Virginia Transportation Construction Alliance

Member Access

VTCA Calendar

VTCA 2011 Winter Meeting

February 03, 2011 - February 06, 2011 - Mansion on Forsyth Park , Savannah, GA

The 2011 VTCA Annual Meeting is being held at the Mansion on Forsyth Park in Savannah, GA. February 3-6, 2011. Watch for details and registration information to plan your trip.

ARTBA National Convention - 2010

October 03, 2010 - October 06, 2010 - New York, NY

ARTBA National Convention, New York Marriott Marquis, New York, NY

VTCA 2010 Annual Meeting

July 15, 2010 - July 18, 2010 - Wyndham Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Virginia Beach, VA

The 2010 VTCA Annual Meeting is being held at the Wyndham Virginia Beach Oceanfront. July 15-18, 2010. Watch for details and registration information to plan your trip.

ESCCC

June 11, 2010 - Holiday Inn Tanglewood, Roanoke

VTCA, in conjunction with VDOT, is offering the Erosion and Sediment Control Contractor Certification Program. This course is intended to train individuals involved in implementing Erosion and Sediment Control Plans on VDOT projects and rights-of-way. Participants who complete the course and pass the examination will receive a certificate of completion. This certificate meets VDOT’s E&S certification requirements.

If you wish to attend this course please fill out the enrollment form and submit it along with your payment to VTCA. All course materials, breaks and lunch will be provided; lodging is the responsibility of the participant.

Please contact VTCA’s with any questions.

Online Registration

June 11, 2010 ESCCC Printable Registration Form

Virginia Highway Workers Golf Tournament

June 08, 2010 - Hunting Hawk Golf Club, Glen Allen

Come one, come all and enjoy this beautiful course which was ranked 3rd best public course in the nation by Golf Digest. You will be assured of fun and fellowship with your friends and business associates, while raising money to benefit Virginia highway workers by funding the Virginia Highways Workers Scholarship and supporting other VTCA scholarships.

ARTBA Federal Issues Program & TCC Fly-In

May 24, 2010 - May 26, 2010 - Washington, DC

ARTBA Federal Issues Program & TCC Fly-In, Hyatt Regency Washington, Washington, DC

ESCCC

May 21, 2010 - Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, Abingdon

Please contact VTCA’s with any questions.

Online Registration

May 21, 2010 ESCCC Printable Registration Form

Transportation Project Management Institute

May 11, 2010 - May 20, 2010 - UVa, Charlottesville, VA

The Transportation Project Management Institute (TPMI) is a 9-day intensive residential training program exclusively designed for VDOT and industry project managers responsible for managing the development phase of transportation projects. The program’s objective is to enhance the knowledge and skills of project managers in order to complete projects on-time and on-budget. Participants will be able to directly apply their learning of project management principles, practices, and techniques to their day-to-day job. Six continuing education units (CEUs) will be awarded to participants upon successful completion of the program.

TOPICS

This comprehensive program is comprised of course modules covering a wide range of areas. The curriculum has been designed to provide participants with all the necessary tools needed to effectively manage projects through the development phase. Course modules include:

Understanding Personality
Leading the Project Team
Communication Skills
Project Development Process
Project Planning
Risk Management
Project Scope Management
Scheduling
Estimating
Ethics
Effective Consultant Relationships
Consultant Procurement Process
Negotiation
Effective Presentations

In addition, participants will work collaboratively to complete an institute project that will be presented to program faculty and key transportation leaders at the completion of the institute.

Additional details and registration information are available on the TPMI web site.

ESCCC

April 30, 2010 - Holiday Inn Select Koger South Conference Center, Richmond

Please contact VTCA’s with any questions.

Online Registration

April 30, 2010 ESCCC Printable Registration Form

Structures & Bridge Committee Meeting 4/14/10

April 14, 2010 - Hampton Convention Center, Hampton Virginia

The Structures and Bridge Committee is scheduled to meet in conjunction with the VTCA Spring Conference in Hampton Virginia. For details of the specific time and location please contact VTCA.

