Georgia Transportation Builder - Fall/Winter 2014 - (Page 7)

President'sMessage By David Snell, GHCA President I hope that all of you have had a safe and productive summer. Fall brings the return of children to school, cooler weather and all the activities we enjoy with the season such as college and pro football, hunting and fall festivals. For those of us in the construction business, it is the opportunity to finish projects and prepare for the winter season. Unfortunately, it was also the chance for our Congress to again extend the current transportation bill and continue the funding of the Highway Trust fund at current levels until next May 2015. By "Kicking the bucket" again to next spring, our transportation funding program is left in financial limbo and our states without any idea of how to predict future funding. We have been told that a long term plan will be enacted next spring, but we have no assurance that a sustainable funding mechanism can be agreed upon by Congress. Here in Georgia, a series of meetings are being held throughout the state to raise awareness of the need for transportation funding. The Joint Study Committee on Critical Transportation Infrastructure (JLSC) meetings has been held in Atlanta, Tifton and Macon. Four more are scheduled this fall in Augusta, Savannah, Blue Ridge and Rome. Chaired by Steve Gooch and Jay Roberts, respective chairmen of the Senate and House Transportation committees, the aim of the meetings is to present, discuss and receive suggestions for infrastructure funding alternatives. The meetings have been well attended by the public and interested parties. If you have the opportunity to attend one of the future meetings, I suggest you do so. I am convinced that the state of Georgia has to take the initiative going forward to internalize our funding needs and become less dependent on Federal funds. This may be the first step in that process, and I hope at least our legislature will begin the discussion in the next session in January for funding options. I think the driving public of Georgia is ready and willing to pay for a robust, well-defined transportation program. Hopefully we have the political leadership to implement and fund the future infrastructure needs of this great state. The Georgia Highway Contractor Association members are ready and available to build that transportation system. ● Here in Georgia, a series of meetings are being held throughout the state to raise awareness of the need for transportation funding. Fall/Winter 2014 georgia transportation BUilDer | 7

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Georgia Transportation Builder - Fall/Winter 2014

President’s Message
Highway & Bridge Contractors Face Uncertainty in 2014 and Beyond
Georgia Still Needs More Transportation Funding
Index of Advertisers

Georgia Transportation Builder - Fall/Winter 2014