KAPA-KRMCA Current Events

Summit Materials buys Lafarge Operations in Wichita

Edward Moses — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 15:58:36 GMT

Lafarge North America is selling its Wichita aggregates, concrete and asphalt/paving operations to Summit Materials, Lafarge confirms in an email to the Wichita Business Journal. Lafarge also confirms layoffs will occur as part of the transfer.

Two years ago,Summit purchased Wichita paving and demolition contractor Cornejo & Sons.

The Lafarge-Summit agreement involves Lafarge’s three aggregate operations, five ready-mix concrete sites and three asphalt operations in the Wichita area.The transaction is expected to close in early April.

Lafarge sold its Kansas City operation to Eagle Materials in September.

Lafarge has had the Wichita operations since November 2005, when it purchased theme from Ritchie Corp.

Concrete Day a Success!

(Past member) — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 16:15:03 GMT

OVER 525 CONCRETE SERVED

On February 19, 2013 the associations along with our promotional partners, Monarch Cement Co., South Central Cement Promotion Association, MO/KS American Concrete Pavement Association, and Concrete Promotional Group of Kansas City sponsored our annual “Eat Concrete” Day at the Capitol. We were excited to get back “under the dome” for this highly anticipated Legislative Event, after several years of hosting this event offsite, due to capitol renovations. We served over 525 concretes to Legislators, Staff and others “under the dome”.

We were also fortunate to have Kansas Governor Sam Brownback take a moment to enjoy his “concrete” with our members. KDOT Secretary Mike King stopped by as well to visit with our members.

People are already anticipating its return in 2014! Concrete Day is hosted each year to educate Legislators on the importance that the concrete industry has on the State’s Economy. “Concrete” is frozen custard blended with fruit/candy ingredients for a thick, yummy & creamy TREAT you can EAT!!

Economic Lifelines calls on legislature to keep promise to fund T-WORKS

(Past member) — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 19:19:45 GMT

Economic Lifelines calls on legislature to keep promise to fund

T-WORKS

TOPEKA--Economic Lifelines, the state's leading transportation coalition, has adopted a resolution calling on policymakers to honor their commitment to fund the T-WORKS Program as outlined in the original legislation. Recognizing that a number of tax and revenue proposals have been introduced by the 2013 Kansas Legislature, the Economic Lifelines Board unanimously adopted a resolution in support of T-WORKS and its current funding structure.

For over 25 years, Economic Lifelines has successfully advocated funding Kansas transportation systems including our 10,000 mile state network of highways and bridges. Our advocacy has included passage of necessary funding by the Legislature as well as ensuring taxpayer-provided transportation funds are used for their intended purpose. The Kansas public has been a part of these efforts through the numerous local communities and Chambers of Commerce that comprise the membership of our organization.

Economic Lifelines is appreciative of the support from Governor Brownback to fully fund and deliver the 2010 T-WORKS program with the dedicated 4/10 cent sales tax. We commend the Governor and Secretary King for their pledge to all Kansans to deliver the program as promised. We are adamantly opposed to the dedicated 4/10 being diverted to the State General Fund and will work with the Administration in opposing this effort. As the Governor has stated, economic activity and job creation are the best solutions for a budget shortfall and the jobs created by the T-WORKS program are, in fact, driving the economy.

Economic Lifelines however, acknowledges our continuing concerns that savings from the Kansas Department of Transportation will go to other programs within the State budget. Three years into the 10 year T-WORKS program, it is hard to believe construction costs and interest rates will remain flat for the remainder of the program. History has proven costs will grow, interest rates will rise, and KDOT will not always have such savings. If there are additional savings to be realized, we believe the fund should be applied to other transportation projects and needs. The State must stop relying on transportation-dedicated funding as a readily available source of funds. We oppose transfers or diversions from the State Transportation Fund.

"Members of Economic Lifelines are adamantly against diverting of the 4/10 cent from T-WORKS to the State General Fund," said Michelle Butler. "Kansas communities are counting on these funds to support the transportation investments that are key to providing jobs and growing the Kansas economy."

