From the Desk of Mike Pepper

January 11 Special Election

2010-11-17T09:20:00.002-06:00

The Governor has set the special election for 3 different positions to be held January 11, 2011. If a runoff is needed, that will occur on February 1, 2011. That would mean that the winner must receive majority plus one.

The qualifying deadline for candidates running for these positions is December 12, 2010.

The other positions besides the Northern District Transportation Commissioner include the District 6 Senate seat that was held by newly elected Congressman Alan Nunnelee and District 116 House seat that was held by newly elected Congressman Steven Palazzo.

Roadbuilder members in MS Top 100 Companies

2010-10-25T09:37:00.000-05:00

Thirteen MRBA members were in Mississippi Business Journal's "Top 100 Mississippi privately held companies. "

Ergon, Inc. and The Yates Companies Inc. were number one and two respectively. Within the top twenty five were Puckett Machinery Co., Bank Plus, Community Bank, and T.L. Wallace Construction, Inc.

The other members listed in this prestigous list include: Neel-Schaffer Inc., Horne LLP, Dickerson & Bowen, Inc., Eutaw Construction Co. Inc., Dunn Roadbuilders, LLC, Marchetti Robertson & Brickell Insurance and Bonding Inc., and Burns Cooley Dennis, Inc.

Public Opinion Polls

2010-06-16T14:49:00.002-05:00

As we fight for the reauthorization of a new federal highway transportation bill, a recent poll states Americans even in rural areas favor expanding public transportation as in rail or bus transit rather than highway construction which has traditionally received much more funding.

Yes, according to the poll, rural areas! Mississippi is definitely considered rural and it is hard to believe that many Mississippians would vote for rail, bus and ferry usage over highway construction. More than 80% said the nation would benefit even though less than 20% had actually used a bus, train or ferry during the preceding month. Half of the respondents said they have no access to modes of transportation such as bus, trains or ferry.

It made me think on how the Road Builders would like to see state/federal transportation dollars spent on actual road and bridge construction. But in a recent conversation on Sid Salter's "On Deadline" radio show, 75% of the calls related to the importance of building (rebuilding) rest stops.

May - Meetings Month

2010-06-09T15:19:00.005-05:00

Meetings dominated the month of May, maybe adding to the absence of material put on this blog during that time.

The Road Builders had a very successful convention in historic Boston, Massachusetts. The convention was highlighted by a through update from ARTBA about national transportation issues such as reauthorization, climate change and many other proposed laws that would affect the industry. State news was also a major topic as we head into the summer month construction season. Many also were also able to tour the "Big Dig" - the largest public works project in the United States. It was a series of tunnels for all different forms of transportation through downtown Boston and its harbor.

(Pictures of "Big Dig" control room with our tour group)

AASHTO (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) held their spring meeting in Natchez while many Road Builder members attended supporting MDOT's Butch Brown. Mr. Brown currently serves as President of AASHTO. People were in attendance from all over the nation. One of the highlights was the lighting of the Mississippi River bridge.

(Road Builder members at the President's Reception on the Mississippi River bluff)

ARTBA (American Road and Transportation Builders Association) held their annual Washington, D.C. Fly-In in late May. The first order of business was trying to influence Congress to approve a new six year reauthorization for highway funding. Other important federal legislative issues were also discussed. Senators from Mississippi were also briefed on a few major projects from MDOT.

Bond Commission Meeting

2010-06-08T11:36:00.002-05:00

Since the signing of the monumental transportation bond bill in April, the big question was how long it would take to see movement on the state's issuance of bonds. On June 9, the Bond Commission was meeting to bring up some of the highway and bridge projects. The vote on the issuance of bonds now has been delayed till mid July. Both MDOT and State Aid had resolutions ready for the state to move on the issuance of bonds and I appreciate their hard work in preparing these quickly.

Speaking of the bond bill, Senator and Chairman of Finance Dean Kirby was a key player in the bond bills passage. While Road Builders was having our convention in May, I received a call that Dean had not only one heart attack but two. I just got off the phone with him and he is doing great with more energy than ever.

Commissioner Wayne Brown

2010-05-03T15:05:00.002-05:00

Southern District Highway Commissioner Wayne Brown had quadruple bypass surgery Friday, April 30. He was moved to a private room today at Providence Hospital in Mobile. Despite what he has been through the past few days, he sounded very good and expects a full recovery soon.

