MITA, Michigan Infrastructure & Transportation Association PRST STD U.S. POSTAGE P. O. Box 1640, Okemos, MI 48805-1640 PAID PERMIT #718

Lansing, MI

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Co. Materials &

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Patriot Pumps Patriot Paving Michigan

ASSOCIATE MEMBER PROFILE: MEMBER ASSOCIATE PROFILE: MEMBER

Signed into Law into Signed

Page 16 Page

New MISS DIG Act: Act: DIG MISS New winter 2014 winter

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Steve Burg, Dispatch 800.841.1289 James Burg, President 586.751.9000 Fax 586.751.1367 www.jbtc.net Active Associate Member of the MITA. winter 2014 contents Cover photo: Get there. MISS DIG Act bill signing. 100% of clients say the CPAs and advisors of Plante Moran 5 Executive Vice President Comment understand their business and have technical expertise in their 8 Member Profile disciplines. Consulting, audit, and 12 Associate Member Profile tax solutions for your business is 16 Vice President of Membership Services a higher return on experience. Comment 17 Underground Spotlight 18 Vice President of Engineering Services Comment 20 Legislative Update 21 Vice President of Government Affairs Comment 23 Member News 28 2013 Year in Review 31 MITA Calendar of Events 33 Letters to MITA 36 Legal Issues 41 MDOT News 42 ARTBA News 44 Partner News 48 Outreach Spotlight

53 Bulletin Index Contact: 54 Ad Index Tom Doyle 248.223.3402 [email protected] Cover Photo: New MISS Dig Act Bill Signing: From left to right Jim Urban, of Butzel Long; Mike Nystrom, MITA’s executive vice president; Bob Patzer, former executive vice president of MITA; Lance Binoniemi, MITA’s vice president of government affairs; Governor Rick Snyder; Rob Cop- plantemoran.com persmith, MITA’s vice president of membership services; Senator Mike Nofs, R-Battle Creek; and Greg Moore, legislative aid to Sen. Nofs. For Cross-Section Magazine advertising, circulation or editorial inquiries, contact Nancy Brown at: phone: 517-347-8336; fax, 517-347-8344 ; e-mail, [email protected]; or by mail at the following mailing address: MITA, P.O. Box 1640, Okemos, Mich., 48805-1640. © 2014 Cross-Section. All rights reserved. Reprints or reproductions only with written consent of MITA. 4 mita crosssection Winter 2014 Executive Vice President ITA entered 2014 on a high note for the construction industry after the new MISS DIG Act was signed into law. MITA staff Mmembers have logged endless hours of work since 2000, when the former AUC formed the Michigan Damage Prevention Board. The mission of the board was to develop a new public act through a con- tractual arrangement known as the “Best Practices” for utility locating. Public Act 174 includes numerous positive changes to notification, ticket life, damages, exemptions and enforcement reporting tools. MITA’s Vice President of Membership Services Rob Coppersmith details all the chang- es starting on page 16. Many other MITA accomplishments are covered throughout the maga- zine, including engineering matters discussed on page 18 by Glenn Bu- Mike Nystrom koski, P.E., vice president of engineering services; and legislative issues on page 21 by Lance Binoniemi, vice president of government affairs. Recent developments in another area that affects the entire heavy/ highway and underground construction industry are outlined on page 36 in an article written by Michael J. Leavitt, “Recent Developments in Trucking Laws that Affect Seasonal Construction Contractors.” The article covers three major changes that affect contractors. Looking ahead into the construction season for 2014, an article by ART- BA on page 42 summarizes the outlook nationally for highway, bridge plan- ning and design work. MITA members in Michigan are looking forward to a busy season, and two member companies are highlighted in our Member Profile on page eight and Associate Member Profile on page 12. Other articles and photos highlight MITA’s numerous special events, which we hope you all will participate in this year. For a complete calendar of events, see page 31 or visit the event section of www.mi-ita.com. We hope to see you soon! Mike Nystrom Executive Vice President MITA [email protected]

Winter 2014 mita crosssection 5 MITA 2014 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Officers Directors Directors ASSOCIATE MEMBER COUNCIL President Past President Director At Large KEITH ROSE Chris Shea MIKE PEAKE DAVE STURRUS Rieth-Riley Construction P.K. Contracting, Inc. Action Traffic Maintenance Grand Valley Concrete Products Co., Inc. Past President Director At Large KIRK BRANSON President Elect DARRELL KALTZ J.W. FISHER Parsons Brinckerhoff Michigan SCOTT BAZINET Kaltz Excavating Co., Inc. Fisher Contracting Company KURT SIEBENALLER Lowe Construction Company Director At Large Director At Large UHY LLP Vice President KURT POLL ROD MERSINO TOM WAGENMAKER Kamminga & Roodvoets, Inc. Mersino Dewatering, Inc. Anlaan Corporation Director At Large Director At Large MITA STAFF Treasurer BOB ADCOCK ANNE COURSEY MIKE NYSTROM DANIELLE COPPERSMITH JIM DOESCHER Angelo Iafrate Construction Co. Champagne & Marx Excavating Executive Vice President / Events Coordinator Dan’s Excavating [email protected] Director At Large Director – Underground Secretary [email protected] Executive Vice President/ MIKE MALLOURE FRANK DIPONIO TIYA KUNAIYI-AKPANAH Secretary C.A. Hull Co., Inc. DiPonio Contracting, Inc. ROB COPPERSMITH Member Services Coordinator MIKE NYSTROM Vice President of Membership [email protected] Director At Large Director – Specialties Services MARY MOODY JEFF BALKEMA DAN BABCOCK [email protected] Balkema Excavating Inc. Give ‘Em A Brake Safety Accounting Coordinator GLENN BUKOSKI, PE [email protected] Director At Large Director – Utilities Vice President of Engineering MARIAM ROBINSON RINALDO ACCIAVATTI PAT DUNIGAN Services Outreach Coordinator Pamar Enterprises, Inc. Dunigan Bros., Inc. [email protected] [email protected] DOUGLAS NEEDHAM, PE Director At Large Director – Concrete JANIS STRANG Vice President of Industry Relations GREGG CAMPBELL ANGELO LANNI Executive Assistant [email protected] Michigan Paving & Materials Florence Cement Company, Inc. [email protected] Director At Large Director – Excavating LANCE BINONIEMI JIM D’AGOSTINI BRANDIE MEISNER Vice President of Government Affairs L. D’Agostini & Sons, Inc. M & M Excavating Company [email protected] Director At Large Director – Bituminous NANCY BROWN Director of Communications BRIAN HOFFMAN ALAN SANDELL [email protected] Hoffman Bros., Inc. Cadillac Asphalt, LLC MATT MCCLINTICK Director At Large Director – Structures Director of Safety and Workforce STEVE MARANOWSKI JEFF STOVER Development Spartan Specialties, LTD Walter Toebe Construction Co. [email protected]

The company makes no representations or warranties of any kind regarding any benefit or ser- vice provided. Any service or benefit provided in on an “as is” basis and theC ompany disclaims any express or implied warranties, including without limitation, warranties of fitness for a par- ticular purpose, merchantability, or warranties against infringement. The Company shall not be li- able for any damages or losses, including indirect, consequential, special, incidental or punitive damages, lost profits, loss of programs or data, or interruption of business activity resulting or caused by the Content. The information in these materials should not replace professional advice. Company makes not legal representations and potential users of Company’s website, benefits, products or services should consult with their own leal, tax, or other professionals before adopt- ing any benefit plan or service offered. Company products, benefits, plans or services may vary state-to-state and are subject to the requirements, terms and conditions of each respective state. All products, services, plans and benefits may not be available or recognized in all areas.

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Michigan Paving & Materials Co.

ichigan Paving, headquartered producing more than 600 tons of asphalt such as stone base, tack coat and delivery in Canton, operates six asphalt per hour at each of their plants, and access to your job. Mplants in Michigan and, with their to more than 15 fully-equipped paving “We are a very vertically integrated partner companies, operates nine aggre- crews, which allows them to efficiently company,” said Gregg Campbell, president, gate and material locations, including the handle any size paving project in the area. who joined the company in 1975 starting largest liquid asphalt terminal in Monroe. Each facility can also arrange for other as a flagger, and later gained a degree in The company has the capability of products needed in the paving process Continues on pg. 10