T-WORKS is a 10 year, $8.2 billion transportation program passed during the 2010 Legislative Session.

2012 Governor's Mined Land Reclamation Award Announced - Harshman Construction Co.

(Past member) — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 14:55:38 GMT

2012 Governor’s Mined Land Reclamation Award Announced

Harshman Construction, LLC of Cedar Point, Kansas, Earns Award

TOPKEA – Harshman Construction, LLC of Cedar Point, Kansas, received the 2012 Governor’s Mined Land Reclamation Award for their reclamation work at their Finerty Quarry.

This award is presented to a company that demonstrated excellence in implementing mined land reclamation and conveying a positive image of mining in Kansas. The award was presented at the Kansas Aggregate Producers Association meeting in Overland Park January 18, 2013.

“Harshman Construction, LLC exceeded state reclamation requirements by reclaiming 20 acres at the site that state law did not require to be reclaimed,” said Scott Carlson, Kansas mined land reclamation program manager.

The reclaimed area covers 40 acres in Coffey County. The 40 acres were shaped, seeded and two ponds constructed. The land is now a productive livestock pasture.

Harshman Construction, LLC operates 17 quarry locations in Southeast Kansas and does custom rock crushing. The extraction of aggregate materials from the earth are processed and then sold to the local construction industry, city and county municipalities.

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For more information, contact Scott Carlson with the Division of Conservation, Kansas Department of Agriculture at 785-296-6803 or scott.carlson@kda.ks.gov.

2012 Driver of the Year Awarded at Convention

(Past member) — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 19:27:17 GMT

KAPA & KRMCA PRESENT “DRIVER OF THE YEAR AWARDS”

Topeka, KS – January 22, 2013– Kansas Aggregate Producers’ Association (KAPA) and Kansas Ready Mixed Concrete Association (KRMCA) presented their fifth Driver of the Year awards, January 18, 2013 in Overland Park, KS at the KAPA-KRMCA 46th Annual Joint Convention. Each recipient was awarded a $250 cash prize, recognition at the KAPA-KRMCA 46th Annual Joint Convention award ceremony, personal plaque and company plaque as well as a Driver of the Year bumper sticker to display on their trucks.

Francisco Ruiz, Jr,

Eakin Enterprises, Larned

KAPA Driver of the Year Winner

Frank is a great guy and a more than reliable driver for our company. He is on time and there until the job is done no matter what time of day or night it is. He is the best at maximizing his loads to be able to haul as much and as many loads as possible in a days’ time. We never have to worry about efficiency with Frank on the job. He is on top of his truck maintenance and keeping everything safe and in working order. Cleanliness is also a priority as his truck never shows of all the hard work it does.

We appreciate Frank and all his hard work. He is a valuable asset to our company,” says Chad Eakin, President of Eakin Enterprises.

Robert Acosta

Andale Ready Mix Central, Inc., Wichita

KRMCA Driver of the Year Winner

Robert has strong work ethics and leads by example. He is a very dedicated and loyal employee. When Pete Molitor, President of Andale Ready Mix took ownership of the company in 2006 it was without hesitancy that he leaned on Robert to head up their transportation department.

Pete Molitor, President, Andale Ready Mix Central, Inc. states that it is a privilege to have Robert as one of their employees. I respect Robert for his professionalism, work ethics, personal attributes, and all his contributions to helping make Andale Ready Mix Central, Inc. an honest and respected organization.

KAPA-KRMCA is dedicated to the betterment of the ready mixed concrete and aggregate industries in the state of Kansas and works for members and non-members. For more information about KAPA-KRMCA, please contact our office at (785) 235-1188.

Economic Lifelines Hires New Executive Director

(Past member) — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 17:11:12 GMT

Economic Lifelines Hires New Executive Director

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 12, 2012

Economic Lifelines, the state's leading transportation coalition, today announced that Michelle Butler, of Capitol Strategies, would become the group's new Executive Director. The well-known firm of Capitol Strategies will remain their lobbying team.