Contractual Administration Committee 4/14/10

April 14, 2010 - Hampton Convention Center, Hampton Virginia

The Contractual Administration Committee is scheduled to meet in conjunction with the VTCA Spring Conference in Hampton Virginia. For details of the specific time and location please contact VTCA.

Contractor Leadership Committee Meeting 4/14/10

April 14, 2010 - Hampton Convention Center, Hampton Virginia

The Contractor Leadership Committee is scheduled to meet in conjunction with the VTCA Spring Conference in Hampton Virginia. For details of the specific time and location please contact VTCA.

Joint Highway Cooperative Committee

April 14, 2010 - Hampton Convention Center, Hampton Virginia

The Joint Highway Cooperative Committee is scheduled to meet in conjunction with the VTCA Spring Conference in Hampton Virginia. For details of the specific time and location please contact VTCA.

VTCA 2010 Spring Conference & Trade Show

April 14, 2010 - April 16, 2010 - Hampton Roads Convention Center & Embassy Suites, Hampton, VA

Join your industry peers at Virginia’s only statewide conference for transportation contractors, aggregate producers, consultant engineers, material suppliers, and government transportation officials. This year’s program will focus on Virginia’s constantly changing environment and impact on the transportation construction, engineering and aggregate industries. The economic conditions are leading to changes at the Department. Virginia’s new leadership will be well into their efforts to address the difficult problems we face in Virginia. In addition to these topics, industry experts will be participating in multiple technical and business development breakouts specific to your industry. Throughout the conference an industry trade show will be underway showcasing the latest products and services available in Virginia.

The VTCA Spring Conference & Trade Show traditionally draws:

Over 600 Industry Professionals
75 Exhibitors
35-40 Speakers

This year you can register and pay online or you can download the industry registration package to register by mail or fax. Click here to view the full registration brochure. Click here to view the Trade Show layout.

If you are an employee of a State or Local Government, please use the government registration package to register by mail or fax.

SPRING CONFERENCE TRADE SHOW

The Spring Conference will again offer you the opportunity to exhibit your products/services to over 600 prospective clients.

VTCA members will have preference for exhibit space until March 12. After that date, remaining booths will be offered to non-members. Non-members are encouraged to send in Exhibitor Registration forms and will be placed on a waiting list until March 15 when assignments will be made on a space available basis.

Each booth is 10 foot wide by 8 foot deep and includes a 6 foot table with skirting and chairs. Pipe, drape, sign and electricity are included in the exhibitor fee. One complimentary conference registration will be included with each booth. Exhibit space is limited and is expected to sell out so don’t delay and reserve your booth early.

HOTEL INFORMATION

The industry block at the Embassy Suites is now full. VTCA has secured a block of rooms at Courtyard Marriott. Hotel reservations in this block are only available for registered delegates and exhibitors and must be made through VTCA using the lodging request form. Reservations are not available online or by phone.

CONFERENCE SPONSORSHIPS & PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

We are pleased to offer sponsorship opportunities for your business at this year’s Conference. Firms that would like to express their support for the Conference can participate in one of the sponsorships listed below. All sponsorship levels will be recognized for their commitment by having their company name listed in the conference materials handed out to delegates as well as on a sign at each function. In addition, VTCA will promote your sponsorship on the name badges of all representatives from your company and sponsors will be recognized online and in the May Blue Top.

SPRING CONFERENCE GOLF TOURNAMENT

Join us for an afternoon of golf at the Tradition Golf Club at Stonehouse. Located just a short distance away, outside Williamsburg, VA, Stonehouse is laid over wild, tumbling hills near the York River in the Tidewater Region.

Tournament fees include greens fees, a boxed lunch, cart, range balls and tournament prizes. The format will be Captain’s Choice and pairings will be done by VTCA. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the VTCA Scholarship Fund.

