp” color=”red” newwindow=”yes”] Read More[/button]

 

 

Recycle Tax Credit Amended 

reduce-reuse-recycleThe 2015 General Assembly passed an amended Tax Credit Reduction regulation that many members have previously taken advantage of (since the 1990’s) when purchasing equipment or machinery related to the use of RAP.  The Governor approved the modifications to the rule several weeks ago.  The changes are beneficial to industry.  The tax credit has been upped from 10% to 20% and purchased equipment and machinery eligible for the credit now only has to be used “predominately” for recycling activities at the plant site instead of “exclusively”.  The program has also been extended to 2025.  The changes may open the door to getting the credit for things such as equipment used to manage RAP stock piles that may have other functions onsite.  Things like RAP crushers and conveyors as well as components of the plant that are part of the production process utilizing RAP have already been approved by DEQ as eligible.  Grey areas on some equipment may be helped by the change to “predominately”.  If in doubt, members should send it in to DEQ and see if they will approve it.  The new rules are retroactive until January 1, 2015.

To view the amended regulation go to https://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?ses=151&typ=bil&val=hb1554.  The application process for submitting tax credit requests can be found on the VAA web site under the members only environmental section (waste issues).  DEQ will probably be updating the procedures soon to incorporate the amended regulation.

 

Dr. J. Don Brock, 76, passed away, Tuesday, March 10th J-Don-Brock-1426087547at Memorial Hospital from complications of mesothelioma cancer. 

Don was born in Chattanooga on October 20, 1938, to the late James and Edna Brock and was preceded in death by his sister, Edith Brock Murray. He graduated from Central High School in 1957 and received a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville in 1961. He then continued his education at the Georgia Institute of Technology receiving a M.S. in Mechanical Engineering in 1963 and a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering in 1965.

Don started his working career building thermal hot oil heaters and asphalt storage tanks with his dad while in high school. He invented a revolutionary carpet dryer while at Georgia Tech which gave him the seed money to start Astec Industries. He founded Astec with Norm Smith, Al Guth, Gail Mize, and Mike Uchytil in 1972. The company is now publicly traded, has sales of approximately $1 billion dollars, and has over 4,000 employees worldwide. He won countless national and international awards and has over 100 patents. Don was Chairman of the Board and CEO of Astec until 2014 when his son Ben Brock became CEO of the company. Don remained Chairman of the Board of Astec until his death.

Mentoring others and exchanging ideas came naturally to Don. He is famous for his repertoire of jokes and his great sense of humor.  Besides spending time with his family and friends, other interests included the University of Tennessee football and his dogs, Riley and Bentley.

Don, along with his wife Sam, were founding members of  GraceWorks Church in Chattanooga, TN, where they were involved in many facets of the church. Don was passionate for the construction of the cross that is visible to so many as a reminder of Christ’s love, sacrifice and forgiveness for all.

Don is survived by his wife, Sam;  seven children: Beth Brock; Ben Brock (Carolyn); Walter Brock  (Lee Ann) ; Jennifer Brock; Darryl Brock (Melissa); Melissa Adcock (Dustin); Krystal Parker (Lloyd); his two stepdaughters: Christie Gleeson (Tim) and Devin Sprouse (Tammy Lambert); 15 grandchildren, Garrison, Pierce, Payton, Daxton, Clay, Zachary, Austin, Katie, Haven, Taylor, Ashley, Hannah, Daniel, Jacob and Sarahbeth.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 14th at 2 PM at the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1505 N. Moore Road, Chattanooga, Tennessee, 37411.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in memory of Don payable to GraceWorks Church, 6445 Lee Highway, Chattanooga, TN 37421.

Visit www.heritagefh.com to share words of comfort to the family.  Arrangements by Heritage Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 7454 E. Brainerd Road.

[button link=”http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/local/story/2015/mar/11/one-chattanoogas-greatest-inventors-passes-away/292631/” color=”red” newwindow=”yes”] Article[/button]

[button link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6TSCCpozcU” color=”red” newwindow=”yes”] Tribute Video[/button]

 

 

VDOT ANNOUNCES NEW LEADERSHIP FOR THE SALEM AND BRISTOL DISTRICTS

Two new district engineers selected to lead districts

RICHMOND – The Virginia Department Transportation (VDOT) announced today that Ken King, P.E. is the new district engineer for the Salem District and Randy Hamilton, P.E. will serve as district engineer for the Bristol District.  As district engineers, King and Hamilton will lead the construction, maintenance and operations programs in their districts.