8 mita crosssection Winter 2014 Member Profile

www.mipmc.com

Headquarters Klett Construction Products: 2575 S. Haggerty Road, Suite 100 46046 Red Arrow Highway Eco-Mix Asphalt, Porous Asphalt, Polymer Canton, Mich. 48188 Paw Paw, Mich. 48079 Modified Pavements, Hot-Mix Asphalt Phone: 743-397-2050 Terry Heckerthorn Fax: 734-397-8480 [email protected] Services: 269-343-4659 Because Michigan Paving controls the source Main Contact: and quality of aggregates and liquid asphalt Stoneco cement, they can meet and exceed specifica- President: (with 11 locations throughout Michigan) tions for jobs. Gregg Campbell www.stoneco.com They can produce more than 600 tons of [email protected] asphalt per hour at each of their plants, and Vice President: Cadillac Asphalt, have access to more than 15 fully-equipped Robert Mayer a joint venture with Edward C. Levy Company paving crews to handle any size paving [email protected] (with five locations throughout Michigan) project. Each facility also arranges for other Vice President: www.cadillacasphalt.com products needed in the paving process, such Aaron Price as stone base, tack coat and delivery. [email protected] Cadillac Asphalt –Clarkston Division • Residential Asphalt 4751 White Lake Rd • Commercial Asphalt Locations Throughout Clarkston, Mich. 48346 • New Construction Asphalt Michigan: Alan Sandell • Parking Lot Paving [email protected] • Asphalt Resurfacing Spartan Asphalt • Asphalt Paving 16777 Wood Street Cadillac Asphalt –Shelby Division • Milling & Cold Milling Lansing, Mich. 48906 12345 23 Mile Rd. • Patching & Crackfilling John Peters Shelby Township, Mich. 48315 • Asphalt Maintenance [email protected] Brad Hillard • Driveway Paving 517-482-9611 [email protected] • Asphalt Sealcoating Grand Rapids South Partners 1100 Market Ave. SW Cadillac Asphalt –Wixom Division Partnerships with the following companies Michigan Paving & Materials Co. Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503 51777 West 12 Mile Rd allow Michigan Paving to help customer start Robert Checkley Wixom, Mich. 48393 a project right and stay on track until the [email protected] Ozzie Osman project is completed: 616-459-9545 [email protected] Cadillac Asphalt, Cemseal, Stoneco, The Grand Rapids North Cadillac Asphalt –Rawsonville Division Shelby Company and Oldcastle Materials. 3566 Millcreek 1785 Rawsonville Rd. Comstock Park, Mich. 48321 Products Belleville, Mich. 48111 Robert Checkley Eco-Mix™ Asphalt (WMA) Mike Zelenock [email protected] Porous Asphalt [email protected] 616-459-9545 Polymer Modified Pavements Hot-Mix Asphalt (HMA) Jackson Asphalt Cadillac Asphalt –Dix Plant 1600 North Elm Street 670 South Dix Quick Company Profile Jackson, Mich. 49204 Detroit, Mich. 48393 After over 50 years of professional service, Mike Jackson Mike Zelenock Michigan Paving remains committed to pro- [email protected] [email protected] viding customers with high-quality materials, 517-787-5614 precision craftsmanship and cost-effective solutions. Globe Construction Specialties: 2300 Glendenning Residential Asphalt, Commercial Asphalt, As America’s largest supplier of asphalt Kalamazoo, Mich. 49003 Asphalt Resurfacing, Asphalt Paving, Asphalt aggregates and liquid asphalt cement, we Terry Heckerthorn Milling & Cold Milling, Asphalt Sealcoating, control the source and quality of all materials [email protected] Aggregates — allowing us to meet or exceed specifica- 269-343-4659 tions for any project on any deadline.

Winter 2014 mita crosssection 9 member profile Continued from pg. 8 business and moved into management. “We make our own aggregates, own the terminal for liquid asphalt, produce our own asphalt mix, and do our own paving. This has helped make us profitable and steady, and keep control on quality, since almost all the aggregate is internal.” Michigan Paving and Materials sells 20 percent of the asphalt they make and their aggregates to others, and also recently added a commercial division, which has been especially busy doing parking lot work in the Grand Rapids area. MDOT is their single largest customer for project work, followed by counties, and all of the project work is handled by about 400 employees from regional facilities in Lansing, Jackson, Grand Rapids, and Kalamazoo. The company was founded in 1959 by Robert Thompson as a seal coating op- eration, which later grew through the ac- quisition of other companies throughout Michigan, including Ann Arbor, Jackson, Lansing, Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids. He sold the company in 1999 to Oldcastle, a public company headquar- tered in Atlanta and owned by CRH in Ireland. In 2001 the company name was changed to Michigan Paving and Materials. Notable recent projects include Detroit Metro Airport, in which 200,000 tons of asphalt was used. In the Kalamazoo area the company worked on projects on US 131 and I-94, and in Jackson the southern part of US 127. “In 2013, we saw an improvement in the number of commercial projects over the previous year, with slow and steady growth,” Campbell said. “MDOT work has not been as encouraging, down most years, but 2013 was steady with the previous year. If politicians set aside politics and do what is right for the public, we will get more funding for projects.” Regardless of available funding, Michigan Paving and Materials keeps high standards for their work following the motto of “Safety First.” They also focus on customer service, quality materials, being good citizens and neighbors, and providing consistent performance for shareholders.

10 mita crosssection Winter 2014 Productivity in Construction Implemented in 2012; the Michigan Laborers’ Training and Apprenticeship Institute has developed a Laborers’ Productivity Training Course. In today’s competitive environment it is critical that the highest level of productivity be achieved in all aspects of a project. The Michigan Construction Laborers’ Union recognizes this need and is leading the way to a more productive workforce by including this training in our Apprenticeship Program and offering the class to our Journeymen as a skills enhancement course.

Kimberly Dohn completed the course recently and commented:

“I was fortunate to be among

Laborers’ Productivity Training Course.the �irst Ito am participate very passionate in the about the training that was

participating in this course. The skills developed during trainingoffered and will I aidfeel them that ALLin their laborers daily andwill bene�itfuture endeavors. from I believe that the skills taught throughout this course are invaluable to a person with aspirations of bettering themselves and/or their position in life and it provides real tools to make those things happen.

I am currently employed in a management support

that the skills I learned from the Laborers’ Productivity Trainingposition inCourse the construction have prepared industry me to andsuccessfully I feel con�ident deal with the challenges that occur on a daily basis. Since completing the course I feel more prepared and I know that the knowledge I acquired has improved my perfor- mance and ability to make a positive contribution on any job site.”

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INSTITUTE Michigan Laborers’ Training and Apprenticeship Institute 11155 S. Beardslee Road, Perry, MI 48872-9774 517-625-4046 www.mi-laborers.org Associate member profile

atriot Pumps, LLC was founded by Brian Lenaghan in 2002 in southeast Michigan Pto help take the guesswork out of bypass- ing pumping and dewatering for contractors and offer his expertise at dealing with complex pump- ing problems. Since then the company has grown to 34 employees, with headquarters in Waterford; offices in Indianapolis, Indiana and Brantford, company, which was heavily involved in dealing a permanent long-term bypass plan. Ontario; and a lay down yard in western Ohio with the sinkhole emergency in Sterling Heights. Lenaghan remembers the project well, where equipment is stored. The sewer interceptor that collapsed at 15 Mile including details involved with utilizing and in- “We fought through the recession and Road and Hayes was about 65 feet below grade stalling axial flow hydraulic pumps as part of the expanded when business was down,” said Len- and initially required a collective effort from vari- long-term permanent bypass. The plan called aghan, who before starting his business worked ous companies to supply centrifugal pumps and for three pump ends to be installed in a series to for a large pump manufacturer on the east coast other bypass equipment; but, after further investi- accomplish the necessary 75-foot lift and bring in national sales. “During 2013, we stayed busy gation, it was discovered that the flood level was water to the surface. Two stacks of 24” pumps in Michigan – not as busy as when we initially approximately 35 feet below grade, and specialty and two stacks of 30” pumps completed the started – although we are now seeing a spike pumps that could reach water at greater depths system. To expedite the more complex setup in business in this state, yet I still feel we are were ultimately needed. A temporary bypass procedure with the axial flow hydraulic pumps, still behind other states. The key to stability and was enabled when Patriot Pumps (also known Lenaghan’s company modified an existing mani- growth can be attributed to the retention of our as Thompson Pump Midwest) installed one fold that was fabricated for another sewer bypass key employees. I have numerous employees that 30-inch and one 24-inch pump inside temporary in Akron, Ohio. have been with me since the beginning.” manholes in order to allow the engineers to craft “It took me about a week to get the pumps The year 2004 was a banner year for the

12 mita crosssection Winter 2014 associate Member Profile here allowing us to begin installation,” Lenaghan said. “Every setup is different, so Patriot Pumps, LLC there is always some fabrication to be done. Regarding the temporary and perma- www.pumpexperts.com nent bypasses, the contractors, as a group, put together in just over a month what 2210 Scott Lake Road would have normally taken six months. I still can’t believe that we got it together as Waterford, Mich. 48328 quickly as we did, but they were pushing us 24/7 to get this stuff installed.” Phone: 248-674-0000 In addition to the temporary bypass, Patriot Pumps was involved in the design Fax: 248-674-0004 of the permanent bypass which required the system to handle 45,000 gallons per minute. The engineer required 100 percent redundancy allowing the system to Contact: handle flows to 90,000 gallons per minute. President: Brian Lenaghan “As per usual, we experienced unforeseen weather conditions in January 2005 [email protected] with torrential rain, snow and melting conditions that caused severe flooding,” Michigan Branch Manager: Mark Landis Lenaghan said. [email protected] Lenaghan recalls pumping close to 70,000 gallons a minute for a couple of days straight pushing the bypass system to its upper limits. The scale of the Ster- Controller: Lisa Zieter ling Heights project was equaled by other bypass projects: a stormwater bypass [email protected] near the Atlantic Ocean in Halifax, Nova Scotia; a forced main bypass near Niagara Falls; a tunnel excavation in California; and emergency work done after Hurricane Specialties: Katrina in New Orleans and Hurricane Sandy in New York. All of these projects Bypass pumping and dewatering: installation, sales, have offered him a great sense of adventure, challenge and accomplishment. service, rental in the areas of contractor, industrial, com- Being a member of MITA has helped the company be able to accomplish so mercial, aggregate, mining, refinery, municipal, maritime, agricultural, pulp and paper Continues on pg. 14 Applications: Quarry dewatering, well dewatering, contractor dewater- ing, sewer and municipal bypass, HDPE pipe and fusion services, utility work, environmental waste management, well pointing, industrial powering and dewatering, sludge removal, temporary and permanent power

Customer profiles: Contractor, industrial, com- mercial, aggregate, mining, refinery, municipal, maritime, agricultural, pulp and paper

Company Profile: Patriot Pumps, LLC also known as Thompson Pump Midwest, is a service-oriented company specializing in bypass pumping and dewatering. The business, head- quartered in Waterford, provides pumps and accessories for both rental and sale. Patriot’s rental fleet features over 115 well-maintained pumps at its main location. Patriot has an experienced team of professionals available to rent you, supervise or turn-key any installation. The company has developed a reputation for provid- ing reliable, durable equipment, exceptional customer service and finding solutions to complex problems. Patriot’s sales and rental fleet consists of portable diesel self-priming trash pumps, electric submersible dewatering pumps, submersible trash pumps, hydraulic trash pumps, sewer plugs and generators up to 900KW. Patriot also features a rotary pump capable of handling wellpoint sys- tems up to 1400 feet in length, offering you significant fuel cost savings. Furthermore, Patriot offers a one-of-a-kind super quiet piston wellpoint pump that uses less than five gallons of fuel per day.