Spring Smoke Schools

March 27, 2010 - March 31, 2010 - Glade Spring, Manakin & Blue Ridge

VTCA will be sponsoring Visible Emissions (Smoke) Schools in the Spring. The schools are designed to produce qualified observers who can make plume opacity determinations that are accurate and minimally affected by variable field conditions.

We are offering three Smoke Schools for the Spring session:

March 27, 2010 - Mountain Materials, Glade Spring, VA
March 30, 2010 - Luck Stone, Manakin, VA
March 31, 2010 - Boxley, Blue Ridge, VA

Please contact VTCA’s with any questions.

Online Registration

Spring Smoke School Printable Registration Form

ESCCC

March 19, 2010 - Marriott Fairfax at Fair Oaks, Fairfax

Please contact VTCA’s with any questions.

Online Registration

March 19, 2010 ESCCC Printable Registration Form

Quantity Survey for March 2010

March 09, 2010 -

House Passes Transportation Extension

March 05, 2010 -

On March 4th the U.S. House of Representatives approved 217 to 201 H.R. 2847, the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act that, among other things, would ensure the continuity of federal surface transportation funds through the end of the calendar year. Specifically, the bill would bolster the Highway Trust Fund with $19.5 billion to meet current obligations and extend reauthorization of the highway and transit programs through the end of 2010. While the transportation provisions of the bill remain largely the same as when passed in the Senate last week, House modifications made to minimize the legislation’s effect on the federal budget now require the Senate to approve the measure again. ARTBA is urging the Senate leadership to consider the bill next week

A number of Republican Representatives spoke in opposition to the legislation and claimed the bill would unfairly distribute highway funds for the remainder of 2010. House and Senate leaders have agreed to address this issue in a separate bill, expected to follow shortly after the extension is made law. Additionally, Representative Steve LaTourette (R-Ohio) lodged an unsuccessful attempt to offer an amendment to reallocate $14 billion in tax credits to infrastructure investment.

A total of 35 Democrats, including many members of the Congressional Black Caucus, also voted against the bill over concerns about the mix of tax cuts to new spending. A total of six Republicans voted in favor of the legislation.

Program Overview of Upcoming Work Maintenance Contracting

March 04, 2010 -

Bluetop Newsletter March 2010

March 04, 2010 -

Blueprint Materials 2010

March 04, 2010 -

S&ME Acquires QORE Property Sciences

March 03, 2010 -

S&ME is pleased to announce its acquisition of QORE Property Sciences as of March 1. About 260 former QORE employees have joined S&ME, increasing the firm’s employment to 1,000 engineering and environmental professionals. . “Critical to our decisions to join forces was seeing the parallel emphasis our firms have placed on safety, engineering integrity, and the responsibility for providing clients with the depth and quality of service they require,” said S&ME President Randy Neuhaus, PE. “Of course it’s a major expansion for S&ME, and increases our powerhouse lineup of respected professionals to take on today’s emerging engineering and environmental sustainability challenges.”

Five at Brown, Edwards Earn CCIFP

March 03, 2010 -

Five professionals at the financial services firm of Brown, Edwards & Company have earned the designation of Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional (CCIFP). This distinguished certification is earned through competency testing in the areas of construction accounting and reporting, income recognition methods, budgeting and planning, risk management, taxes, human resource, legal, information technology, and joint ventures. Those earning this recognition are: Matthew S. Burchett, CPA; C. Scott Clarke, CPA; Timothy A. George, CPA; Edward W. Thompson, CPA and C. Michael Wade, CPA.

ECLC Committee Meeting

March 03, 2010 - VTCA Office, Richmond, Virginia

The Engineering Consultant Leadership Committee is scheduled to hold its monthly meeting. For details of the specific time and location please contact VTCA.

Stone Bids for February 25, 2010

March 02, 2010 -

Richmond District Dialogue

March 02, 2010 - Holiday Inn Select Koger Center, Richmond

Join your fellow VTCA members for this unique opportunity to meet the VDOT Richmond District staff and discuss the important issues that affect you as you do business within the Richmond District.