"Michelle brings a wealth of information from her experience as a former congressional staffer and from her time spent in House leadership offices. She has been a part of our lobbying effort and we welcome her in a new, expanded role on our team," Co-Chair John Koger said.

"I look forward to working with Governor Brownback, Secretary King, their staffs and members of the legislature as we promote vital Kansas jobs through T-WORKS and as we protect our commitment to the transportation program," Butler said.

Butler was Chief of Staff to three House Majority Leaders, served as Chief of Staff to the Speaker of the House, and was also State Chief of Staff to a Member of Congress. She has been a lobbyist with Capitol Strategies for the past four years.

Economic Lifelines is the statewide coalition of organizations and community groups which provide the grassroots support for Comprehensive Transportation Programs in Kansas, most recently T-WORKS. They believe the economic development and jobs generated by such programs are vital to the stability and growth of the Kansas economy and individual communities.

TWORKS 2013-2014 Projects

(Past member) — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 14:41:00 GMT

KDOT Announces 2013-2014 T-WORKS Statewide Projects

Today Secretary Mike King announced more than 430 projects scheduled for the 2013-2014 fiscal years. Of those, 225 are highway projects and 209 are bridges/interchanges. These projects will result in improvements to 1,600 miles of Kansas roadways. KDOT estimates these projects to cost $1.1 billion.

Specific projects highlighted for the next two years include the reconstruction of the expansion to six lanes of U.S. 54/ Kellogg Avenue in Wichita, the South Lawrence Trafficway and the Johnson County Gateway interchange at the K-10/I435/I-35 junction.

Secretary King reiterated his commitment to the full implementation of T-WORKS saying, "These projects have an important role to play in the state's economic recovery and that's why Governor Brownback included implementation of T-WORKS in his Road Map for Kansas."

Click here to read the press release from today's event and Click here to see the list of projects.

KDOT To Announce 2013-2014 T-Works Statewide Projects

(Past member) — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 15:14:59 GMT

KDOT will be hosting an event next week to announce statewide preservation and modernization projects scheduled for the next two years of the T-WORKS program.

2013-2014 T-WORKS Statewide Projects Announcement

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

1:30 p.m.

U.S. 24 & Menoken Road, Topeka

(Located in gravel parking lot at NW corner of intersection.)

Kansas Transportation Secretary Mike King; Kansas Deputy Transportation Secretary and State Transportation Engineer Jerry Younger; and David Howard, President and CEO of Koss Construction of Topeka will announce KDOT's 2013-2014 T-WORKS Statewide Projects.

* In case of inclement weather, the event will be held at the Kansas Department of Transportation, Eisenhower Building, 4th Floor Auditorium, 700 SW Harrison Street, Topeka.

NSSGA Appoints Gus Edwards as President & CEO

(Past member) — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 16:08:08 GMT

EDWARDS APPOINTED NSSGA PRESIDENT & CEO

Gus Edwards, NSSGA’s executive vice president since 2008, has been elected by the Board of Directors to succeed Joy Pinniger as the association’s president and CEO upon her retirement Nov. 2.

Edwards began his service with the National Stone Association in 1997 as vice president for public affairs. After the merger of NSA and the National Aggregates Association in 2000, he continued as vice president for communications and community relations until his appointment as executive vice president.

Prior to joining NSA, Edwards was vice president for environment, health and safety with The Jefferson Group, a Washington, D.C., consulting firm. He had previously served as U.S. deputy assistant secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and deputy assistant administrator for external affairs at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Those appointments were preceded by 12 years working on Capitol Hill as chief of staff to a member of the U.S. House of Representatives and a U.S. senator. Before moving to Capitol Hill, Edwards was a newspaper reporter in Virginia. He was educated at the Virginia Military Institute, the George Washington University and Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.

Edwards and his wife, Anne, are the parents of two daughters and reside in Alexandria, Va.