Session is over

2010-04-28T14:49:00.004-05:00

The 2010 Legislative Session is over Sine Die with the House of Representatives adjourning today.

The Mississippi Road Builders Association Board met yesterday and before the meeting had an opportunity to visit with Lt. Governor Phil Bryant on the recently signed $300 million bond bill. This is a monumental piece of legislation and we now look forward to working with the State Bond Commission on the approval of the release of bonds to make the state's infrastructure more efficient and safe.

(Left to Right - Hollis Cheek, Rick Webster, Kay Russell, Earl Stone, Dwayne Boyd, Kay Van Skiver, Lawrence Warren, Lt. Governor Phil Bryant, Joe McGee, Chairman Tom King, Bob Phillips, Bill Jones, Mike Pepper)

Just left a meeting with two judges that will be running for re-election in November. Supreme Court Justice Jess Dickinson spoke on the duties and functions of the Supreme Court. It seems like just yesterday (seven years) ago when he announced his candidacy and won the Supreme Court District 2 seat (South Mississippi). Also, Appellate Judge Donna Barnes spoke on the functions of the Court of Appeals. She will be running for re-election in a district that covers the northeast part of the state. I will keep you posted - May 7 is the deadline for challengers with the election in November.

MRBA monthly meeting

2010-04-22T14:19:00.003-05:00

Butch Brown, Executive Director of MDOT will be speaking at our monthly program April 26 at 4:00pm at the Jackson Hilton.

Legislature back from recess

2010-04-20T10:54:00.002-05:00

The $300 million dollar bond bill for state infrastructure projects was officially signed into law last week.

However the Legislature arrives back into town today to tackle the budget. Even though Legislators feel confident about a deal, things have a history of blowing up especially regarding such sensitive matters like the budget. All state agencies including MDOT appear to be taking a reduction. The best news would be for the budget deal to be crafted and finish the 2010 Legislative Session without the threat of dragging on similar to last year. Remind you that the budget was in limbo well into to June of 2009 for a fiscal year starting in July. When things drag out is when ideas like taking special funds (fuel taxes) from MDOT are put on the table for discussion.

Roadbuilders in the news

2010-04-13T16:01:00.003-05:00

On the bond bill front, SB 3181 is due from the Governor tomorrow April 14.

Many transportation articles have been in the news lately. Sunday's Clarion Ledger highlighted MDOT projects that are beginning to gain momentum. See
http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/201004110100/NEWS/4110348 for the full article. Author Gary Pettus touches on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (last year's Stimulus) and how it has helped transportation companies retain jobs instead of having layoffs.

The Mississippi Business Journal has had several articles -
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2010/04/bridge-work-slated-to-begin-next-month/

http://msbusiness.com/blog/2010/04/phillips-to-build-bridges-near-port/

http://msbusiness.com/blog/2010/03/transportation-roundup/

One thing is for sure, the 2010 construction season is well underway and one of the worst fall and winters in recent memory is beginning to fade.

Another thought about last Thursday's radio segment

2010-04-07T10:57:00.003-05:00

Forgot to mention, Chairman McBride received more phone calls during his radio segment about the closing of rest stops all over the state than he did about conditions of roads and bridges in general.

Chairman McBride talks transportation

2010-04-05T13:39:00.003-05:00

Warner McBride was Sid Salter's radio show "On Deadline" Thursday April 1 speaking on the recently legislature approved $300 bond bill. Warner spoke on how close the House and Senate along with the Mississippi Development Authority worked together on the legislation. The legislation was sent to the Governor for his signature on April 1. The Governor has eluded in different press reports that he will sign the legislation. He has seven days to act on the legislation.

Thanks goes to Sid for continuing to spotlight and support the needs for transportation in the state. It has been mentioned that education is the last remaining bipartisan issue. I think transportation needs and its importance to the state ranks up to the top of truly bipartisan issues.

Legislature still not finished

2010-04-01T12:17:00.002-05:00

The 2010 Legislative Session is not finished. Appropriation measures still need to be decided. Legislators are scheduled to return April 20. By then March revenue numbers will be solid and any more stimulus dollars coming to medicaid will be determined.

MDOT's budget is one of the many that is in a holding pattern.

Conference Committee reaches compromise

2010-04-01T11:01:00.006-05:00

There were many twist and turns in the final week of discussion before conference committee compromise was reached on SB 3181, the bond bill authorizing $300 million for infrastructure improvements in the state.