Our new format gives you more “dialogue” opportunity!

First, brief presentations on what’s going on in the District—construction, maintenance, operations engineering & contracting, consultant engineering and CEI opportunities.
Next, an interactive panel discussion on project and program delivery— the advantages and issues surrounding various delivery methods, including PPTA, Design/Build, Design/Bid/Build.
Third, open discussion on today’s most important industry issues. What’s on your mind?
Last, and most dynamic, discussion will continue at lunch Round Tables where VDOT professionals will host topic tables—you choose your topic and sit with those VDOT experts.

If you wish to attend the Dialogue please register online or fill out the registration form and submit it along with your payment to VTCA. Please contact VTCA’s with any questions.

Online Registration

Printable Registration Form

USDOT TO FURLOUGH EMPLOYEES

March 01, 2010 -

Highway/Transit Program Extension Expires

March 01, 2010 -

The third in a series of short-term extensions of the federal surface transportation programs Congress has enacted since October expired on February 28tth and with it went the authority for new expenditures from the Highway Trust Fund. Both the House and Senate attempted to move bills last week that would have maintained the continuity of highway and transit funds, but a variety of factors precluded enactment of these measures.

After months of discussion, the Senate February 24 overcame Republican objections and passed the first in a series of bills intended to promote job creation. The “Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment” (HIRE) Act included provisions that would extend the authorization of the federal highway and transit programs through December and strengthen the Highway Trust Fund so it can fully fund these programs in 2010. Due to a variety of concerns from House members, largely unrelated to the transportation components of the bill, the chamber has delayed consideration of the bill until next week.

House and Senate Democratic leaders also attempted to pass a 30-day extension of the surface transportation programs along with extending unemployment insurance and health benefits. This measure passed the House, but was blocked in the Senate by Senator Jim Bunning (R-KY.).

As a result of the inability to enact either of these measures, Federal Highway Administration employees will be furloughed beginning March 1. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) announced February 26 the House would take up the legislation this week and passage is expected.

ARRA Project Updates

February 25, 2010 -

February 25, 2010

February 25, 2010 -

Two VDOT Icons Pass

February 23, 2010 -

The VDOT family loses two of its retired veterans during the week of February 14th. The two long time VDOT employees had dedicated a combined 88 years of service to Virginia’s transportation industry.

Earl C. “Jim” Cochran, Jr. passed away on February 14 following a long illness. Jim worked for VDOT for 43 years, fondly known by many as “Jim Earl.” Jim received his B.S. degree in Civil Engineering from Virginia Tech; some said there was maroon and orange blood in his veins. Jim was also a dedicated volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America. He was as committed to the development of adult leaders as he was to the youth. He is survived by his wife Betty and a large and loving family. A Service of Remembrance was held on February 17 at the First English Evangelical Lutheran Church in Richmond where Jim was an active and enthusiastic member.

Charles Harmon “Charlie” Robson passed away on February 18 at the age of 74. Charlie served 45 years with the Virginia Department of Transportation, retiring as the State Materials Engineer in 2000. In keeping with his wishes, his body was donated to science. Charlie graduated from Culpeper High School and Virginia Tech. He spent most of his adult life working with the Boy Scouts of America and was leader of Troop 196 for over 40 years. He was immensely proud of helping 74 young men obtain the rank of Eagle Scout. From his obituary: “Charlie was quite a character and anyone who ever met him would not soon forget him. He was obnoxious, crazy, loving, loyal, funny, outrageous, generous and everything in between. He was a bright light that will truly be missed.” There will be a celebration of his life at Graves Mountain Lodge, 3:00 p.m. Sunday, February 28, 2010, in Syria, Virginia. Casual dress only.

February 19, 2010

February 22, 2010 -

UPDATE ON ARRA SPENDING

February 18, 2010 -

Transportation Construction Management Institute

February 17, 2010 - February 26, 2010 - Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA

Give your company a chance to thrive tomorrow by giving your up-and-coming leaders the tools they need to survive today. The prestigious Transportation Construction Management Institute at Virginia Tech is set for February 17-26, 2010.