Based near the nation’s capital, NSSGA is the world’s largest mining association by product volume. Its member companies represent more than 90 percent of the crushed stone and 70 percent of the sand and gravel produced annually in the U.S. and approximately 107,800 working men and women in the aggregates industry. During 2011, a total of nearly two billion metric tons of crushed stone, sand and gravel, valued at $17 billion, were produced and sold in the United States.

Economic Lifelines Executive Director Resigns

(Past member) — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 14:31:36 GMT

Julie Lorenz, Economic Lifelines Executive Director announces resignation. It has been my great privilege to work with you over the past year. We've nearly doubled the membership base of Economic Lifelines, successfully fended off all attempts to reduce T-WORKS funding and energized transportation supporters across the State.

However, my "day-job" at Burns & McDonnell has become increasingly busy and it won't be possible for me to invest the amount of time necessary to successfully educate so many new legislators and advocate strenuously enough to protect transportation funds in what's likely to be another very tough session.

It's hard for me to leave Economic Lifelines. I've thoroughly enjoyed the last year, I've learned a lot and most importantly - my belief that transportation is critical to the Kansas economy and is worth fighting for has been strengthened. While I won't be the Executive Director much longer, my passion and willingness to help the organization continues.

We'll issue a request for proposals (RFP) to begin the search for a new Executive Director with the intent to have a strong advocate in place as soon as possible.

We will Julie well! We appreciate Julie's effort to assist Kansas in our transportation efforts, moving Kansas forward!

Concrete Cares - Hope Lodge, Kansas City, MO

(Past member) — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 15:32:41 GMT

Concrete is found all over the world, as it is the #1 building material. The industry cares about those in pain, suffering, struggling with disease, cancer and other medical ailments. In an effort to show that our industry cares, we have created the “Concrete Cares” Campaign.

The original concept was born by KAPA M&T Member, Mike Murray, Decorative Concrete to place Pink Concrete for Breast Cancer Awareness in all 50 states, however, we recognize the many other cancer types or medical issues that are close to each of us, thus motivating our team to discover unique “Concrete Cares” concrete opportunities.

Our mission is to allow the concrete industry to identify a local unifying project and place decorative concrete to draw attention to that need, while donating in kind materials and labor/talent to create the show piece, which benefits all involved.

The idea is to not necessarily break the bank, small jobs can make an impact! The number one agenda is to increase publicity for their cause; the secondary is to promote the concept that concrete is durable and beautiful and that our industry “Concrete Cares”.

While we know what it takes to get all 50 states involved, we thought we would kick off our DREAMS by making it a REALITY!! On Thursday, August 30, the concrete industry placed decorative concrete at The Hope Lodge, created by the American Cancer Society (1120 Pennsylvania Avenue, Kansas City, MO) The Hope Lodge was in need of a new patio and outdoor living area for their guests and through in-kind industry donations, we were able to give them a patio they will never forget!! To see the YouTube video click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N05SyMwtOPg&feature=em-share_video_user

We are looking forward to future Concrete Cares projects and will continue to keep you aware of these great opportunities to give back to the community as well as promote our industry!

Concrete is Strong, so are we, “Concrete Cares”

KDOT LOCAL CONSULT MEETINGS ON T-WORKS

(Past member) — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 18:20:26 GMT

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has scheduled eight regional meetings to update Kansans on T-WORKS projects in their areas and gather input from the public on how state transportation dollars are being invested. T-WORKS is a $7.8 billion 10-year transportation program passed by the Kansas Legislature in May 2010. Leading up to the passage of T-WORKS, thousands of Kansans participated in local consultation meetings hosted by KDOT to identify regional priorities. These meetings are part of KDOT’s continuing emphasis on collaboration with the public in implementing the T-WORKS program. Dates, Times & Locations can be found here: KDOTSchedulesTWORKSUpdateMeetings.pdf

In addition to hearing updates on T-WORKS and KDOT, participants will have a chance to weigh in on transportation priorities in their areas, should funding become available. During breakout sessions, participants will be asked to prioritize projects in their area that could be selected for preliminary engineering. A survey will also be given to participants asking for their input on future alternative revenue sources for transportation.