The final product still greatly resembles the original language and intent set forth at the beginning of the Legislative session - $100 million for the state highway rehabilitation fund, $50 million for vision 21, $20 state aid, $20 local system bridge replacement, $20 for two different interchanges, $90 economic highway development act.

HIRE Act sent to the President for approval

2010-03-17T10:20:00.002-05:00

After a long battle and many back and forth political maneuvers, the US Congress has approved the HIRE Act (jobs bill). The bill restores almost $20 billion in lost interest earnings since 1998 to the highway and transit trust fund. Also, fuel tax exemptions that historically penalized the highway trust fund now will be taken out of the general fund. Further and most important is the authorization of highway and transit programs through the remainder of this year providing stability in the market for this construction year.

Full Senate approves bond bill

2010-03-16T17:18:00.000-05:00

The Senate just approved bond bill HB 1688 by a voice vote of 52 - 0. Both SB 3181 and HB 1688 now travel back to the chamber where originated. Both chambers will decide on concurrence or non concurrence (agree with the changes or not agree with changes). It is expected that both will non concur and invite conference where a compromise will be reached. The deadline for these differences to be settled is Wednesday, March 24.

Attempt to transfer another $30 million failed

2010-03-16T15:05:00.000-05:00

While waiting for the Senate to discuss the bond bill (HB 1638) that is on the calendar, 40 Senators beat back an amendment to take another $30 million out of MDOT funds for the upcoming fiscal year. Six senators voted in favor of taking the $30 million. Is this a sign of things to come as we wind down the 2010 Legislative Session??

Full House approves bond bill

2010-03-16T11:01:00.000-05:00

The House on Monday approved bond bill SB 3181. It was approved with the House language that was inserted during committee work that basically mirrored the version of the originally passed House legislation. The vote was 102 yeas to 17 nays.

MRBA Habitat Build

2010-03-15T11:56:00.000-05:00

In February, the Mississippi Road Builders again took part in building a Mississippi Habitat for Humanity home. Many thanks goes out to David Garner of Traffic Control Products for spearheading the event along with providing much of the "sweat equity." Also, many thanks goes out to those who donated to this worthwhile event.

Senate Committee approves bond bill

2010-03-11T15:13:00.000-06:00

Senate Finance Committee approved HB 1688 after inserting the original Senate language in the legislation. The legislation now goes before the full Senate where it faces a March 16 deadline for approval.

House moves on Senate bond bill

2010-03-11T11:02:00.000-06:00

The House Transportation Committee approved SB 3181 (bond bill) yesterday by inserting the original language that was approved by the full House a few weeks ago instead of the Senate language. This morning the House Ways and Means Committee followed suit by approving with very limited discussion. The legislation now faces a March 16 deadline to be approved by the full House chamber.

The Senate is expected to bring up HB 1688 before the Senate Finance Committee this afternoon.

Federal funding for highways

2010-03-05T14:59:00.000-06:00

The US House of Representatives approved on Thursday a job creation bill (HIRE Act) that would extend the Highway Trust Fund authorization until December 31, deposit $19.5 billion of general revenue into the Highway Trust Fund, restore this fiscal year's highway funding to $42 billion from $30 billion, and offer additional federal support for states and localities. Due to non-transportation related amendments, the legislation now must travel back to the US Senate where it was approved last week for approval again.

The legislation acts as the fifth short-term extension of the 2005 transportation authorization law known as "SAFETEA-LU," which expired Sept. 30, 2009. Work continues in Congress on a full six-year surface transportation authorization, but it has been delayed over funding concerns.

MDOT Enforcement meetings

2010-03-04T11:03:00.000-06:00

The Road Builders has appreciated two open dialogue meetings with MDOT Enforcement officials and officers. With the ever changing regulations, members of Road Builders have met with central and southern district MDOT enforcement officials to become more knowledgeable of what is expected on behalf of our members.

Thanks goes out to Atwood Fence Company and Dunn Road Builders for hosting the two events. Many others Road Builders' members participated in the events deserve thanks too.

Pictured left to right - Pepper Beckman, Dunn Road Builders; Captain Karon Bridges; Chief Willie Huff; Mike Pepper, Road Builders.

both $300 bond measures survive

2010-03-02T08:58:00.000-06:00

The February 24th deadline has come and gone. The Senate did approve their version of the $300 million bond bill. One amendment was added though but it did not hold up the process.