Designed specifically for transportation construction industry professionals, TCMI benefits those who are responsible for the completion of projects – those whose work focuses on communication and leadership in addition to the more technical construction management subjects. This year a special emphasis will be added to the curriculum that focuses on the preparation and management of Design-Build contracts and insightful information on building and maintaining a safe working culture for your organization. Additionally, the rigorous and rewarding Institute will improve participants’ ability to:

Administer contracts and make decisions.
Establish effective teams and maintain strong relationships and high trust levels with and within VDOT and the road building industry.
Resolve disputes on-site and complete projects in a more cost-effective and competitive manner.
Apply newly acquired leadership, management and interpersonal skills to areas of increased responsibility and authority.

During tough times the importance of highly skilled managers is more important than ever. Join the elite corps of VTCA and VDOT graduates. For more information about TCMI and to register online visit www.cpe.vt.edu/tcmi.

ECLC Combined Meeting Minutes 12/2/09

February 17, 2010 -

ECLC Meeting Minutes 12/2/09

February 17, 2010 -

ECLC Combined Meeting Minutes 11/10/09

February 17, 2010 -

ECLC Meeting Minutes 11/10/09

February 17, 2010 -

Higgins Promoted to V.P. of Operations for Branch Highways

February 17, 2010 -

Michael P. Higgins, PE has been promoted to Vice President of Operations for Branch Highways, Inc. Mike joined the company in 1999 as a senior estimator and has held positions of increasing responsibility over the years. Most recently he has provided leadership for the firm’s design-build projects.

A native of Beckley, West Virginia, Mike is a 1986 graduate of the West Virginia Institute of Technology, where he received a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering. He currently serves on the VTCA Board of Directors.

“Mike has superb analytical and organization skills that have contributed to his successful leadership in several major endeavors of the company,” said Will Karbach, Branch’s chief executive officer. “He is well respected by his peers, both inside the company and throughout the industry. Please join me in congratulating Mike on his promotion.”

Contractor Leadership Committee Minutes 12/14/09

February 17, 2010 -

Structures & Bridge Minutes 9/16/09

February 17, 2010 -

Contractual Administration Minutes 4/08/09

February 17, 2010 -

Report on VTCA WM10

February 16, 2010 -

Construction Market Update

February 16, 2010 -

Los Angeles Metro East Side Ext

February 16, 2010 -

Community Relations Workshop

February 16, 2010 -

Off-Road Equipment Regulation

February 16, 2010 -

Best Practices for You and Your Business

February 16, 2010 -

February 11, 2010

February 11, 2010 -

Stone Bid for February 11, 2010

February 11, 2010 -

Contractual Administration Committee 2/11/10

February 11, 2010 - VTCA Office - Richmond, VA

The Contractual Administration Committee will be holding a meeting on February 11, 2010. The meeting will be held at VTCA’s office in Richmond. For additional details please contact VTCA.

Bluetop Newsletter February 2010

February 09, 2010 -

February 8, 2010

February 08, 2010 -

VTCA Contractor Safety Awards

February 08, 2010 -

VTCA is seeking submissions from contractor members for the 2009 VTCA Contractor Safety Awards. VTCA proudly encourages its members to implement and maintain programs providing a safe work environment for their employees as well as the general welfare of the public who travel through their work zones. Through the annual VTCA Transportation Contractor Safety Award Program the Alliance is proud to recognize its contractor members who successfully demonstrate their commitment to a safe and healthy working environment.
Following a significant update to the award program and criteria VTCA is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for the 2009 VTCA Contractor Safety Awards. This year’s winners will be announced in April at the VTCA Spring Transportation Conference.

The safety award application is available for download in pdf format here. The deadline for the submission of applications is March 12, 2010.