The T-WORKS program is designed to create jobs, preserve highway infrastructure and provide multimodal economic development opportunities. It includes $4.2 billion in highway preservation projects and $1.8 billion in highway modernization and expansion projects, plus additional funds for transit, aviation, rail and local roads. The program provides a minimum of $8 million in investment in each of Kansas’ 105 counties.

If you have any questions or concerns, please notify Sally Lunsford at (785) 296-2669 or sallyl@ksdot.org.

Jennifer Joy Pinniger, NSSGA Announces Retirement - November 2012

(Past member) — Thu, 06 Sep 2012 14:08:37 GMT

September 5, 2012

Mr. Ronald Summers

Chairman of the Board, National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association

CalPortland Company

2025 E. Financial Way

Glendora, CA 91741

Dear Ron:

Mr. Chairman, it is both with great happiness and sadness that I formally announce my retirement from a wonderful career to embrace my new married life in both England and the United States. In relinquishing the position of President and CEO of the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association. I leave a position of trust and responsibility that has fulfilled and honored me, enabling me to work for the betterment of our industry and our country. The legacy provided by the men and women of NSSGA improve the quality of life for every American. It is with remarkable dedication that the people of a great and productive industry put such personal time, energy and intellectual resources for the greater good through membership in NSSGA. NSSGA leaders enhance industry credibility, voice, and effectiveness with government decision-makers and neighbors.

Working alongside the energizing people who track, implement, learn, strategize and inform is my privilege. Your professional staff are researchers, advocates, analysts and authorities on behalf of and in conjunction with our members and allies. NSSGA’s professional staff operates in the strange world of Washington where business, politics, academia, media and government intersect; I thank my colleagues devoted to advancing the aggregates industry every day.

It was October 1996 when the association offered me the opportunity to serve this industry, whose products create the foundation upon which all other foundations depend. It seems appropriate after our national merger and three highway bills, a Great Recession and two office moves, that 16 years later I hang up Mrs. Executive Busy Mom’s high heels, briefcase and pearls for scarves and touring cars.

My husband and I many times criss-crossed the Atlantic to visit each other while remaining vigilant with our work. This has tested our mettle – and the mettle has tested us, our families, colleagues and friends. Our new adventures envision many more “pond crossings” in the future, together.

I am a romancer of the stone and always will be. I stand with you and those who can lead and protect our precious freedom of mobility. It is with a hard tug that I leave this fellowship. I say goodbye with more gratitude in my heart than I can express for all whom I’ve met, and from whom I’ve learned during the past decade and a half with NSSGA.

With warmest and highest regards, I remain,

Jennifer Joy Pinniger

President and CEO

NSSGA

Lee Graham Retires

(Past member) — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 14:42:32 GMT

Lee Graham, Kansas Safety Consultants retires today! Lee will continue to provide Blasting Training and Mine Rescue Training through Kansas Safety Consultants, as needed, for our customers.

We would like to thank Lee for his years of devotion to Safety in the workplace.

If you would like to wish him well, feel free to contact him at 620-727-0254 or mail written notes to 726 W. 15^th, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

KDOT Poster Contest "Put The Brakes on Fatalities"

(Past member) — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 15:10:27 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

News Contact: Kim Stich, (785) 296-3585

Poster contest aims to Put the Brakes on Fatalities

Don’t delay! The deadline is just one month away for kids ages 5 to 13 in Kansas are encouraged to enter artwork for a statewide poster contest focusing on Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day.

Three statewide winners will receive family packages from the Rolling Hills Wildlife Adventure and the Courtyard by Marriott of Salina, and also $50 gas cards from QuikTrip Corporation.

A total of 18 regional winners in the six regions and age groups (ages 5-7, ages 8-10 and ages 11-13) will receive a bicycle and a helmet donated by Safe Kids Kansas.

