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AZAGC
e-Bulletin
January 2015
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Governor Ducey Re-nominates John Halikowski |
Governor Ducey has re-nominated John Halikowski as the Director of the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). In an email sent to ADOT staff, Halikowski said, "I am proud that Governor Ducey has chosen to retain me as director of ADOT, a post I have held since 2009 through some difficult times, which we [ADOT Staff] have addressed together. We have become a stronger agency, but the key to the future is continuing our work to link what we do every day to support the economy and the Governor's vision, and remembering that transportation is personal." This vision is consistent with Governor Ducey's inaugural remarks. |
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Governor Ducey Meets with the AZAGC Board |
In December, Governor Ducey met with the AZAGC board of directors, AZAGC members and members of the Arizona Builders' Alliance (ABA). Numerous issues were discussed including last years' TPT changes, investment in infrastructure, streamlining government as well as many others. The governor reiterated his commitment to get Arizona's economy jump-started by being active in selling Arizona to companies across the United States.
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Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick Discusses Transportation and Mining with AZAGC Board and Members |
Also in December, Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick met with AZAGC board members. AZAGC congratulated her on her recent election. Congresswoman Kirkpatrick discussed the recent success of her and Congressman Gosar's bi-partisan support of the AZAGC supported Southeast Arizona Land Exchange & Conservation Act. Its provisions were recently passed in the Defense Spending bill. She was asked about the likelihood of a long-term transportation bill being passed this year and was cautiously optimistic about something being done, but it may not have a long-term funding solution. |
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Are Prime Contracting TPT Reforms on the Way? |
 As the confusion mounts on the recent TPT reforms that went into effect on January 1, 2015, the industry is working hard suggest changes that will help contractors more clearly understand when and how the new system applies to them. Confusion comes on interpreting whether a project maintains, repairs, replaces or alters a facility. There is also considerable disagreement on what the tax consequences are for previously purchased inventory. How change orders are categorized is another area under discussion. AZAGC is working hard with the Arizona Builders' Alliance to make changes that will help contractors navigate through the confusion of this new law. Once an official draft of changes are proposed, AZAGC will get the document to you right away. (Photo: Industry representatives meeting last week with Senators Lesko and Farley regarding TPT reforms.)
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Building Trade Unions Win Large Portion of Terminal 3 Work |
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AZAGC has learned that the building trades council were successful at landing a considerable amount of work on Terminal 3 at Sky Harbor Airport. AZAGC and ABA opposed a delay by the city council last year. The delay allowed the building trades to "meet" with the contractor prior to getting the project approved. According to City of Phoenix Staff, the delay cost the taxpayers $1.9 million. AZAGC has heard that this did not sit well with some legislators and that legislation outlawing this practice could be imminent. |
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EPA Rules Fly Ash Not Hazardous - Allows Beneficial Use to Continue |
Over the holidays the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it will not regulate coal combustion waste, including fly ash, as a hazardous substance and by doing so will preserve the future beneficial use of this product in concrete and most other construction applications. AZAGC has been actively involved in working to convince EPA that a hazardous designation was unnecessary and would have an extremely detrimental impact on the future use of fly ash. To read more about the positive environmental benefits of fly ash click here. |
"No Burn Day" Awareness Campaign for 2014 a Success |
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and the Maricopa County Air Quality Department recently expressed their thanks to county residents and stakeholder supporters (AZAGC) for taking the "No Burn Day, Don't Burn Wood" campaign to heart this holiday season. For the first time in 11 years there were no exceedences of the state and federal annual 24-hour health standard for Particulate Matter (PM2.5) or soot. Wider exposure of the issue, increased media attention and help from ADOT's electronic message system reminding folks to adhere to the no burn notices attributed to keeping the region from exceeding the standard. |
ADOT Construction Bulletins |
Over the course of a year ADOT may produce and distribute construction bulletins to clarify practices related to standard specifications. During the last quarter of 2014 ADOT produced the following Construction Bulletins: CB #1501 Pavement Marking Layout and Testing; CB #1403 Thermoplastic Striping Retroreflectance Acceptance; CB #1403 Working Day Standard Specification Revised; and CB #1401 Erosion Control Coordinator Certification Requirements. To read more on these Construction Bulletins and others click here.
Also, don't forget to contact AZAGC if your erosion control certification is set to expire. |
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AZAGC Young Constructors Forum to Launch this Year |
 Under the leadership of Cade Rowley of Sundt Construction, Craig Weems of Sunland Asphalt, and Rob Bottcher of FNF Construction, a Young Constructors Forum has been organized to facilitate getting AZAGC's next generation involved in the association. Last year, the organizing committee drafted bylaws, received nominations, and approved the inaugural membership. They also interviewed candidates for leadership and are pleased to announce their selections:
Jason Kahn - Rummel Construction, Chair
Rick Risner - Sunland Asphalt, Vice Chair
Amy Rosar - FNF Construction, Membership Director
AZAGC is looking forward to having a vibrant inaugural YCF year with these members leading the charge. Congratulations to all those selected to be members of YCF. |
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Coming Up! Annual Membership Meeting
Members, please join us for the AZAGC Annual Membership Meeting on January 23, 2015. Networking and Continental Breakfast will start at 7:30 am; the annual meeting will begin at 8:30 am. Invited speakers include: Steve Banta, Valley Metro Rail CEO; Steve Chucri, Maricopa County Supervisor; and Steve Bloch of the Lower Santa Cruse River Alliance. (This is a members-only event.)
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Auction Donations Needed
We are still seeking equipment donations for the Equipment Auction, and cash, tickets or gift donations for the Silent Auction to be held at our Annual Spring Fundraiser Dinner on April 17, 2015.
602-252-3926.
Deadline to donate is January 15. |
AZAGC
Meeting & Event Calendar
602-252-3926
or email:
President
Sr. Vice President
Administrative Assistant |
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AFFINITY PARTNERS:   |
SPONSORS:   |
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1825 W. Adams Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85007 · 602-252-3926
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