[button link=”http://www.virginiadot.org/newsroom/statewide/2015/vdot_announces_new_leadership79458.asp” color=”red” newwindow=”yes”] Read More[/button]

 

 

Governor McAuliffe Announces Transportation Reforms
A 21st century transportation system to support a New Virginia Economy

From the office of Gov. Terry McAuliffe
RICHMOND
– Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today legislation that would restore integrity to the state’s process to deliver projects under the Public Private Transportation Act (PPTA) and improve reliability for transportation funding distributions.  The legislative package continues the evolution of the administration’s transportation program to improve transparency and credibility in how taxpayer dollars are spent on transportation projects.[button link=”http://www.virginiadot.org/newsroom/statewide/2015/governor_mcauliffe_announces_transportation78909.asp” color=”red” newwindow=”yes”] Read More[/button]

 

 

     Improve Pavement Scoping With PaveXpress,        New NCAT Guidance
Web-Based Tool Supports Recommended Recalibration of
AASHTO 93 Structural Layer Coefficient for Better Designs

For More Information, Contact:
T. Carter Ross at 301-731-4748
cross@asphaltpavement.org

The National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) recently released guidance on recalibrating the structural asphalt layer coefficient in the AASHTO 1993 Design Guide. The AASHTO 93 design methods are based on empirical data gathered in road tests from 1958 to 1960. Although newer mechanistic-empirical design methods have been developed, 78 percent of U.S. states predominately use empirical design methods. However, it is commonly recognized that the AASHTO 93 design method tends to result in an overdesign of pavement thicknesses for high traffic levels, which can add unnecessarily to the cost of a pavement.

[button link=”http://www.vaasphalt.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/2014-11-10-NCAT-Report-PaveXpress.pdf” color=”red” newwindow=”yes”] Read More[/button]

 

 

PaveXpress Eases Pavement Design

Based on Industry Standards, New Web-Based Tool Aids in Specifying Technically Sound Pavements; Introductory Webinar Set for Oct. 1

Designing the right pavement for the job got easier thanks to PaveXpress, a free Web-based pavement design scoping tool for roadway and parking lot pavements. PaveXpress — www.pavexpressdesign.com — creates technically sound pavement structural designs for flexible and rigid pavements based on widely accepted industry standards from the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO).

[button link=”http://www.vaasphalt.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/2014-09-15-PaveXpress-Launch.pdf” color=”red” newwindow=”yes”] Read More[/button]

 

 

Superior Paving Corp. Wins National Award For Safety Innovations
Lanham, Md. — The National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) announced today that Superior Paving Corp. of Gainesville, Va., is a finalist of a 2013 Asphalt Operations Safety Innovation Award. The company was recognized Monday, July 14 at a ceremony recognizing the Operational Excellence Award recipients during the NAPA Midyear Meeting in Nashville.

[button link=”http://www.vaasphalt.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/SAF3-Superior-Cameras.pdf” color=”red” newwindow=”yes”] Read More[/button]

 

 

Virginia Asphalt Association Wins National Award For Outstanding Website
Lanham, Md. — The National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) announced today that Virginia Asphalt Association, of Richmond, Va., is a winner of a 2013 Outstanding Website Award. The association was recognized Monday, July 14 at a ceremony recognizing the Operational Excellence Award recipients during the NAPA Midyear Meeting in Nashville.

[button link=”http://www.vaasphalt.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/WEB3-VaAPA-vaasphalt-org.pdf” color=”red” newwindow=”yes”] Read More[/button]

 

 

Governor McAuliffe Announces $13.1 Billion in Transportation Improvements Across The State Will Improve Mobility and Drive the Economy

Transportation program reflects input from residents and the traveling public following a series of public hearings.

Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that the public was heard and their transportation priorities were carefully considered, resulting in adjustments to the final Six-Year Improvement Program. The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) approved the program, which allocates $13.1 billion to highway, road, bridge, rail, transit, bicycle/pedestrian paths and other transportation improvements throughout Virginia over a six year period beginning July 1, 2014.

[button link=”http://www.virginiadot.org/asset_upload_file530_66554.pdf” color=”red” newwindow=”yes”] Read More[/button]

 

 

Governor McAuliffe Announces New Web Portal to Track Road Projects
Go to Virginiaroads.org for interactive maps that show latest paving conditions and construction projects across the state

Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has launched a new interactive portal, www.Virginiaroads.org, that provides a one-stop information source to VDOT data and projects. The Governor made his announcement while speaking at the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the Brookings Institution’s Eco-Engineering Forum 2014: The New Eco-System of Information on Harnessing the Potential of Big Data.

