Rich Umbel (far left) with other members of the Colorado Construction Industry Coalition during the 2014 TCC Fly-in.
I can’t believe that 2015 is already upon us with a month already in the books. First, I want to thank Robb VanderSchaff for his outstanding leadership and contributions to the Colorado Ready Mixed Concrete Association over the past two years as Board President. I have some very large shoes to fill! With the New Year you always face new challenges in your markets. I would like to address an issue that many are well aware of; the shortfall of the highway trust fund and the need for a long term bill.
- Nearly 45 percent of all states’ highway funding comes from federal investment, primarily through the resources available in the Highway Trust Fund (HTF).
- In July 2014 Congress passed legislation to transfer $10.8 billion to the HTF allowing the fund to meet current obligations until May 31, 2015.
The need for increased funding and a long term bill is critical to the construction industry. CRMCA and other state associations will continue with the grassroots program (further illustrated in the 2014 Governmental Affairs year-end presentation), advocating for increased funding and a long term infrastructure bill with congressional representatives. We all can play a critical part by hosting a legislator at one of your plants or job sites, visiting congressional offices, writing letters and emails, or going to a town hall meeting. All of these are very effective ways to communicate the need for a robust long term transportation bill with your elected officials. When we use “strength in numbers” we will succeed. Let’s all do everything we can to express the need for this long term infrastructure bill. I look forward to a safe and successful 2015 with everyone.
Rich Umbel
Oldcastle Southwest Group Inc.
2015 CRMCA President