Will Karbach Selected as CEO of The Branch Group

February 08, 2010 -

The Branch Group, one of the largest general contractors in the Mid-Atlantic, has selected J. William “Will” Karbach as Chief Executive Officer to replace James C. “Jim” Harrison, IV, who has retired.

The Branch Group includes five wholly-owned operating subsidiaries, including Branch Highways, E.V. Williams, Inc., Branch & Associates, G. J. Hopkins, Inc. and R.E. Daffan

The company also promoted two senior executives to new corporate positions as part of its leadership transition strategy. Steve Aud was promoted to Chief Operating Officer and Larry Dickenson was promoted to Executive Vice President. The company’s growth and Harrison’s retirement created the need for the two new executive positions.

Karbach joined Branch in 1996 and was promoted to president of Branch Highways in 2007. “Thanks in large part to the leadership of Jim Harrison, the operating companies of The Branch Group entered the current economic downtown in a position of unprecedented backlog of work and financial strength,” Karbach noted. Going forward, we will continue building exemplary business relations, providing exceptional performance and maintaining our commitment to employee ownership,” he added.

Senate Leaders to Push Jobs Bills

February 08, 2010 -

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) announced February 4 the Senate will begin advancing its job-creation agenda next week, following House passage of broad “Jobs Bill” late last year. Reid and other Senate Democratic leaders provided an outline of their job creation proposals and suggested the Senate would attempt to act on a series of bills. Late last week it appeared the first bill would be a combination tax measure (that includes a small business depreciation incentive for capital purchases) and a long-term federal surface transportation program extension.

The bill would extend the authorization of the federal highway and transit programs through the end of December. The programs are currently operating under their third short-term extension. The measure would also credit the Highway Trust Fund with almost $20 billion in foregone interest revenue and transfer the costs of fuel tax exemptions currently provided to state and local governments from the Highway Trust Fund to the General Fund, thereby increasing trust fund revenues by $1.5 billion per year. Unfortunately, a handful of Senate Republicans, led by Budget Committee Ranking Republican Judd Gregg (R-N.H.), are attempting to block the measure over concerns about the budget impact of the surface transportation program extension.

Pacific Boulevard Widening Design-Build RFP Posted

February 02, 2010 -

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is seeking Proposals for the Pacific Boulevard Widening Design-Build Project from qualified and experienced respondents with design and construction experience of highway facilities.

The project is located in Loudoun County, Virginia, and includes widening Pacific Boulevard (Route 1036) from two to four lanes from the intersection of Relocation Drive (Route 775). The length of the project is approximately 0.4 mile. VDOT anticipates holding a Pre-Proposal meeting of potential Offerors on February 12, 2010 at the VDOT Northern Virginia District Office, 14685 Avion Parkway, Chantilly, VA at 10:00 AM prevailing local time.

Questions/clarifications regarding the Request for Proposals (RFP) should be submitted to Daniele J. Kurze, Program Manager, at Daniele.Kurze@vdot.virginia.gov. Copies of the RFP and additional submittal requirements are anticipated to be posted on VDOT’s website February 1, 2010 at http://www.virginiadot.org/business/request-for-proposals.asp.

Stone Bids for January 28, 2010

January 28, 2010 -

January 26, 2010

January 26, 2010 -

January 22, 1010

January 26, 2010 -

Joint Highway Cooperative Committee 1/21/10

January 21, 2010 - VTCA Office - Richmond, VA

The Joint Highway Cooperative Committee is scheduled to meet on January 21, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. For additional details please contact VTCA.

Contractor Leadership Committee - 1/14/10

January 14, 2010 - VTCA Office - Richmond, VA

The VTCA Contractor Leadership Committee will be holding a meeting with the industry members of the Joint Highway Cooperative Committee. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. For details please contact VTCA.

Structures & Bridge Committee

January 13, 2010 - VTCA Office - Richmond, VA

The Structures & Bridge Subcommittee is scheduled to meet on January 13, 2010 at VTCA’s office in Richmond. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. For additional details please contact VTCA.