Winter 2014 mita crosssection 13 America's Trench Box Builder TM Efficiency Production, Inc.

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Porta TankTM Stone Mizer® Slide Rail System Call us for Factory Direct Sales & Rentals! 800-552-8800 www.efficiencyproduction.com 14 mita crosssection Winter 2014 associate member profile Continued from pg. 13 Seize Control

much, he said. “To be a part of MITA is critical to us,” said Lenaghan, who lives in Clarkston with his wife, Colleen, who assists in the business, and their three sons. “The executive level is very influential with politicians and the Legislature. Safety knowledge is high, and Rob Coppersmith has helped us with many issues. MITA is an all-around good tool to have access to, and we try to attend events, advertise and sponsor holes at golf outings.” Lenaghan is also proud to have sponsored a Nascar Race in 2013 for the Michigan International Speedway. The race’s sponsor pulled out at the last minute, so Patriot Pumps became the official race sponsor for the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards in June. “The partnership with MIS for the Patriot Pumps 200 race gave our company a great marketing platform to increase our company’s brand awareness as well as grow our business,” Lenaghan said.

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Lawrence Technological University | Office of Admissions 21000 West Ten Mile Road, Southfield, MI 48075-1058 800.225.5588 | www.ltu.edu Comment Vice President of Membership Services Public Act 174: The New MISS DIG Act Signed Into Law

or ease of reading, this article has AUC and MITA Executive Vice President, been broken into several areas Bob Patzer, and has been chaired by me F concerning the long path Public since his retirement. The mission of the Act 174 has taken to become law. It newly formed group was to develop a should be known that MITA and MISS new public act through a contractual ar- DIG are working on joint training mate- rangement known as the “Best Practic- rials in an effort to be consistent with es” for utility locating. The concept was the message presented to the industry. to allow for the industry to work under These materials were actually presented a contract that could be changed over for the first time at the MITA Annual time based on the performance of the Conference. provisions set forth in the Best Practices. The History If a provision wasn’t working for either A ticket is valid for 21 days from the party, the MDPB Board could renegotiate The MISS DIG Act was originally es- start date, except when a 180-day ticket the item. It took three years to develop tablished in 1974 and has since governed has been requested and in place. Please the first “Best Practices” contract. It was utility locating throughout Michigan. The remember that a 180-day ticket may then amended in 2005 to add further original form of the law was written by require numerous staking events. MITA is agreed upon provisions and has since utility owners; and, thus was very lop- happy to assist members with coordinat- been the industry standard. sided when it came to assessing liability ing meetings regarding large projects to After numerous years of a steady regarding damage responsibility. Essen- ensure that good lines of communication reduction of damages for those working tially, if you hit an underground facility, in are in place to increase the success of under the contract, the focus then turned most cases you were sent a claim for the the project. toward codifying the “Best Practices” damages. In the late 1990’s, the then As- If marks are destroyed during the into law. After months of heated legisla- sociated Underground Contractors (AUC) course of construction and the excavator tive debate and numerous committee voiced its concerns with the Legislature, needs additional markings, a call must hearings, the bill gained momentum and which was reluctant to change the law. be made to MISS DIG and facility owners passed both chambers with overwhelm- Legislative leaders then requested that have 24 hours to provide new marks. If ing support. MITA is very grateful to the contracting community and facility the ticket expires before the commence- Senator Mike Nofs (R-Battle Creek) for owners work out differences and bring ment of excavation, an excavator shall sponsoring the bill and the hard work that revised language back to the Legislature provide a new dig notice to the notifica- he and his Chief of Staff Greg Moore ap- at a later date. tion system. plied to making this public act a reality. The Michigan Damage Prevention Additional Assistance Board (MDPB) was formed in 2000, Notification and Ticket Life If the precise location of a marked which An excavator shall provide a dig facility cannot be determined and assis- consists of notice to the notification system at least tance is requested during normal working numerous 72 hours, but not more than 14 calendar hours, via the MISS DIG System, at this stakehold- days, before the start of any blasting or time the facility owner would have three ers and was excavating. The purpose is to reduce the hours to respond to the request or meet chaired by likelihood of marks/flags being pulled or at a mutually agreed time. the former destroyed. In addition, if there is visible evi- Continues on pg. 39

To contact Rob Coppersmith, e-mail him at [email protected] or call the MITA office at 517-347-8336.

16 mita crosssection Winter 2014 Underground Spotlight MISS DIG Damage Reporting ow many how actions by industry damages can prevent them in the H occur future, thereby ensuring each year? What the safety and protec- are the primary tion of people and the causes of dam- infrastructure. Data ages and near collection will allow misses? Are these MISS DIG and the CGA events increasing to identify root causes, or decreasing – and why? Are some educational campaigns perform trend analysis, and help educate all stakeholders so more effective than others? the damages can be reduced through effective practices and These are some of the many difficult questions that remain procedures. unanswered due to the lack of data on a national level. Being The program’s purpose is to reduce underground facility able to answer these questions remains a necessary step in damage, which threatens the public’s safety and costs billions ensuring the safety and protection of people and the infrastruc- of dollars each year. In order to better understand where, how ture. and why these damages are occurring, we require accurate To begin to address some of these questions, The Com- and comprehensive data from all stakeholders. The data will mon Ground Alliance (CGA) stakeholders have focused on be analyzed and findings are issued via comprehensive reports. developing a method for national data collection. In late 2008, The data will not be used for enforcement purposes or to try MISS DIG, in conjunction with the CGA, launched its Virtual and determine damage liability. The individual identities of par- Private DIRT (www.damagereporting.org/missidg) - a secure ties involved with records submitted will be kept confidential. web application for the collection and reporting of underground In order to fully understand the complex issues surround- damage information. Virtual Private DIRT allows users to ing underground facility damage on a national scale, thor- submit damage and near miss reports; browse files submitted ough analysis of a large volume of statistical data is required. by the user’s organization; administer role-based company and Although numerous agencies of various types and sizes have user information; edit personal profiles; change/retrieve pass- tracked similar data elements, there has been no prior coordi- word; and submit feedback and questions. nated analysis that represents all of the stakeholder groups. Purpose of Data Collection To learn more about Virtual Private DIRT, view training tu- torials, download important forms, register and begin entering The primary purpose in collecting underground facility data, please visit www.damagereporting.org/missdig/. damage data is to analyze data, to learn why events occur, and

Winter 2014 mita crosssection 17 Comment Vice President of Engineering Services A Look Back at Our 2013 Accomplishments…

s we wait out the winter months with the design community such that - Initiated legal action against MDOT and prepare to dive head first they will provide 3D designs that can forcing their collaboration on the A into the challenges and oppor- be uploaded directly into a contrac- development of a revised Special tunities 2014 will bring to our state and tor’s automatic grade control equip- Provision for Prompt Payment that our industry, I want to stop for a moment ment for maximum efficiency and provides contractors increased to look back and recall some of the ac- accuracy. double-payment risk protection complishments we achieved in a busy, • MITA continued workforce develop- - Positively influenced various ele- yet productive 2013. In maintaining our ment efforts and involvement on many ments of the MDOT DBE Program strong and aggressive voice for the heavy notable fronts. MITA maintains an that included establishing realistic construction industry in 2013, we were active leadership role in the Partner- project specific DBE participation successful in achieving many significant ship for Diversity and Opportunity in goals, the revision of the calcula- accomplishments that included: Transportation and the Access for tion for allocating OJT assign- • MITA continued a leadership role in All pre-apprentice training initiatives. ments, and the implementation of working with various sectors of the MITA also facilitated the introduction the Small Business Program and industry (owner agencies, design of over 1,000 Detroit Public School the Data Collection Process firms, utility companies, and construc- (DPS) students to the various career - MITA’s relentless state and national tion companies) to improve utility opportunities in the construction advocacy influenced FHWA head- coordination in all phases of project industry as students participated in quarters in Washington to issue a development and delivery. As the the one-day, hands-on, 3rd Annual national clarification memorandum chair of the Michigan Utility Coordina- Construction Science Expo that was on the application of Buy America tion Committee, MITA is guiding the held this year at the Michigan Science to manufactured products. development of a first of its kind in the Center in Detroit. • MITA’s engineers continue to pro- nation pilot program that will require • MITA collaborated with contractor vide members influential professional the depth of buried utilities be cap- members and other industry safety assistance on a daily basis cover- tured and archived for future project stakeholders to identify work zone ing a variety of matters and issues reference. MITA again hosted the safety issues and concerns. Through that include, but are not limited to, very successful 5th Annual Michigan these collaborations, MITA developed project claims, prevailing wage, pay- Utility Coordination Conference as a a plan for work zone safety improve- ment, DBE certification and goals, part of our 2014 Annual Conference. ments and has initiated ongoing dis- extra work, prequalification, contract • Acknowledging and embracing the cussions with MIOSHA, MDOT, and requirements, and specifications. speed and efficiencies of technology, Michigan State Police about that plan. As we now roll forward into 2014 with MITA continued to collaborate with • MITA successfully affected a variety of hope of sustained and substantial eco- MDOT for the further advancement significant policy changes within vari- nomic growth in Michigan, we acknowl- and expanded implementation of ous federal and state agencies: edge the many challenges the year may E-contract- - Influenced MDEQ to discontinue bring; yet we remain optimistic about the ing. MITA the allowed use of Construction opportunities these challenges may cre- developed a Managers on SRF and DWRF ate for all of us in our industry. successful funded projects beginning with FY partnership 2015