[button link=”http://www.virginiadot.org/newsroom/statewide/2014/governor_mcauliffe_announces_new73591.asp” color=”red” newwindow=”yes”] Read More[/button]

 

 

Civil Penalty When Uninsured For Workers’ Compensation Will Significantly Increase Effective July 1, 2014

Richmond, Virginia, May 21, 2014:  The 2014 General Assembly approved an increase in the civil penalty imposed when an employer required to insure under the Workers’ Compensation Act fails to insure.  An employer is required by state law to insure in Virginia when they regularly employ more than two part-time (or full-time) employees.  A business that hires subcontractors or other business to assist them in their trade or to fulfill a contract must count the subcontractor’s employees as well as their own employees in determining total employees for coverage requirements.  For a contractor whose work varies, the Commission looks to the “established mode” of performing work.  A contractor that hires one or more subcontractors with employees to accomplish their business is required to carry workers’ compensation insurance.

[button link=”http://www.vaasphalt.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Insurance-Press-Release.pdf” color=”red” newwindow=”yes”] Read More [/button]

 

 

Commonwealth Transportation Board Releases Draft Six-Year Improvement Program For Public Review

$13.1 billion in road, bridge rail and public transportation improvements

The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) released, on April 16th, the draft Six-Year Improvement Program, which allocates $13.1 billion to transportation projects over the next six fiscal years beginning July 1, 2014.  Projects include highway, road, bridge, rail, transit, bicycle/pedestrian paths and other transportation improvements across the state.

[button link=”http://www.virginiadot.org/newsroom/statewide/2014/commonwealth_transportation_board_releases72567.asp” color=”red”] Read More[/button]

 

 

Marcie Parker, P.E.VDOT Announces New Leadership For Fredericksburg District

Marcie Parker, P.E., will oversee all VDOT construction, maintenance and operations programs in the 14-county Fredericksburg District

FREDERICKSBURG – Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Commissioner Charlie Kilpatrick announced today that he has named Marcie Parker, P.E., as the agency’s new Fredericksburg District Administrator.

Parker will oversee construction, maintenance and operations for 11,500 miles of state-maintained roads in the 14-county Fredericksburg District. She was appointed Acting District Administrator in January.

“Marcie Parker is a talented public servant who has a wide range of practical field experience in highway maintenance and construction,” said VDOT Commissioner Charlie Kilpatrick. “She has high expectations in everything she does, and she is driven by results. I am confident that she will work with communities to develop and deliver common-sense transportation solutions that reduce congestion, promote economic development, and improve safety.”

Parker has more than 20 years of transportation experience in Virginia. Since being named Assistant District Administrator for Maintenance and Operations in 2010, Parker has led emergency response operations for snow removal, and was responsible for delivering a $120 million maintenance program districtwide, which includes oversight of all bridges, overpasses, structures and pavement conditions. Under her leadership, pavement conditions were elevated on Interstate 95 in Caroline, Spotsylvania and Stafford counties, and are in 100 percent compliance with ride quality standards.

Prior to that role, Parker served as Saluda Residency Administrator from 2001-2010 in the Middle Peninsula, and as Norfolk Residency Assistant Residency Administrator from 1996-2001 in Hampton Roads. She joined VDOT in 1993 as a transportation engineer trainee.

Parker is a graduate of Clemson University, and holds an undergraduate degree in civil engineering. She has held a Professional Engineer’s license in Virginia since 1999.

Parker lives in Spotsylvania County with her husband and two sons.

Governor McAuliffe Appoints Charles Kilpatrick Commissioner, VDOT and Quintin D. Elliott, Chief Deputy Commissioner

Charles Kilpatrick served previously as the Chief Deputy Commissioner of VDOT where he oversaw the agency’s day-to day operations and strategic vision. Quintin D. Elliott served previously as the Fredericksburg District Administrator within VDOT where he oversaw construction and maintenance on more than 11,500 miles of state-maintained roads in the 14 county region.

 

 

Governor McAuliffe Addresses the Joint Assembly

Governor McAuliffe shared his ideas on how to move the commonwealth forward when he addressed the Joint Assembly on January 13.  Click below to read an excerpt from his speech that covers what he had to say on the topic of Transportation.