APLC-Meeting Minutes 11/3/09

January 11, 2010 -

APLC - Tehnical 10/21/09

January 11, 2010 -

APLC - Operations 12/8/09

January 11, 2010 -

APLC - Safety & Health 10/20/09

January 11, 2010 -

APLC - Marketing 10/22/09

January 11, 2010 -

Ekern Resigns; Whirley to be Acting Commissioner

January 11, 2010 -

Virginia Department of Transportation Commissioner, David Ekern announced that he will resign effective January 15th. VDOT Deputy Commissioner Greg Whirley will run VDOT effective January 16th on an interim basis while a national search is undertaken for a Commissioner.

APLC - Environmental 10/27/09

January 11, 2010 -

Stone Bid Results for January 7, 2010

January 08, 2010 -

ECLC Meeting 1/6/10

January 06, 2010 - Whitman Requardt Offices - Richmond, Va

VTCA’s Engineering Consultant Leadership Committee will be holding its January meeting at Whitman Requardt’s office in Richmond, VA. For details or additional information please contact VTCA.

Quantity Survey for January 27, 2010

January 04, 2010 -

Quantity Survey for December 23, 2009

January 04, 2010 -

Quantity Survey for November 2009

January 04, 2010 -

Bluetop Newsletter January 2010

December 31, 2009 -

CONNAUGHTON SELECTED SECRETARY

December 22, 2009 -

Connaughton Selected Secretary

December 22, 2009 -

Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell announced today that Sean Connaughton will serve as his transportation secretary.

Sean T. Connaughton, 48, a lawyer and former United States Coast Guard officer, served as Chairman of the Board of Supervisors of Prince William County, Virginia from January 1, 2000 until 2006. In 2006 he was appointed by President Bush as Maritime Administrator, the head of the U.S. Maritime Administration, an agency of the United States Department of Transportation, where he served until 2009. He now works as the corporate vice president of government affairs for the American Bureau of Shipping.

Connaughton is a 1979 graduate of Chaminade High School in New York. He received a B.Sc. from the United States Merchant Marine Academy in 1983 and a law degree from George Mason University in 1992. Connaughton also has a Masters in Public Administration from Georgetown University and a graduate of the Naval War College.

Connaughton ran unsuccessfully for the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor in 2005, but lost to Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling.

House Passes Jobs Package

December 21, 2009 -

The House of Representatives December 17 voted 217-212 to pass legislation, H.R. 2847—“The Jobs for Main Street Act”, that would supplement FY 2010 federal core transportation program investments with $27.5 billion for highways, $8.4 billion for transit, $800 million for Amtrak, $500 million for airports, $100 million for ship construction and $11 billion in other infrastructure investments (including Corps of Engineers activities). All Republicans and 38 Democrats voted against the measure.

The bill requires investments be made quickly and for highway and transit funds to be distributed equitably between rural and urban areas. A small portion of the funds is also dedicated to expediting project delivery through an office that would be created in the House-proposed multi-year surface transportation reauthorization. The Committee has posted an excerpt of his testimony where he explains the reality of discerning between jobs created and jobs saved in the transportation construction industry. You can access the video on the Committee’s YouTube page here.

VTCA Winter Meeting - Palm Springs, CA

December 18, 2009 -

Most of us are concerned not only about equipping our companies to survive the economic downturn, but also to be positioned to prosper as the economy recovers. That is the focus of the 2010 VTCA Winter Meeting. (Click here to download the full Winter Meeting Brochure.)

We have put together educational sessions that will give you fresh ideas and useful tools. Industry leaders will spark your creative thinking. You’ll be challenged to action. You’ll take away solid information that can make a difference for your business. Whether you are a contractor, producer, consultant or supplier, there is something for you in the program:

Best Practices For You and Your Business — Seven Things To Focus On
Construction Markets Update — What You Need To Know
Making Public Affairs and Community Relations Work For Your Company
Off Road Engine Emissions Standards: Is Heavy Equipment Retrofit Coming To Virginia?
Building the Mega Project: The L.A. Metro East-Side Extension
The 2010 General Assembly — “Will Someone Please Fund Transportation?”