To contact Glenn Bukoski, P.E., e-mail him at [email protected] or call 517-347-8336.

18 mita crosssection Winter 2014

update LegislativEUpdate

Bill Bill Sponsor Date Location Summary Status Position SJR - A Sen. Walker - R 1/16/13 Senate Appropriations Committee Provides for a Constitutional Amendment, provides for an Referred to committee on 1/16/13. Neutral increase of sales tax; revises distribution. SJR - J Sen. Richardville - R 1/30/13 Senate Appropriations Committee Relates to a Constitutional Amendment; provides for Referred to committee on 1/30/13. Support increase in sales tax and use tax; revises distribution. SB 6 Sen. Proos - R 1/16/13 Senate Appropriations Committee establishes the distribution of a percentage of the sales Referred to committee on 1/16/13. Support tax collected on motor fuel to be earmarked to transportation funding in 2013 and each year thereafter. SB 85 Sen. Pappageorge - R 1/30/13 Senate Appropriations Committee Repeals motor fuel tax act. Referred to committee on 1/30/13. Support SB 86 Sen. Pappageorge - R 1/30/13 Senate Appropriations Committee Modifies vehicle registration fees. Referred to committee on 1/30/13. Support SB 87 Sen. Kahn - R 1/30/13 Senate Appropriations Committee Modifies motor fuel tax and implements a wholesale tax Referred to committee on 1/30/13. Support on fuel wholesalers. SB 88 Sen. Kahn - R 1/30/13 Senate Appropriations Committee Modifies vehicle registration fees. Referred to committee on 1/30/13. Support SB 157 Sen. Meekhof - R 2/6/13 Senate Government Operations eliminates requirement of paying prevailing wages on Referred to committee on 2/6/13. Oppose Committee state projects. SB 539 Sen. Nofs - R 9/24/13 THIS IS NOW A PUBLIC ACT. Damage to underground facility; exempt from immunity. Assigned PA 173 of 2013 with Support immediate effect. SB 540 Sen. Nofs - R 9/24/13 THIS IS NOW A PUBLIC ACT. MISS DIG underground facility damage prevention Assigned PA 174 of 2013 with Support and safety act; create. immediate effect. HB 4172 Rep. Price - R 2/5/13 House Commerce Committee Repeals the act that eliminates the requirement of paying Referred to committee on 2/5/13. Oppose prevailing wages on state projects. HB 4359 Rep. Schmidt - R 2/28/13 House Transportation & Infrastructure Implements a wholesale tax and modifies the motor Referred to committee on 2/28/13. Support Committee fuel tax. HB 4539 Rep. Schmidt - R 4/11/13 Senate Collection of sales tax on gasoline; eliminate. Referred to committee on 4/11/13. Support HB 4571 Rep. Schmidt - R 4/16/13 Senate Excise tax on aviation fuel; repeal and impose Passed House, tramsmitted to Support wholesale tax. Senate on 12/5/13. HB 4572 Rep. Schmidt - R 4/16/13 Senate Exempt aviation turbine fuel and aviation gasoline. Passed House, tramsmitted to Senate Support on 12/5/13. HB 4577 Rep. Shirkey - R 4/17/13 House Transportation & Infrastructure Increase registration fees for mass transit buses. Referred to committee on 4/17/13. Neutral Committee HB 4608 Rep. Shirkey - R 4/23/13 House Transportation & Infrastructure Provide for a fee increase for certain vehicles powered Referred to committee on 4/23/13. Support Committee by electricity or fuels not subject to the motor fuel or diesel fuel tax and make other general revisions to the Michigan vehicle code. HB 4630 Rep. McCready - R 4/25/13 House Transportation & Infrastructure Modify registration fees. Referred to committee on 4/25/13. Support Committee HB 4632 Rep. Schmidt - R 4/25/13 House Transportation & Infrastructure Increase registration tax and create new registration tax Referred to committee on 4/25/13. Support Committee for hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles. HB 4677 Rep. Potvin - R 5/2/13 Senate Earmark portion of sales taxe revenue to transportation Passed House, tramsmitted to Senate Support fund. on 12/5/13. HB 4925 Rep. Lane - D 8/2/13 House Transportation & Infrastructure Public-private partnerships; allow the state transportation Referred to committee on 8/2/13. Neutral Committee department to enter into. HB 5143 Rep. Lane - D 11/12/13 House Transportation & Infrastructure Gross vehicle weight limits; modify to 80,000 lbs. Referred to committee on 11/12/13. Oppose Committee HB 5167 Rep. Schmidt - R 12/4/13 House Transportation & Infrastructure Contracts entered into by state transportation departments Referred to committee on 12/4/13. Neutral Committee and local road agencies; change bidding requirements and allow state transportation department to borrow money from local road agencies. HB 4630 Rep. McCready - R 4/25/2013 House Transportation & Modify registration fees. Referred to committee on 4/25/13. Support Infrastructure Committee HB 4632 Rep. Schmidt - R 4/25/2013 House Transportation & Increase registration tax and create new registration tax Referred to committee on 4/25/13. Support Infrastructure Committee for hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles. HB 4634 Rep. Schmidt - R 4/25/2013 House Transportation & Change expiration date to January 1 for trailer Referred to committee on 4/25/13. Support Infrastructure Committee registration. HB 4677 Rep. Potvin - R 5/2/2013 House Earmark portion of sales taxes revenue to Awaiting second reading in the House. Support transportation fund.

20 mita crosssection Winter 2014 update Comment Vice President of Government Affairs 2013 Legislative Year in Review uring 2013, due to the continued Implementation Of New Stormwater, those building our infrastructure as well as efforts of MITA and its mem- Asset Management & Wastewater the public using it. D bers throughout the state, the (SAW) Program Continued Strong Support From state legislature continues to recognize DEQ has recently unveiled its new Governor Snyder SAW program after new legislation (that that Michigan significantly underinvests Unlike any other governor in Michi- MITA was heavily involved in) freed up the in its infrastructure. This has resulted in gan before him, Governor Rick Snyder remaining $654 million in bonds for water additional money from the state budget has continued to advocate for increased and sewer projects. Voters approved of surplus to be diverted to transportation. A investment in our state’s infrastructure. this in 2002. The program will also create one-time increase of $350 million for fiscal This was never more prevalent than during grants for communities to develop asset year 2013 – 2014, starting on October 1, his state of the state address in Janu- management programs. Several communi- 2013, was added for various road and ary. While addressing all of the citizens in ties have already expressed interest in the bridge projects expected to be in early Michigan, he compelled the legislature to new program, as it provides much easier 2014 lettings. take action on investing in our infrastruc- access to loans for improving underground While this could potentially be a ture and to put politics aside. MITA and infrastructure, and all indications are that double-edged sword, making some in the its members have tirelessly worked with these projects will begin to start seeing Legislature and the public believe that we Governor Snyder to make sure he con- movement in the spring of 2014. have solved the problem, all four legisla- tinues to be our biggest advocate among tive leaders publicly spoke out that this MISS DIG elected officials. was a one time “down payment” on a full Several years of efforts to codify Grassroots Outreach comprehensive solution to our funding into law best practices for locating MITA member participation in the leg- problem in Michigan. underground facilities has finally found a islative process was as high as it has ever Other highlights from 2013 include the conclusion. MITA has been involved in the been in 2013. Between op-ed pieces in following: Michigan Damage Prevention Board since local and regional newspapers; legislative its inception and has helped develop the Legislative Intent Language For contact through phone calls, emails or di- best practices that our members use. An Additional $193 Million To rect visits in Lansing or within lawmaker’s The MISS DIG system has been a Transportation Added To Medicaid specific districts; attending various town- great tool for MITA members in preventing Expansion Legislation hall events; inviting legislators to member As one of the most debated pieces of damages and accidents to underground businesses and job sites; or attending the legislation to pass in 2013, the Medicaid facilities, and this legislation will make MITA lobby day; the heavy construction expansion bill, legislative intent language sure that all utilities and contractors are industry’s voice is being heard. was added to take $193 million of antici- required to use those same preventative Collectively, we had two events this pated savings to the state’s budget, and measures. year to help increase member participa- put that money towards improving our Legislative Site Visits tion in the legislative process, as well as transportation system in Michigan. Again, After receiving several positive to grow and strengthen the MITA PAC. this demonstrates the committed work of responses from lawmakers who visited Hundreds of individuals who have interest MITA and its members to continue to keep different job sites in 2012, MITA expanded in seeing increased funding flocked to the increased transportation funding a top its program and included more lawmakers Capitol during our lobby day, urging law- priority within the legislature. to visit various sites and experience all that makers to take action. In addition, MITA goes into road, bridge and underground launched a new PAC event that saw great construction projects. This opportunity success for its first year. We raised nearly allows those policy decision-makers to get $15,000 during the first Road Rally for In- an in-depth understanding of the impor- frastructure, and we look to expand upon tance of investing wisely in our infrastruc- that in the future. Continuing to be one of ture in Michigan, not only for the longevity the top business PACs in Michigan, the of the system, but also for the safety of MITA PAC raised over $100,000 in 2013.