All entries must be postmarked by Friday, Sept. 14, and should be mailed to: AAA Kansas, Public Affairs, 3545 SW 6^th Street, Topeka, KS, 66606. On the back of the 8 ½ by 11-inch paper entry must be the child’s full name; age at time of entry; mailing address; county; a parent’s name; and contact phone number. For more information, go to KDOT’s website, www.ksdot.org, and click on the Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day logo.

Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death in the U.S. for people ages 3-34. It’s important to encourage everyone – drivers, passengers, pedestrians and bicyclists – to take extra caution every day and especially on Oct. 10, the day officially designated as Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day.

Put the Brakes on Fatalities 2012 Flier

Kids who have won in the last three years:

2011 Poster Contest Winners

Northeast Kansas - Sierra de Koning, Axtell; Reagan de Koning, Axtell; Neeharika Kothapalli, Overland Park.

North Central Kansas- Elijah Schmidt, Junction City; Breckyn Martens, McPherson; Zoey Rankin, Ottawa.

Northwest Kansas - Aaron Moore, Oakley; Indigo Guise, WaKeeney; Donnovan Schroeder, Herndon.

Southeast Kansas - Abigail Balson, Coffeyville; Macie Ables, Fredonia; Nathan Cunningham, Iola.

South Central Kansas - Heath David Moeckel, Plevna; Britton Maclaughlin, Arkansas City; Jack Kelly Lynch, Wichita.

Southwest Kansas - Emmi Lott, Rolla; Emily Allen, Garden City; John Dohogne, Garden City.

2010 Poster Contest Winners

Northeast Kansas - Corissa Bandel, Oskaloosa; Youna Song, Manhattan; Ashley Grimm, Morrill.

North Central Kansas - Makayla Sanderson, Courtland; Breckyn Martens, McPherson; Dylan Hollerich, Tipton.

Northwest Kansas - Jailey Gallentine, Gove; Reanna Harman, Hays; Morgan Kathleen Beougher, Stockton.

Southeast Kansas - Abigail Balson, Coffeyville; Riley Brown, Humboldt; Madi McDonald, Chanute.

South Central Kansas - Calli Hatfield, Wellington; Taya Wilson, Sterling; Morgan Friesen, Andover.

Southwest Kansas - Monserrat Acosta, Dodge City; Grace Lang, Fowler; Ana Maria Chairez-Almeda, Garden City.

2009 Poster Contest Winners

Northeast Kansas - Jared Rokey, Sabetha; Chad Goodman, Sabetha; Hannah Rokey, Sabetha.

North Central Kansas - Lillia Diggs, McPherson; Rebekah Thompson, Gypsum; Taylor Vogan, Salina.

Northwest Kansas - Shayanna Smith, Goodland, Elizabeth Fulcher, Goodland, Alex Goodwin, Goodland.

Southeast Kansas - Clayton Saporito, Columbus; Makaylah McCall, Humboldt; Katy Short, Pittsburg.

South Central Kansas - Spencer MacLaughlin, Arkansas City; Karli Packard, Kingman; Ally Harrelsoncrowell, Wellington.

Southwest Kansas - Clara Bartlett, Cimarron; Zoe McCallum, Garden City; Caroline Hall, Garden City.

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This information can be made available in alternative accessible formats upon request.

For information about obtaining an alternative format, contact the Bureau of Transportation Information,

700 SW Harrison St., 2^nd Fl West, Topeka, KS 66603-3754 or phone 785-296-3585 (Voice)/Hearing Impaired – 711.

KDOT Lay Off 40 Staff in Topeka

(Past member) — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 15:13:42 GMT

KDOT to lay off 40 staff in Topeka

Agency secretary Mike King said cuts are being made to restructure headquarters

MARCH 2012 FILE PHOTO/THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

Mike King, director of the Kansas Department of Transportation, announced Friday plans to eliminate 40 administrative positions in Topeka. King is pictured here in a March file photo with Gov. Sam Brownback (right) when his appointment to KDOT was announced.

Article As Reported by The Topeka Capital - Journal.

The secretary of the Kansas Department of Transportation proposed Friday the layoffs of 40 employees at the agency's headquarters in Topeka.

