URGENT! Federal Highway & Motor Fuels Reauthorization-Action Needed

By Edward R. DeSoignie, Executive Director

Posted on SEPTEMBER 11, 2011

Dear HCA Members:

Recently we posted on the HCA website the Kansas City Star editorial, "Don't turn the highway bill into a hostage," which underscores the need for the Congress to act before the end of September on the federal transportation program. The critical issue is of course federal money to the states. Without prompt action by Congress next month, federal fuel taxes - 18.4 cents per gallon for gasoline and 24.4 cents per gallon for diesel - will expire. The growing concern is that fuel taxes and the future of our two states' highway construction could become entangled in political fighting similar to that of the debt-ceiling debate.

There is cause for alarm. Just this week, the Kansas Department of Transportation announced that the state could be forced to halt, delay or cancel transportation projects if Congress doesn't reauthorize federal motor fuels taxes. KDOT Deputy Secretary Jerry Younger said Kansas has enough cash on hand in its highway program to keep existing projects going for 16 to 24 weeks. After that, however, the state could be forced to halt work on projects, delay awarding bids for new projects or cancel them. Many of the projects are part of the new 10-year T-Works program that started in 2010.

This is why I'm writing and asking that you contact members of the Kansas or Missouri Congressional delegation today on this important issue. Urge them to support the extension of the federal highway program and federal motor fuel taxes. Let them know how important these transportation projects are to your community and your business.There's too much at stake for Congress to miss the September 30 deadline.

Go to the AGC of America website to send a message to your U.S senators and representative: http://www.bipac.net/issue_alert.asp?g=AGC&issue=htf&parent=AGC

Thank you.

Ed DeSoignie

Mentoring the Next Generation of Women in Construction

By Edward R. DeSoignie, Executive Director

Posted on JULY 11, 2011

One of the best things that's happened to our industry in recent years is more women entering what traditionally has been a male-dominated field. The resulting diversity has strengthened our ranks, our families and society as a whole in many ways.

Accordingly, our Association is proud to be one of the primary sponsors of MAGIC (Mentoring a Girl in Construction) Camp, a free one-week summer day camp hosted by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Kansas City chapters, in partnership with national and local construction vendors.

The purpose of MAGIC Camp is to introduce a high school girl to the world of construction. If she likes working with her hands and enjoys a feeling of accomplishment when successfully completing a challenging task--then this camp is for her! Girls learn the history of women in construction from a real Rosie the Riveter and the 50+ year history of the National Association of Women in Construction.

One of the people most responsible for making this camp such a wonderful experience is Alise Martiny, chair of NAWIC's MAGIC Camp Committee. Martiny, the Workforce Development Manager of The Builders' Association/Heavy Constructors Association, began her construction career after hearing a radio advertisement recruiting minorities and females into the construction industry. Martiny applied for the program and was accepted into the Kansas City Cement Masons Apprenticeship Program in 1980.

Martiny successfully completed that program and worked as a journeyperson on hundreds of job sites. After working six years in the education of our future workforce, she moved to the position of business representative. She actively recruits women and minorities.

"The National Association of Women in Construction MAGIC Camp Program provides a unique opportunity to showcase the construction trade industry to young women," Martiny says. "The camp empowers these young amazing ladies that any career is possible as they look to their future."

This was the first year for the camp, which was held in June at The Builder's Association Training Center. Thirteen girls from high schools throughout metropolitan Kansas City attended.

Guest speakers include women employed in professional construction jobs; journey level women instructors; local area sponsoring construction companies and associations; and local political figures.

At the end of the camp the young ladies who attended were asked for their comments. Below are a few that Martiny shared with us:

Why did you want to attend MAGIC Camp?

"I wanted to experience all about the different trades in construction and I felt this camp would open me up to multiple opportunities, which it absolutely did." Dakota Falls

"I wanted to experience the importance of women in construction and at the same time be inspired to work somewhere out of the norm." Vision Dunmore

After attending the camp would you consider a career in construction?

"Absolutely! This camp taught me I can do more than I thought I could and opened my eyes to the benefits and possibilities construction has to offer." Sydney Campo

"Yes! It was very empowering to see women teaching us how to do things that people still believe only men can do." Leah Brown

Education is a huge priority for NAWIC. For more than 30 years, the NAWIC Education Foundation (NEF) has offered creative and educational programs for students from grade school to high school. NEF's award-winning Block-Kids program, Building Design program and the CAD/Design/Drafting Scholarship Awards competitions introduce students to careers and opportunities in construction.

In these times of seemingly endless challenges to our industry, it is a joy and a privilege for our Association to play a pivotal role in sponsoring this great endeavor for young girls. My hope is that some of them will be inspired to become heavy constructors and help us continue to make it better.