[button link=”http://www.vaasphalt.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Governor-McAuliffe.pdf” color=”red” newwindow=”yes”] Read More[/button]

 

 

 

Aubrey Layne Named Virginia’s Next Secretary of Transportation

Governor elect Terry McAuliffe announced that Aubrey Layne will serve as Virginia’s next Secretary of Transportation.  “His experience in statewide transportation planning and in the private sector give him perspective on the role that  transportation planning, construction and maintenance play in creating an environment where businesses can locate and thrive,” stated McAuliffe.   Layne has represented Hampton Roads on the state transportation board for two terms.  “I am honored to accept Governor-elect McAuliffe’s offer to become Virginia’s next Secretary of Transportation”, said Layne.  He went on to say that he has become well versed in the needs we have across the Commonwealth in transportation.  He has gained a strong appreciation for how important the roads, bridges and tunnels are to the Virginia economy.

 

Reprint Courtesy of the Baltimore Sun

Barton S. Mitchell Dies

Reprinted from The Baltimore Sun, by Frederick N. Rasmussen on October 09, 2013 

Barton S. Mitchell, a retired asphalt paving company executive who was active in Maryland Republican politics and enjoyed collecting vintage cars, died Sunday of lung cancer at his Lutherville home. He was 73.

“Bart was just a larger-than-life character who sucked all the air out of the room and loved playing the part of the ‘Big Cheeeze,’ which those who knew him called him. Everything with Bart was big, big, and I will miss him,” said former Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr., a longtime friend.

“Maryland will miss him, and thousands of his friends will miss him. He was passionate about his hobbies, the family business and his friends. He was always a condition-less friend,” said Mr. Ehrlich.

“Bart was in money circles. That’s what he did. He raised money,” said Helen Delich Bentley, the former congresswoman and chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission.

“He was interested in getting more people in office and he felt very strongly that it was important for the country to have a strong two-party system, and he gave his all to get us there,” said Mrs. Bentley, who added that Mr. Mitchell worked with Jim Knott to raise money on several of her campaigns.

“He was big in stature and had broad shoulders. He sort of took over a room whenever he came into it, and he always did a good job,” said Mrs. Bentley.

The son of E. Stewart Mitchell and Irene Barton Mitchell, Barton Stewart Mitchell was born in Baltimore and raised on Bellemore Road in Roland Park.

After graduating from McDonogh School in 1958, he earned a bachelor’s degree in 1962 from Washington & Lee University, where he was a member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity.

After graduation, Mr. Mitchell served in the Coast Guard for six months before joining the family asphalt business, E. Stewart Mitchell Inc., which had been established by his father in 1941 on Ridgewood Avenue in Northwest Baltimore. The company became a leading marketer, transporter and applier of all types of liquid asphalt.

Mr. Mitchell was 28 when he took over the company in 1968 after his father’s death.

In addition to E. Mitchell Stewart Inc., Mr. Mitchell had owned or controlled the Bituminous Emulsion Co., MDG Inc., Mitchell Industries Inc. and Montgomery Construction Inc.

In 1976, Mr. Mitchell and two partners, Bob Surface and Ron White, established Superior Paving Corp. in Gainesville, Va., which has grown to be the leading hot-mix paving firm in Northern Virginia. It operates nine hot-mix plants and a 10th through an affiliated plant.

“I guess I first met Bart about 1969 or 1970. I was working for a paving company in Fairfax, and we were buying our liquid asphalt from his company in Baltimore,” said Mr. Surface.

“So we started Superior Paving Corp. in 1976, and have gotten along fine and dandy ever since then,” said Mr. Surface, who is now retired from the company.

“Bart was a studious thinker and a visionary. He was very much a micro-management guy who had a head for the minutiae,” said Mr. White, former chairman and CEO of Superior, who is now vice chairman. “He always saw the big picture and put together the strategy to get us there. He was a big presence among our employees, who very much liked him.”

Mr. White said his partner easily took control of a situation.

“People always paid attention to what Bart had to say. He was such a great partner, and no one could have anyone better to provide the leadership to get us down the path,” he said.

Mr. Mitchell retired in 1995 and handed E. Stewart Mitchell Inc. to his son, David Mitchell of Severna Park, who operated the business until closing it in 2011.

Another son, James Mitchell of Warrenton, Va., is now the president of Superior Paving, while Mr. Surface’s son, Frank Surface, is CEO.

In 1983, Mr. Mitchell, who had been cooperating with state and federal officials investigating Maryland highway contracts, was sentenced to several months in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy in a bid-rigging scheme.

