AGC and Transportation Construction Coalition Fly-in Attracts 450

This group of highway contractors, suppliers and other interested parties gathered to hear from construction leaders and to lobby on construction funding issues. Every state was represented and the participants visited hundreds of congressional offices to lobby on the transportation reauthorization, the status of the highway trust fund, passage of the FAA authorization and reauthorization of the waste water and drinking water state revolving funds. Many AGC members also lobbied against the Employee Free Choice Act (or "card check"). The group heard from Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Jim Oberstar (D-Minn.)and Ranking Republican John Mica (R-Fla.). Chairman of House Resources Committee Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.) also addressed the group. All three leading decision makers addressed the reauthorization process and talked about a bill that could top $400 billion, focus on economic growth, congestion reduction and increased safety. The bill will likely also include comprehensive transportation planning and changes designed to speed up project delivery.  A draft of the House bill will likely be unveiled in June with Committee action to follow.  The Senate is on a slower schedule than the House.