Contact Lance Binoniemi, Vice President of Government Affairs, at [email protected] or call him at 517-347-8336 with any questions or comments.

Winter 2014 mita crosssection 21

Member

Alta Equipment Company ticularly in construction tool, aerial lift and Sennebogen material handlers, Genesis power equipment rental segments. Their shears, and Gomaco concrete paving Alta Equipment Company and Evans focus and expertise in the compact equip- products. Equipment Company, Inc., announced ment rental, as well as construction tools, Evans’ customers will now have access in October 2013a that they have signed such as compressors, mobile power, and to Alta’s rental fleet of more than 5,000 a definitive agreement under which Alta contractor supplies, will greatly comple- pieces of equipment, including forklifts, acquired the assets of Evans. Since 1981, ment our heavy equipment product lines construction equipment, and a variety of Evans has serviced the industrial and and continue to expand our rental capabili- specialty products for market segments construction industries across Central and ties.” such as paving, demolition, scrap and Southeast Michigan as a contractor rental Based in Wixom, Alta is one of the larg- recycling. Alta also offers a large inventory supply business in Burton. Alta retained all est industrial and heavy equipment dealers of used equipment, options for fleet main- Evans employees and Evans will continue in the Midwest, employing over 500 people tenance, as well as service and operator to conduct business from their current loca- at 18 facilities spread across Michigan, training programs. Customers who pur- tion at G-3283 S. Dort Highway in Burton Indiana and Illinois. Alta has an extensive chased equipment from Evans will continue (same phone number: 810-744-4840). product line-up including Yale® and Hyster® to have access to parts and service for “Evans Equipment has been a solid lift trucks, in addition to an extensive line of those products. player in the rental business for over 32 warehouse products and solutions. Alta’s “In the construction industry, access to years,” said Steven Greenawalt, founder Construction Division represents Volvo rental tools and inventory are essential to and CEO of Alta. “In that time they estab- Construction Equipment, Link-Belt cranes, serving the needs of the contractor commu- lished a very loyal customer base, par-

Continues on pg. 24

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Winter 2014 mita crosssection 23 member news Continued from pg. 23 nity,” says Rob Chiles, president of Alta’s C.A. Hull Co., Inc. were appointed Construction Equipment Division. “With www.cahull.com as vice presi- the addition of thousands of power tools, dents/partners attachments, generators, scaffoldings and The University of Michigan Civil and En- and members other mobile equipment from Evans’ rental vironmental Engineering (CEE) Department of the board of fleet, Alta will now be in a better position recently honored the 2013 Alumni Society directors. Wil- to provide our customers with a complete Departmental Award recipient, Joseph Mal- liam Davis, P.E., solution.” loure of C.A. Hull Co., Inc. After graduating associate, and David Glass, former co-owner of Evans, in 1972, Malloure began working at C.A. Dennis Benoit, and now Alta’s Branch Manager at the Bur- Hull Co., Inc. Eventually he became presi- P.E., associate, ton branch, said: “I am very excited about dent and, working alongside his brothers, were appointed this opportunity to increase the scope of the company evolved into one of the largest as senior associ- Roland Alix, P.E. footprint of our rental business with Alta bridge-building firms in Michigan. ates. Equipment Company. We are committed Alix joined HRC in 1997 and more to providing reliable rentals and customer Hubbell, Roth & Clark, Inc. recently in 2005, and has been involved in satisfaction. We greatly appreciate the www.hrc-engr.com planning, design, and construction engi- loyalty of our customers over the years and neering for approximately $200 million in hope to continue to grow those relation- Hubbell, public and private infrastructure improve- ships for years to come.” Roth & Clark, ment projects in Michigan and Ohio. He Inc. (HRC) holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineer- recently made ing from Michigan Technological University, several staff changes. Roland Alix, P.E., and is a member of the American Water and Jesse VanDeCreek, P.E., associate; Works Association and the American

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24 mita crosssection Winter 2014 Member news

Society of Civil Council for the the Downriver Engineers, where School of Civil Branch of the he received the and Environmen- American Public distinguished tal Engineering. Works Associa- honor of ASCE Davis joined tion. Michigan Section HRC in 1992 Benoit joined Young Engineer and is widely HRC in 2006 and of the Year. respected for oversees proj- VanDeCreek his expertise in ects performed joined HRC in project manage- out of HRC’s 1994 and has ment, evaluation, Grand Rapids been involved Jesse VanDeCreek, P.E. design and con- William Davis, P.E. office involv- Dennis Benoit, P.E. in the planning, struction engi- ing complex design and construction engineering of neering of major infrastructure improvement water and wastewater treatment system over $300 million in municipal infrastructure programs. With over 25 years experience, improvements, pumping stations, sewer improvements. He serves on the American his project management efforts have been and water main projects. He has 37 years Water Works Association Research and recognized by prestigious awards earned of professional experience and holds both Technical Practices Committee and is past on numerous projects, most recently the bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil president of the American Society of Civil $17 million Wayne County sanitary inter- and environmental engineering from the Engineers Southeast Michigan Branch. ceptor project. He earned a bachelor’s University of Illinois. Professional affilia- VanDeCreek earned a bachelor’s degree degree in civil engineering from Michigan tions include the American Water Works in civil engineering from the University of State University, and is a member of the Association for which he has served on Detroit, where he serves on the Advisory American Society of Civil Engineers and various committees; the Michigan Water

Continues on pg. 26

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Winter 2014 mita crosssection 25 member news Continued from pg. 25

Environment Association, the American and architectural services to municipal, Top Design Firm and Top 50 Trenchless Public Works Association and the American industry and private clients. HRC is a full Technology Design Firm whose work has Society of Civil Engineers. service, multi-disciplined firm comprised of been recognized by prestigious industry For nearly 100 years, through innova- over 130 professional engineers, surveyors, awards. HRC has offices in Bloomfield tion and design, HRC has made significant architects, and technical support staff, in- Hills, Grand Rapids, Howell, Detroit, Mt. contributions to Michigan’s vital infrastruc- cluding LEED AP accredited professionals. Clemens and Delhi, Mich. For more infor- ture by providing consulting engineering HRC is an Engineering News Record (ENR) mation, visit our www.hrc-engr.com.

Southeastern Equipment Wins Vacall Award: Top Sales 2013 www.southeasternequip.com Gradall Industries, which designs, manufactures and supports Vacallprod- ucts, recently announced that Southeast- ern Equipment Company was namedthe top performing Vacall dealer in the United States. The “Top Sales 2013”award was presented at the annual training meeting, held in New Philadelphia, Ohio at Vacall’s headquarters and attended by representa- tives from dealers throughout the U.S. Southeastern Equipment has been a Vacall dealer for over four years and recently established an Environmental Division that showcases their products, which are used to clear sewer lines, clean up catch basins, perform hydro-excavation for underground utilities, and assist with industrial cleanup challenges. Southeastern has a facility in Novi and Holt. (Left to right) Brandon Unklesbay, Southeastern environmental division manager; Tod Ebetino, Vacall Midwest regional sales manager and Ken Edwards, Southeastern environmental division product specialist.

26 mita crosssection Winter 2014 Member news

2013 Project Achievement Northern Concrete Pipe, Inc., cyclist and Award Winner Portland – walking enthusiasts in Portland enjoy the Home of Michigan’s Largest Portland Riverwalk and the southeast trail crosses beneath two interstate I-96 Lighted Pedestrian Tunnel bridges, identified by MDOT as being The Michigan Department of Trans- in need of rehabilitation. MDOT consid- portation (MDOT) project to replace two ered construction alternatives and their I-96 bridges over the Portland Pedestrian impacts on the bridges, which included Trail, received the American Concrete Pipe maintaining mobility for over 30,000 Association’s Annual Project Achievement vehicles per day. Award in 2013. Three MITA members Washabaugh provided the follow- firms were involved in the project, includ- ing other details about the ing Northern Concrete Pipe, Inc., Anlaan project. MDOT’s cost analysis Corporation, and Kamminga and Rood- revealed that rehabilitation of voets, Inc. the two bridges was greater To reduce maintenance and repair than removal and installation costs, 45 lighted, precast box culverts were of a large capacity precast used to replace two aging I-96 bridges over concrete box culvert. The the Portland Trail. The trail is an 8-mile loop culvert would provide a tunnel that passes through wooded areas and under the interstate, maintain open public spaces along the scenic Look- the functionality of the trail, ing Glass and Grand rivers. and meet the needs of motor- According to John Washabaugh, of ists in a cost-effective manner.