The Senate legislation (SB 3181) now travels to the House for approval and the House legislation (HB 1688) now travels to the Senate for approval. The next deadline for action is Tuesday, March 16th. At this time, at least one of these pieces of legislation will need to be approved by the opposite chamber or invite conference. Inviting conference will be the likely scenario where 3 members from each chamber work out the differences in the legislation.

bond bill passes the house

2010-02-23T21:02:00.000-06:00

The House passed its version of the $300 million bond bill for transportation needs. Many amendments were added. These did not change the the main content of the legislation but it quickly became a wishlist of various legislator's projects.

Meanwhile, the Senate Finance Committee approved its version of the $300 million bond bill. The Senate will plan to take this up before the full Senate tomorrow.

2010-02-23T09:02:00.000-06:00

HB 1688 (bond bill) was approved by the House Ways and Means Committee Monday afternoon. Amendments were made to scale down the total bond package from $500 million to the original $300 million. The breakdown is as follows: $138 - state highway bridge rehabilitation fund, $80 - vision 21 priority projects, $40 - state aid, $42 economic highway development fund act. The bill now travels back for approval by the House Transportation Committee who will meeting at 11:00 am today.

The senate version of the bond bill SB 3181 will be coming before the Senate Finance Committee this afternoon.

transportation bond bills moving

2010-02-22T14:58:00.000-06:00

Much time has passed since the last post with the Legislature getting the blame. The 2010 Legislative Session is in full swing. The cornerstone legislation of the road builders this session will see action over the next few days. Both HB 1688 and SB 3181 will see committee work and then must be approved by their respective chambers by Wednesday, February 24. The basis of these pieces of legislation is providing bond money for roads and bridges in the state.

Since the last post, the road builders have been busy by hosting the Mississippi Economic Council's legislative breakfast featuring transportation and participating in a press release held at the capitol - Future Mobility in Mississippi. This report was prepared by TRIP, a nonprofit organization that researches, evaluates and distributes economic and technical data on highway transportation issues. The full report can be viewed at http://www.msroadbuilders.com/

2010-01-15T09:05:00.000-06:00

In a meeting with the Governor, he was touting a new program called MS Steps that reimburses the employers of a newly hired employee's salary for a period of months. The employer, if approved, would be reimbursed 100% for the first two months of salary, 75% the third month, 50% the fourth and fifth month and 25% the sixth month. Need any more information, please let me know. The main problem I see is that it is for NEW WORKERS, we are struggling to keep the employees we have working.

The Road Builders will be sponsoring the Mississippi Economic Council's (MEC) Legislative Scrambler on Wednesday February 10. This is a breakfast for the Legislature which Senate Chairman of Highways Tom King and House Chairman of Transportation Warner McBride will be speaking.

Report from the December 10, 2009 Transportation Construction Coalition Call to Congress: the Road Builders participated in calling US Congress about the need for a reauthorization bill. Mississippi had the third most calls to their Senators than any state in the nation. I know for a fact that all the calls were not counted because of busy signals and answering machines not working. Great job.

PLEASE PLAN ON ATTENDING THE ROAD BUILDERS JANUARY 25, 4:00 PM PROGRAM. BOTH CHAIRMAN WARNER MCBRIDE AND TOM KING WILL BE ADDRESSING OUR GROUP.

1st Week of the Legislative Session

2010-01-08T11:53:00.000-06:00

The first week has come and gone, actually gone quicker than normal because the leadership adjourned Thursday till next week because of the weather.

The Roadbuilders was part of a small buisness roundtable meeting with the Governor. The Governor main focus was the budget and the current state of affairs in government. Job creation is his main focus and his efforts will be placed there. He made the pledge along with other Legislative leaders (both Senate and House) earlier in the day at the Mississippi Economic Council's Captiol Day of no new taxes.

The Governor did mention a plan - Misssissippi STEPS that helps pay the salaries for new employees for up to six months. Great for businesses hiring.

Warner McBride

2010-01-04T16:03:00.000-06:00

Chairman McBride spoke on Sid Salter's radio show this afternoon. He did a good job explaining why transportation funds are targeted in years the Legislature has a shortfall. Point 1 - it is the largest budget behind education and medicaid. Point 2 - it is basically all in one area so it makes it easier on the Legislature (another budget similar to transportation is IHL). Chairman mentioned the importance of leaving these funds alone this years because of the many transportation needs.