KDOT Secretary Mike King said the objective was to maximize resources by reorganizing the work force. No additional layoffs are contemplated at this time, he said.

"This restructuring of headquarters will allow the agency to be fiscally responsible while continuing to focus on its core responsibility of providing a statewide transportation system that meets the needs of Kansas now and in the future,” he said.

The plan to reduce about 5 percent of KDOT's headquarters personnel was submitted to the Kansas Department of Administration. If the approach is approved, personnel targeted in the layoffs will meet individually with supervisors regarding the administrative action.

In a statement, King said additional layoffs weren’t in the works. That doesn't preclude the possibility in the future, he said.

The precise timing of the layoffs and the potential cost savings to the state are unknown.

"It is important we continue to look for internal agency efficiencies and take whatever action, difficult or not, to realize those efficiencies and resulting cost savings," he said.

KDOT has about 2,800 employees and a budget of $1.6 billion, making it one of Kansas government's largest agencies. About 800 of those KDOT staff members are in the headquarters in Topeka.

King, appointed in March by Gov. Sam Brownback, is a McPherson businessman who ran the family construction business King Enterprise Corp.

In an interview, Brownback said he endorsed the KDOT secretary's quest to streamline the agency. The transportation department can perform its vital function with fewer employees, the governor said.

KDOT is two years into a 10-year, $8.2 billion program called T-Works to develop and finance hundreds of highway, bridge, and transportation projects. The list contains millions of dollars of work in all 105 counties.

"We will do all the T-Works projects," Brownback said.

KDOT Personnel Changes in Materials & Research Dept.

(Past member) — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 19:04:34 GMT

KDOT Personnel Changes

Rick Kreider, P.E. Bureau Chief, KDOT recently announced that Materials and Research had two recent changes within the agency:

The new Geotechnical Engineer is Mr. Greg Schieber, who was previously the Materials Field Engineer.

The new Materials Field Engineer is Mr. Blair Heptig, who was previously the Soils Foundation Engineer within the Geotechnical Unit.

Please welcome both of these individuals into their new positions.

BIRDIE BASH REGISTRATION NOW AVAILABLE

(Past member) — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 13:52:19 GMT

KAPA - KRMCA is excited to announce that they are now accepting registrations for the upcoming KCI Birdie Bash Golf Tournament on October 4, 2012. The event will be held at the Topeka Country Club, 2700 SW Buchanan St., Topeka, KS.

For more information, 2012 Annual Kansas Construction Industry "Birdie Bash"

Nominate Your Drivers for DRIVER OF THE YEAR

(Past member) — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 13:16:38 GMT

The KAPA-KRMCA Safety and Environment Committee is proud to show our continued support of the truck drivers within our industry that make our businesses a success. We are calling for nominations from our membership for the KAPA & KRMCA Driver of the Year. This award recognizes and acknowledges the great contribution that professional drivers make to our industry and to our state.

The judging criterion for this award includes all drivers who have driven for at least 6 consecutive months covering the time period from October 1, 2011 to September 30, 2012 are eligible. Contract drivers may be included in the program.

This year’s winner will be honored and recognized at our annual meeting January 16-18, 2013, Overland Park Marriott, Overland Park, Kansas. In addition to this, the winner will receive a cash award of $250. This program is designed to promote safety and motivate your personnel.

Further information and nomination forms for the award are included with this mailing. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this program, please feel free to contact your association office at (785) 235-1188.

So make a nomination!!

Make Safety a Priority!

Wendy

Economic Lifelines Honor Legislators in Statewide Events

(Past member) — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 13:43:25 GMT

Economic Lifelines to Honor Pro-Jobs/Transportation Legislators in Statewide Events

TOPEKA-Legislators from across the state will be honored for their support of transportation in Kansas during events in July. Economic Lifelines, the state's chief transportation and economic development coalition, has selected nearly 70 legislators as "Pro-Jobs/Transportation Legislators".