Continues on pg. 32

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Winter 2014 mita crosssection 27 2013 Year In Review

From job site to legislative visits, and all points in between, here is a sample of some of MITA’s active members taking part in all that we offer at MITA. For a schedule of upcoming 2014 MITA events, see page 31.

28 mita crosssection Winter 2014

Winter 2014 mita crosssection 29 year in review

30 mita crosssection Winter 2014 Mita Calendar 2014 MITA Calendar of Events MITA Board Meeting MITA Golf Outing- MITA Golf Outing-Central MITA Holiday Party- MITA Office Southeast Michigan Michigan Central Michigan April 22, 2014 - Tuesday Twin Lakes Golf Club, Oakland Eagle Eye Golf Club, East Country Club of Lansing 1:00 pm July 17, 2014 Lansing December 12, 2014 9:00 am August 21, 2014 11:30 am - 1:30 pm MITA Golf Outing-West 9:00 am Michigan MITA Summer Conference MITA Holiday Party- Boulder Creek, Belmont July 23-27, 2014 Western Michigan June 12, 2014 Grand Traverse Resort, MITA Board Meeting Location TBD 9:00 am MITA Office December 16, 2014 MITA Board Meeting- October 21, 2014 11:30 am - 1:30 pm MITA Board Meeting August 1:00 pm Country Club of Lansing MITA Office June 17, 2014 - Tuesday August 19, 2014 MITA Board Meeting MITA Holiday Party- 8:30 am 1:00 pm Country Club of Lansing Southeast Michigan December 12, 2014 Location TBD 8:30 am December 18, 2014 11:30 am - 1:30 pm Please check out MITA’s electronic calendar for updates at www.mi-ita.com.

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Winter 2014 mita crosssection 31 member news Continued from pg. 27

A segmented precast concrete box culvert the gross vehicle load limit in neighboring design tandem portion of the HL-93 load would limit impacts on the public and facili- states of Ohio and Indiana. The manu- definition was replaced by a single 60 kip tate construction within one construction facturer met challenges of the size of the axle load before application of the 1.2 fac- season. Assembly of the sections would sections that included product handling, tor. The resulting load is designated HL-93 be accomplished prior to demolition of the storage area requirements, and distribution modified. bridges. This solution allowed for resched- of the 16-foot wide sections. The ceiling Anlaan Corporation offered a value en- uling the closure of the Portland Trail at a created by the existing bridge beams and gineering proposal to MDOT that eliminated low use period during the winter and early the methods available to maneuver the box the cast-in-place end treatments by replac- spring. sections under the bridges were demanding ing them with precast sections at no ad- A safety concern of the city required situations met by the skills and experience ditional cost. Competitive bidding, coupled coordinated lighting for the full 270 feet, of the contractor. with contractor innovations, provided a sav- and MDOT required stringent quality control Anlaan Corporation was the prime con- ings to MDOT of eight percent less than the standards from the precast manufacturer tractor, while Kamminga and Roodvoets, engineer’s estimate. Reinforcing steel used that included a protective concrete surface Inc., assisted in the earthwork construction. for the boxes was purchased under “Buy coating to deter graffiti. Despite the mid-winter weather and site America.” All steel was certified as “melted The culvert was sized with internal conditions, the team coordinated delivery and manufactured in America.” dimensions of 24 feet x 14 feet (span and and installation of the culvert on schedule. rise). Each section, supplied by MITA Mem- The design of the segments was based ber Northern Concrete Pipe, Inc., weighed on 1.2 times the AASHTO LRFD bridge approximately 80,000 pounds, which is design specification HL-93 loading. The

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Frank DiPonio, of Diponio Contracting, Inc., went “all contractor” with his Christ- Letters to MITA mas tree decorating for 2013.

Mike: I just wanted to tell you how much Hoffman Brothers appreciates your team getting us out of a training jam. You came to our office on very short notice and gave our people OSHA training to help keep us in compliance. Thanks to MITA for the over the top service. Brian Hoffman Hoffman Brothers, Inc.

Doug: I just wanted to pass along a note to express our most sincere appreciation to you and MITA for your assistance and all the work you put into our arbitration hearing with Berrien. We could not have done it without you and our success is attributable to and a testament to your efforts. Thank you, Mark Howard Peters Construction Co.

Continues on pg. 34

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Winter 2014 mita crosssection 33

ad3_highRec_3.624x4.875.indd 1 9/16/10 1:07 PM member news Continued from pg. 33

GEI Hires Geotechnical Expert Michael Gentner for Lansing, Mich. office Veteran consultant in underground solutions will focus on GEI clients throughout Michigan and Midwestern states

GEI Consul- said Jamie Matus, C.P.G., branch manager life of a project,” said Michael. “I’m thrilled tants, Inc., one for the Lansing office. “He brings our Michi- to be joining GEI, where there’s both a rich of the nation’s gan and Midwest clients strong experience legacy and ongoing leadership in geotech- leading geo- and understanding of complex ground nical work.” technical, envi- conditions, and a keen interest in designing Michael holds a bachelor’s degree ronmental, wa- cost-effective solutions.” in civil engineering from Michigan State ter resources, Prior to joining GEI, Michael was vice University. He is a longtime member of the and ecological president at Inspecsol Engineering, Inc., Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation science and en- an affiliate of Conestoga-Rovers and As- Association (MITA), and has contributed gineering firms, sociates. His ongoing success in offering to the organization’s Bridge Operations announced that services to remove project risks and uncer- Committee. He is a licensed professional Michael Gentner geotechnical tainties related to soils, water, and under- engineer in Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois. expert Michael Gentner, P.E., has joined ground construction was demonstrated on About GEI Consultants, Inc. the company as a senior professional with such high-profile projects as The City of GEI’s multi-disciplined team of en- the firm’s Lansing, Mich., office. With more Allen Park’s Sanitary District One Tunnel gineers and scientists deliver integrated than 21 years of experience in managing and Relief Sewer project, and the current geotechnical, environmental, water re- both public and private projects, Michael renovation of the wastewater treatment sources and ecological solutions to diverse offers specialized expertise in geotechni- facility in Ann Arbor, Mich. At GEI, he will clientele nationwide. The firm has provided cal engineering and instrumentation, earth continue offering innovative underground a broad range of consulting and engineering retention design, and construction support. solutions to both government entities and services on more than 35,000 projects in 50 He will focus his support efforts on GEI private clients. states and 22 countries. For more informa- clients located in metropolitan Detroit, other “It’s gratifying to continue my work tion, please visit the firm’s web site at parts of Michigan, and the Midwest. within the built environment where we can www.geiconsultants.com “Michael is an exciting addition to GEI,” see the tangible differences throughout the

Comprehensive Geotechnical Engineering Services New MITA Foundations Excavation Support Systems Members Construction Support Groundwater Tunneling Contractor Flood Control Leavitt & Starck Excavating, Inc. Forensic Engineering & Litigation Coastal Planning & Engineering R.B. Satkowiak City Sewer Cleaners Geotechnical Support Services Rickman Enterprise Grup Instrumentation & Vibration Monitoring Stacy and Witbeck, Inc. GEI designs solutions for a unique Associate mix of challenges, such as tight space, neighboring buildings, contamination, CAT Auction Services complex regulations, community concerns GEI Consultants of Michigan, PC and more! Old Republic Surety Group, Inc. www.geiconsultants.com Pre-stress Services Industries For information call: 248-921-7661 230 N. Washington Square, Ste. 203, Lansing, MI 48933

34 mita crosssection Winter 2014

LegalIssues

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN TRUCKING LAWS THAT AFFECT SEASONAL CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTORS By: Michael J. Leavitt

Overview can be assessed a driver for each of- through a wireless earpiece as well as fense; speaker phone is permitted; There have been a number of changes • A driver can be disqualified from op- 2. A hands-free mobile device located to state and federal laws and regulations erating a commercial motor vehicle for where the driver is able to initiate, that impact contractors utilizing trucks to multiple offenses; and answer, or terminate a call through a transport aggregate commodities, ready- • Companies for whom the motor vehicle voice-activated system or by touching mix and heavy equipment over Michigan is operated face a maximum penalty of one button; highways. This article identifies three $11,000.00 for each violation. 3. Subject to the above use by a driver major changes affecting contractors. At the same time Michigan enacted while seated in the driving position and Cell Phone Use Restrictions MCL 257.602b which was effective Octo- properly restrained by a seatbelt at all In 2013 both the federal government ber 28, 2013. A violator under state law is times; and and Michigan enacted regulations or stat- subject to a civil infraction with a $100.00 4. Use of a CB or private radio or private utes that prohibit the use of all hand-held fine for the first offense and $200.00 fine two-way radio. mobile devices/cell phones while operating for all subsequent offenses. In addition, 30-Minute Break Rule for any commercial motor vehicle. More spe- 2 points will be assessed on the driver’s cifically, the federal ban on hand held cell driving record if that driver is convicted on Hours of Service Revisions to Section 395.8 of the phone use took effect on January 3, 2013, such a charge. Federal Hours of Service Rules which have pursuant to 49 C.F.R. 392.82. The penal- A recurring question is whether or not been adopted by the State of Michigan ties for violating the federal cell phone a mobile phone that can be operated by incorporated a 30-minute break rule ef- regulations include: using one-push button can be used by a fective July 1, 2013. Under that change, • Federal civil penalties up to $2,750.00 commercial driver. The answer is yes, but only if the mobile commercial drivers are prohibited from phone is attached driving more than 8 consecutive hours to a stationary without taking a 30-minute off-duty break. mechanism inside The rule only prohibits driving if more than the cab of the 8 consecutive hours have passed since truck; reaching for an immediately prior off-duty period of at a mobile phone least 30 minutes. For example, if the driver such that the spends 2 hours loading at the beginning driver is no longer of the day and then has a 10-hour drive in a seated driving ahead, he or she must take the 30-minute position restrained break no later than 8 hours after coming by a seatbelt is on duty. The driver can, however, take the also prohibited. break earlier. For example, if he or she Simply stated, a takes a half-hour or more break at some commercial driver point between the 4th and 8 hours after cannot hold a mo- coming on duty, the driver can complete bile phone in his the rest of the planned 10 hours driving or her hand. What without another break. is allowed is: Under this new regulation, meal 1. The use of a breaks or any other off-duty time of at mobile device least 30-minutes qualify as a break. The