Following two very successful Winter Meetings on the east coast, your Winter Meeting Committee selected The Miramonte Resort & Spa in Palm Springs, California for 2010. Check it out at www.miramonteresort.com.

We are working very hard to make it beneficial to attend. The registration fees have not increased over 2009 and air fare is convenient and affordable. The brochure is now available on our web site. We are also offering online registration for this event.

Laura and I truly look forward to seeing you in California!

Gerry Hargis
R. R. Dawson Bridge Company

Waxpool Road/Loudoun Co Pkway Design Build RFP Posted

December 18, 2009 -

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is seeking Proposals for the Waxpool Road/Loudoun County Parkway Intersection Improvements Design-Build Project from qualified and experienced respondents with design and construction experience of highway facilities.

The project is located in Loudoun County, Virginia, and includes the construction of turn lane improvements on all four legs of the intersection of Waxpool Road (Rte 625) and the Loudoun County Pkwy (Rte 607) and modification or reconstruction to the existing traffic signal to accommodate the proposed lane configuration. The length of the project is approximately 1.0 mile. VDOT anticipates holding a Pre-Proposal meeting of potential Offerors on January 11, 2010 at the VDOT Northern Virginia District Office, 14685 Avion Parkway, Chantilly, VA at 10:00 AM prevailing local time.

Questions/clarifications regarding the Request for Proposals (RFP) should be submitted to Daniele J. Kurze, Program Manager, at Daniele.Kurze@vdot.virginia.gov. Copies of the RFP and additional submittal requirements are anticipated to be posted on VDOT’s website December 18, 2009 at http://www.virginiadot.org/business/request-for-proposals.asp.

Stone Bids for December 17, 2009

December 17, 2009 -

CTB ADDRESSES REVENUE SHORTFALL

December 17, 2009 -

UPDATE ON ARRA (STIMULUS) FUNDED PROJECTS

December 17, 2009 -

Contractor Leadership Committee - 12/14/09

December 14, 2009 - VTCA Office - Richmond, VA

ESCCC

December 11, 2009 - Holiday Inn Select Koger South Conference Center, Richmond

Please contact VTCA’s with any questions.

Online Registration

December 11, 2009 ESCCC Printable Registration Form

Design Build Committee Meeting 12/09/09

December 09, 2009 - VTCA Office - Richmond, VA

The Design Build Committee will be holding a meeting on December 9, 2009 at VTCA’s office in Richmond. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. For additional details please contact VTCA.

Addendum #3 Issued for Tye River Bridge and Approaches

December 08, 2009 -

VDOT has issued Addendum 3 to the Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit Design-Build Proposals for the Approaches and Bridge over Tye River on Amherst/Nelson County Line, Virginia.
The addendum and RFP is available on VDOT’s website at http://www.virginiadot.org/business/request-for-proposals.asp.

DMM Guidelines

December 08, 2009 -

Shift Examination_p2

December 08, 2009 -

Shift Examination_p1

December 08, 2009 -

Fall Rescue

December 08, 2009 -

NSSGA Educational Efforts

December 08, 2009 -

DMM Updates

December 08, 2009 -

Accident Investigation

December 08, 2009 -

DMM Task Training

December 08, 2009 -

Back Injury Prevention

December 08, 2009 -

MSHA Update - Accident Trends

December 08, 2009 -

Stone Bids for December 3, 2009

December 03, 2009 -

ARTBA Southern Regional Meeting

December 03, 2009 - Nashville, TN

ARTBA Southern Regional Meeting, Nashville Marriott Airport Hotel, Nashville, TN

620 Moorefield Park Drive, Suite 120, Richmond, Virginia 23236-3692

(804) 330-3312 Fax: (804) 330-3850 E-mail:vtca@vtca.org