"We are grateful to these policymakers for their efforts to advance the state's economy," said Julie Lorenz, Economic Lifelines Chief Executive. "Creating jobs and economic value in our state through a solid transportation program is a winning strategy for our state."

Lorenz noted that the state's current transportation program - T-WORKS - will deliver 37 major new improvement projects throughout the state, make travel safer, and return more than $10 billion to the Kansas economy. In addition to improving access to markets and making the state more competitive, T-WORKS provides an estimated 175,000 construction and supplier jobs over the life of the program. The state's T-WORKS program preserves highways across the state and keeps them in good repair. It also makes important improvements to local airports, short-line railroads and transit service support vital to communities throughout Kansas. It was approved in 2010 through a combination of revenue sources including motor fuel fees and sales tax.

"We're grateful to Governor Sam Brownback and Lt. Governor Jeff Colyer for keeping their promise not to take money from the highway program to fund other programs in the budget," noted Lorenz. "They were quite clear when they state that the days of borrowing from KDOT to meet other state spending obligations were over. For that, our members across the state are most appreciative."

This year the Kansas Legislature considered and ultimately rejected proposals to shift funding for transportation to support other state programs. Such action would have jeopardized transportation projects that communities have been counting on for growth and development.

Schedule of Press Conferences:

Monday, July 9 Pittsburg- Watco Companies, 315 W 3rd Street 11 a.m.

Topeka- Economic Lifelines Offices, 212 W 8th, Lower Level 3 p.m.

Tuesday July 10 Salina- Salina Chamber, 120 W Ash 9:30 a.m.

Manhattan- Manhattan Chamber 501 Poyntz Ave. 2 p.m.

Wednesday, July 11 Wichita- Foley Equipment, 1601 E 77th Street N Park City, KS 10 a.m.

Thursday, July 19 Overland Park, Time and location To be determined

Monday, July 30 Garden City & Great Bend Times and locations to be determined

Here is the list of Pro-Jobs/Transportation Legislators:

Senators Pete Brungardt, Jay Emler, Oletha Faust-Goudeau, Marci Francisco, Anthony Hensley, Tom Holland, Laura Kelly, Kelly Kultala, Jeff Longbine, Garrett Love, Bob Marshall, Carolyn McGinn, Steve Morris, Tim Owens, Roger Reitz, Allen Schmidt, Vicki Schmidt, Jean Schodorf, Ruth Teichman and Dwayne Umbarger.

Representatives Barbara Ballard, Barbara Bollier, Tom Burroughs, Sydney Carlin, Pat Colloton, Paul Davis, Nile Dillmore, Bill Feuerborn, Gail Finney, Geraldine Flaharty, Sean Gatewood, Ramon Gonzales, Bob Grant, Broderick Henderson, Jerry Henry, Don Hill, Don Hineman, Annie Kuether, Harold Lane, Judith Loganbill, Ann Mah, Melanie Meier, Tom Moxley, Bill Otto, Jan Pauls, Eber Phelps, Louis Ruiz, Tom Sloan, Sheryl Spalding, Vern Swanson, Annie Tietze, Ed Trimmer, Caryn Tyson, Ponka We Victors, Jim Ward, Vince Wetta, Valdenia Winn, Kay Wolf, Kathy Wolfe-Moore, and Ron Worley.

Retiring:

Senators Terrie Huntington and John Vratil. Representatives Bob Bethell (*deceased), Terry Calloway, Doug Gatewood, Meody McCray-Miller, Charlie Roth and Jerry Williams.

Selection of these policymakers was based on votes taken to support the state's transportation program. House votes: S Sub for HB 2360, S Sub HB 2650 & Sub HB 2768/H Sub SB 177 amendments to restore transportation funding. Senate votes: S Sub HB 2360, S Sub HB 2650 and S Sub HB 2117.

Economic Lifelines is the statewide coalition of organizations and community groups which provide the grassroots support for Comprehensive Transportation Programs in Kansas. Its members believe that the economic development and jobs that are generated by such programs are vital to the stability and growth of the Kansas economy and that of individual communities.