36 mita crosssection Winter 2014 Legal Issues

30-minute break is included with the words the maximum fine for a truck that loaded axle, the fine will now have to be maximum 14-hour driving limitations under had multiple misloaded axles could be calculated under the graduated fine sched- the regulations. The reasoning for this is as high as $600.00. Under the amended ule (1300 lbs x .03¢) which would equate allowing off-duty driving time to extend the change to the law, if the graduated fine to a fine of $39.00 instead of $200.00, work day would allow drivers to drive lon- schedule which assesses fines per pound a savings pursuant to this example of ger periods of time when fatigue becomes on a graduated basis (starting at 3¢ per $161.00. greatest. Similarly, time spent waiting pound and ending at 20¢ a pound) would Sullivan & Leavitt, P.C. has been a to be loaded or unloaded is considered be less than the fixed misload fine of leading advocate for the heavy transpor- on-duty time unless the driver has been $200.00 per axle, the courts will have to tation and related industries for over 60 released from all responsibilities for the assess the smaller fines to give the truck- years. Michael J. Leavitt heads its trucking truck. ing company the benefit of the doubt. For compliance and enforcement section. This legislation originally would affect instance, under the new amendment, if He can be reached at (248) 349-3980, short haul drivers and Michigan intra- an axle is 1300 lbs overweight, instead of ext. 208. state drivers operating pursuant to the being assessed a fine of $200.00 on a mis- seasonal construction hours of service rules (MCL § 480.15(a)). However, on

August 2, 2013, a decision from the WWW.GEBSAFETY.COM United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia struck down and GIVE ‘EM A BRAKE vacated the 30-minute break rule for short haul drivers only. Short haul drivers SAFETY are considered drivers that drive within a OPEN 7am - 5pm 100 air mile radius of their work reporting Monday - Friday location. If your driver travels outside this 100 air mile radius, he or she are subject Marquette to the 30-minute break rule and would LOCATIONS also have to keep a FMSCA log for that Grand Rapids Branch 1-616-531-8705 day or days as well. The Federal Motor Larry Booth - [email protected] Mike Rempalski - [email protected] Carrier Safety Administration did not ap- Marc Vantil - [email protected] Sean Mooney - [email protected] peal this appellate ruling and, as a result, the 30-minute break rule does not apply Traverse City Saginaw Branch to intrastate short haul drivers. 1-989-752-6333 Most of the intrastate drivers in Paul Kennedy - [email protected] Saginaw Jim Hartley - [email protected] Michigan who are seasonal construction Jim Clark - [email protected] Grand Rapids drivers are considered short haul drivers.

As a result they do not have to adhere to Traverse City Branch the 30-minute break rule. 1-231-263-6625 Jeff MacDermaid [email protected] Change in Misload Law Full Service Traffic Control

Calculation of Fines Marquette Branch 1-906-249-1892 As of March 28, 2013, MCL 257.724 On time, every time to keep Larry Kitchen was amended to reflect a change in the your project up & running safe. [email protected] calculation of fines for misloads in Michi- gan. Originally, to qualify for a misload, -RENTALS- one’s commercial vehicle would have to be under its gross legal weight and no -SALES- axle could be more than 4,000 pounds over that axle’s normal legal load for a -SERVICE- misload to apply. Before the amendment -PARTS- fines were calculated at $200.00 per axle for a misload on 1 to 3 axles. In other

Winter 2014 mita crosssection 37 INSURANCE BONDING

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38 mita crosssection Winter 2014

stoneco7_5x4_875_2012.pdf Vice President of Membership Services comment Continued from pg. 16 dence of a facility yet it is unmarked (drops, above ground structure that is part of a performed at a gravesite in a cemetery. meters, boxes, etc.) the contractor should facility. • Any excavation performed within a contact the MISS DIG system for additional • Railroad employees or railroad landfill unit. assistance. contractors performing maintenance • Replacing a fence post, signpost, or This is probably the most significant activities performed in the public right- guardrail in its existing location. gain for the contracting community. It of-way. In the track area, either to the • Routine or preventative maintenance provides an opportunity for expedited help bottom of the ballast or to a depth of to a depth of not more than 12 inches to keep a job moving in a positive direc- not more than 12 inches below the below the roadway and any shoulder of tion; and, as you will later read, you would bottom of the tie, which ever is deeper. a street, county road, or highway. be entitled to remedies if the facility owner Outside the track area but within the • The Michigan Department of Trans- failed to provide the need assistance. Thus, right-of-way to a depth of not more portation is exempt. (Don’t get me no excavator should have to call in another than 12 inches below the ground started.) ticket (72 hours) when they are entitled to 3 surface as long as the activity is not Enforcement Reporting Tools hours. Hopefully, this will stop crews from performed within 6 feet of any above Through the legislative process many making bad decisions and pushing forward the ground structure that is not owned federal requirements were attempted to be with poor marks or noticeable problems. or operated by the railroad. met, such as little to no exemptions from MITA regularly gets involved with utility • Any excavation Continues on pg. 40 conflicts and problems and should be at the top of your call list when you are hav- ing problems. Be sure to have your ticket number ready. Damages If an excavator damages a facility, the excavator shall provide immediate notice to the facility owner of facility operator. Many call MISS DIG. This is technically incorrect but often the best recourse considering many of the facility owners are unknown at the time of damage. Any damages resulting in the escape of any flammable, toxic, or corrosive gas or liquid, or endangering life, health, or prop- erty, the excavator shall call 911 and pro- vide immediate notice to the facility owner or facility operator. The excavator shall also take reasonable measures to protect the excavator, those in immediate danger, the general public, and the environment until the facility owner or facility operator, or emergency first responders, have arrived and taken control of the site. Exemptions • Any farming operation performed in the right-of-way to a depth not more than 12 inches below the existing surface grade, and any farming operation out- side of the public right-of-way within 25 yards of an existing petroleum or natural pipeline to a depth of not more than 18 inches. In both instances no farming can occur within 6 feet of any

Winter 2014 mita crosssection 39 Vice President of Membership Services comment Continued from pg. 39 the act and various tracking and enforce- use is the Damage Information Reporting Effective Date ment requirements. Otherwise the federal Tool (DIRT), which will track the nature of While the act is ordered to take immedi- government would have opposed the leg- damages based on submitted information. ate effect, Section 13 of PA 174 indicates islation. In the end, enforcement author- The danger for our industry is going to be the effective date as April 1, 2014; addi- ity was extended to the Michigan Public the lopsided information the report gener- tionally those involved in farming activity Service Commission (MPSC) rather than ates. I don’t envision contractors reporting shall comply beginning May 1, 2014. This MIOSHA. Until now the MPSC was charged every little problem associated with a locate will give needed time for training and also for regulating gas distribution and related request. However, I do envision facility provide time for those that are not members activities. Under PA 174 the MPSC will be owners requiring their third party locators of MISS DIG to join the MISS DIG System. required to investigate complaints, but only and employees to post daily information; Many of these new members will have after the person has attempted to settle the thus, at the end of the day, I could see to determine how they will comply with dispute with the adverse party or parties. information that points to the contracting provisions, such as positive response and However, once a complaint has been filed, community as the culprit for the lion share possibly staking. The additional time will either party thereafter could be subject to of the damages that occur. The Legislature also allow the MDPB time to determine how escalating fines that start at $5,000 and or supports the tool so that it can have better to amend or dissolve the existing contract, additional training requirements. damage reporting information than MDPB which should remain in place until the end The MDPB is currently working with was able to provide during the recent of March. MPSC regarding its complaint process. legislative process. The primary purpose In Closing MITA members should use the associa- of underground facility damage data is to There is much more to discuss con- tion as a mediator as a precursor to filing a analyze data, to learn why events occur, cerning this important improvement to the complaint; and, if one needs to be filed, we and how they can be prevented. Please industry. Remember, MITA is prepared to will be happy to assist. use this tool as often as possible to keep provide the needed training on the new act The day-to-day reporting tool that the data at the very least balanced. so that it can become a reality in the field. MITA will be encouraging members to MITA will be encour- aging members to add this training to the other compo- nents that we teach: excavation, road, bridge/fall, all trades, OSHA 10, OSHA 30, CPR/First Aid and many more. Also, we may ask members to join in on regional groups we are form- ing in an effort to get as many of your employees trained prior to the start of the construction sea- son. As always, we are prepared to bring the show right to your office as long as you supply the coffee.