Mr. Mitchell “was the key event, the way the investigation got off the ground,” a source who was close to the investigation told The Baltimore Sun in a 1983 article. “Without his participation, [federal and state] investigators would have nothing.”

Mr. Mitchell was a past president of the Maryland Asphalt Association and the Maryland Highway Contractors. In 1981, he was named to the board and later served as chairman of the National Asphalt Pavement Association. He was inducted into its Hall of Fame in 2010.

Mr. Mitchell had served as an officer, including president, of the Baltimore Skipjacks minor-league ice hockey franchise for 14 years, and had been the owner of Southern Maryland Marine.

He served on the boards of Roland Park Country School and Boys’ Latin School.

Mr. Mitchell had long been active in Maryland Republican politics, fundraising and working on campaigns.

 

NAPA Young Leaders Award Scholarship

On September 11th and 12th the NAPA Young Leaders held their 10th annual conference at the W Hotel in Washington, D.C. This year the Young Leaders co-located their meeting with NAPA’s Asphalt Fly-In. Attendees participated in all Fly-In activities, including legislative and regulatory briefings, networking events with members of Congress, and lobbying visits.

The Young Leaders Conferences always have sessions focused on developing and building the leadership skills needed for personal and professional growth.  To prove that commitment, each year NAPA Young Leaders presents a scholarship to a graduate or undergraduate student who is working towards a degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or Construction Engineering in the state in which the meeting is held.

This year we were able to award the scholarship to a student in our great state of Virginia.  The VAA and its Board of Directors stepped up to the plate and increased the scholarship to a record $5,000.  We saw 23 applications come through all of which deserving of this award.  The scholarship was awarded to James Bryce of Virginia Tech.  He received his masters of Science and Engineering in 2012 and is currently working on his PhD.  James has a long list of academic achievements and is also very active in his community.  James has conducted research with the Center for Sustainable Transportation Infrastructure at the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI), VDOT, the Strategic Highway Research Program 2 (SHRP 2), and a national Sustainable Pavements Consortium.

We congratulate Mr. Bryce on receiving this scholarship.  Through this scholarship, Virginia is a seen as a state that recognizes the value in making the necessary investments to ensure the future success of our industry.

Virginia Receives $57.3 Million in ‘Bonus’ Funding to Accelerate Transportation Projects
Additional funding originally allocated to other states will go toward transportation projects in Virginia 

RICHMOND — Governor Bob McDonnell today announced that the Commonwealth of Virginia has received an additional $57.3 million in federal funds for transportation originally allocated to other states.

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will use this additional funding for paving projects in each of its nine construction districts: $16.7 million will go toward interstate paving, $25.6 million is designated for paving primary roads and $13.7 million is allocated for paving secondary roads. Additionally, $1.3 million is slated for bridge painting/preventative maintenance. Later this month, VDOT will make its recommendation to the Commonwealth Transportation Board, which has final approval on how money is spent on transportation projects.

“This has been a historic year for transportation funding in Virginia,” said Governor McDonnell. “This ‘bonus’ funding, along with the new and sustainable funding from the transportation bill, will enhance VDOT’s ability to move projects forward and continue to improve the condition of our roads. Virginia’s transportation system is vital to both economic opportunity and to the quality of life of every Virginian.  These strategic investments will mean shorter commutes, new roads and more jobs across the Commonwealth.”

Each September, the FHWA reviews every state’s ability to commit allocated highway dollars as the federal fiscal year ends. States that cannot obligate federal funding must return that spending authority to the FHWA. The funds are then redistributed to states that can obligate all of their federal allocations and have additional eligible projects ready to move forward.

OSHA Proposes New Standard for Crystaline Silica

The proposed respiratory standard for respirable silica dust is being set at 50 micrograms per cubic meter.  The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) offers a “flexible alternative” compliance path for construction activities such as pavement milling to achieve the standard. The asphalt industry has taken steps to protect its workers through a partnership with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).  Most milling equipment has continuous water feed systems installed that prevent the generation of dust during operations and so long as there is no visible respirable dust, workers do not have to wear protective gear unless they work over a 4 hour shift.  The National Asphalt Pavement Association is continuing to work with NIOSH through the partnership process to obtain additional information on the exposure risks to workers in the milling operations area and believes that with the safeguards present on milling machines, it can demonstrate that there are no silica exposure risks (levels maintained below the standard).  For more information members can go to the members only, safety section of this website.