Thursday, December 19, 2013

December UAPA Newsletter - Executive Director's Message

It must be the snow, or maybe it is the cold, but the holidays always seem to be a good time of year to pause for a moment and reflect on all that has transpired in the past year as we look forward to things to come in the New Year.

As I sit here and do the same for UAPA, I am astounded at everything our young association has accomplished in its second full year of official existence.  While I will save a detailed report for our annual meeting at the Utah Asphalt Conference (February 26th-27th at the South Towne Expo Center), here are just a few of the highlights:


UAPA, in successful partnership with the Utah Chapter of the APWA, completely revised and reworked the APWA specifications for clarity, continuity, and quality.  These changes should make a significant difference in 2014 and beyond.
UAPA, in successful partnership with the LDS Church, completely revised and reworked the Church’s specifications for clarity, continuity, and quality.  Similar to the APWA specification changes, these changes should make a significant difference in 2014 and beyond.Thanks to the generous support of our members and others, UAPA successfully raised close to three thousand dollars for Make-A-Wish Utah to help make a wish come true for a Utah child battling a life-threatening illness.
UAPA, through the concerted efforts of some of its members, has negotiated and worked with Questar Gas Company to mitigate the potential impacts of a significant rate increase to the cost of natural gas to our member companies and, more importantly, our customers.
UAPA, in conjunction with the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), has worked to provide a significant change to the 02741 Specification involving the introduction of more asphalt to mixes.


There will certainly be more to talk about at the annual meeting in February, but I hope this paints you a broad picture of an association that is actively working to make our industry and our community better.  Challenges remain, and new opportunities will arise in 2014, yet I cannot help but be grateful for all of you and all you do for this association.  Thanks for a great year in 2013!  I look forward to working with you in 2014.

                                                                        -W. Reed Ryan
                                                                        Executive Director

                                                                        The Utah Asphalt Pavement Association

December UAPA Newsletter - President's Message

INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE ON UAPA’s BOARD

In last month’s newsletter, Reed hinted at some major changes coming to UAPA in the New Year.  Central to many of those changes will be the opportunity for UAPA members to run-for a position on UAPA’s Board of Directors.
The Charter Agreement for UAPA is set to expire next year, so it is a great time to get involved in our growing association.  UAPA was intentionally set up so each level of membership in the association would have a seat on the Board of Directors.  As with any association, we are sure to face a new set of challenges and opportunities in 2014, so your input and participation on the Board of UAPA would be most welcome.
Elections for board positions will take place in January.  The newly elected officers will be installed at out annual meeting in February.  If you have an interest in serving on UAPA’s Board, please make sure that you contact Reed today.  Serving on UAPA’s Board has taught me many things, and I am grateful for my time serving as president of the association.  The friendships I have strengthened and the new relationships I have forged as a result of my service are invaluable to me and the company I represent.  I would encourage you to experience the same.  Reach out to Reed and express your interest today!
    
-Joe Johnson


Kilgore Companies
UAPA President
April 2013 – March 2014

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Bill Would Nearly Double Federal Gasoline Tax

Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) is introducing legislation that would nearly double the 18.4-cents-per-gallon federal gas tax that is traditionally used to pay for federal transportation projects. 

Blumenauer's bill would increase the gas tax by 15 cents, matching a proposal that was included in the 2011 Simpson-Bowles budget reform recommendations. 

The legislation would result in drivers paying an extra 33.4 cents per gallon on their purchases, in addition to state taxes. 


Transportation advocates have pushed for a gas tax increase to close an approximately $20 billion shortfall in infrastructure funding that has developed as cars have grown more fuel efficient.

The current tax of 18.4 cents per gallon brings in about $35 billion per year. The last transportation bill that was passed by Congress included approximately $54 billion in funding per year, which transportation advocates said was barely enough to cover the repair needs of the current U.S. infrastructure system. 


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