40 mita crosssection Winter 2014 MdotNews USDOT Bonding and Access to Capital Education Program Update

he Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), the United T States Department of Transporta- tion (USDOT), and the Southwest Detroit Business Association (SDBA) recently held the Second Annual USDOT Bonding and Access to Capital Education Program (BACEP) from October 9 to November. 13, 2013. The USDOT BACEP is a partnership with the Surety and Fidelity Association of America (SFAA) to help small businesses become “bond ready.” This six-week DEWATERING & SPECIALIZED TRENCHING program is designed to assist estab- lished small businesses grow, increase their bonding capacity, and expand their participation in federal-aid transportation projects. After the program concludes, par- ticipants are monitored for continued growth and assisted by consultants for 18 months. Participants of the 2012 session increased their bonding capacity to more than $800,000 and have since contracted more than $1 million in federal-aid proj- ects. This year, 14 firms successfully com- pleted the program and have already seen results, with more than $350,000 added to their bonding capacity. The program is a success both for Michigan and for those firms willing to commit to the six-week schedule. Existing participants will receive ongoing consul- tation to assist them with their financial journey. Outreach and training sessions de- signed to identify future BACEP partici- pant firms will be held prior to the next informational meeting. A third group of BACEP firms will be announced some- time in 2014. For more information about BACEP, please contact MDOT Outreach Specialist Ann Williams at 313-965-2319.

Continues on pg. 45

Winter 2014 mita crosssection 41 ArtbaNews States Look to Maintain Planning, Design & Engineering Work in 2014 By Dr. Alison Premo Black

he over half of state Departments of Trans- grams and the use of design-build. national portation (DOTs) are planning to maintain State and local governments spent an T market their current level of consultant contract estimated $12 billion last year for project for highway awards and expenditures for planning, planning and design work, engineering and bridge design and engineering work in the com- costs, field inspections, material test- planning and ing year. Eleven states are expecting to ing and other related costs, according design work increase the level of consultant work in to ARTBA analysis of data from FHWA. is expected to 2014. We expect the market to decline Over $7 billion of that total was for work remain stable in in five states, and the outlook for eight on federal-aid projects. This included 2014, accord- states is unknown. There will be addi- work from outside consultants and in- ing to the latest tional market opportunities for planning house staff. ARTBA research and analysis. Although and design firms as various state DOTs For many states, consultants are the outlook will vary from state to state, wrestle with staff changes, growing pro- handling 50 percent or more of their

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42 mita crosssection Winter 2014 artba news planning and design work. This can be instituted an innovative “express design/ design/build projects worth $133 million in much higher in some states—private build” system, which sets up an easy 2013, with another 27 projects worth $696 consultants complete over 70 percent of qualification process before moving ap- million in 2014, not including the second the value of design work in Kansas, New plicants to the low bid process, yielding Cleveland Inner Belt Bridge estimated at Hampshire, and Utah and over 80 percent prices “competitive to the traditional $336 million. Ohio is looking to prepare in Louisiana, Ohio and Florida. design/build system”. 52 design/build projects over the next five State DOTs Staff Challenges Ohio also has a robust design/build years. program, as the state DOT delivered 24 Provide Market Opportunities Continues on pg. 46 Nearly half the state DOTs report they either increased the use of consultants in Contractors Insurance Bonds Pension Plans 2012 or plan to use more private consult- Group Health & Life ing services in 2013 due to hiring freezes, retirements or internal staff cutbacks. Some state DOTs have been forced to reduce their own planning and design staff because of budget cuts. Last year Wyoming lost 10 to 15 percent of their design staff and subsequently increased their use of consultants. Michigan has downsized their employment by more than half, from about 5,000 to 2,400 24724 Farmbrook Rd. P.O. Box 2067 Southfi eld, Michigan 48037-2067 employees. California continues to face (248) 355-4411 www.zervosgroup.com department furloughs—delivering their program with a five percent reduction in resources. Staff of 40 to provide “Service with Zervos” In the face of a flat economy, state DOTs have not been replacing work- Gus E. Zervos, CEO Steve M. Zervos, President Angelo G. Zervos, VP Michael G. Zervos, VP ers as they retire or when they are hired Don Burden Jim Gargaro Dave Lange Dominic Nicita away. New Mexico, for example, has a 20 percent staff vacancy rate even though the government-wide hiring freeze ended in 2010. Other states are expecting to grow their program with consultants, rather than hiring new DOT staff. Colorado will increase the use of consultants over the next few years to meet their program growth. Even North Dakota, which saw a 372 percent increase in their budget and which operates in a booming economy, has not increased their DOT staff, adding only five engineers to a staff of 170. Sev- eral state DOTs are concerned about an aging work force. Over one-third of Loui- siana’s engineering DOT staff is eligible to retire in the next five years. Design/Build Procurement Nearly 20 states report they plan to continue or accelerate design-build project delivery as a major part of their program in 2014. North Carolina has

Winter 2014 mita crosssection 43

Partner Donohue to Lead County Road Association

he Board of Directors of the County the president of the CRAM Board, praised lected after Road Association of Michigan Donohue. “Denise has a strong back- an exhaus- T (CRAM) in October 2013 selected ground well suited to leading this associa- tive search Denise Donohue, CAE (Certified Associa- tion,” Kolar said. “She brings just the type for director tion Executive) and APR (Accredited in of leadership style, experience and energy candidates. Public Relations) as the new association we need to guide CRAM into a new era. “This has executive director. She will be a fresh face taking CRAM in a been a Donohue, an experienced associa- new direction.” challenging tion director and public relations veteran, Kolar noted Donohue joins the asso- and excit- replaces John Niemela, who retired in ciation at an exciting time, as the CRAM ing pro- October after 17 years with the associa- board is in the process of updating the cess. We tion. She comes to the association with association’s long-term strategic plan started with 30 years of experience in communications and as press builds in Lansing to address 50 highly and marketing fields, including nine years the state’s long-standing road-funding qualified Denise Donohue as executive director of the Michigan crisis. “We expect to see CRAM moving in applicants. From there, the field was nar- Apple Committee. some new directions and with a renewed rowed to seven prospective candidates, Dennis Kolar, P.E., managing director vibrancy and energy,” he stated. who were interviewed before the top three of the Road Commission of Oakland and Kolar added that Donohue was se- were identified. Denise was clearly the

44 mita crosssection Winter 2014 partner news most qualified and best suited candidate.” emy instructor and task force chair at the CRAM represents the interests of “We are confident that Denise will lead Michigan Society of Association Execu- Michigan’s 83 county road agencies that CRAM in a manner that meets the needs tives and as a board member and past collectively maintain more than 75 percent of our membership and communicates that president of the Public Relations Society of of Michigan roads – more than 90,000 local roads matter,” Kolar said. America (PRSA) Central-Michigan Chapter. miles – the fourth largest local road system Most recently, Donohue headed her She is an adjunct faculty member at Lan- in the nation. own firm, Donohue Associates, which sing Community College in the Department provided branding and communications of Communications. consulting. Prior to that she served as executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee and has 14 years of commu- nications and public relations experience in three departments of Michigan govern- ment. Donohue also has extensive volunteer experience including serving as an acad-

Mdot news Continued from pg. 41 General Insurance v Surety Bonds Following is a list of the successful graduates. 2012: Ace Steel Erection, Inc.; Hart & Associates Construction, LLC; Integrity Contractors, Inc.; Lucy’s Lawn Care and Snow Removal Corp.; 1175 West Long Lake Rd., 37000 Grand River, Suite 150 Majestic Contractors, LLC; Marshall Suite 200, Troy, MI 48098 Farmington Hills, MI 48335 248-828-3377 Concrete, Inc.; Maximized Security Fax 248-828-4290 Bonding 248 471-0970 Systems, LLC; Rowe Trucking, LLC; 248-828-3741 Insurance FAX 248 471-0641 General Insurance v Surety Bonds www.gswins.com Thomas Electrical, LLC; and Wireless General Insurance v Suretywww.vtcins.com Bonds Resources, Inc. VTC INSURANCE GROUP 2013: AGI Construction; D.J. Fick Excavating Company, Inc.; Dumas Concepts In Building; Environmental Testing & Consulting, Inc.; KMR Con- struction Services, Inc.; Kopas1175 Con- West Long1175 Lake West Rd., Long Lake37000 Rd., Grand River,37000 Suite 150Grand River, Suite 150 struction, LLC; Maybury Construction,Suite 200, Troy,Suite MI 48098 200, Troy, MI 48098Farmington Hills, MIFarmington 48335 Hills, MI 48335 248-828-3377 248-828-3377 LLC; On Target Contracting; Owens Fax 248-828-4290 Bonding 248 471-0970 248 471-0970 Fax 248-828-4290 Bonding FAX 248 471-0641 Maintenance; Rock N Rubble Trucking,248-828-3741 Insurance248-828-3741 Insurance FAX 248 471-0641 www.gswins.com www.gswins.com Inc.; State Wide Janitorial Service, Inc.;www.vtcins.com www.vtcins.com Town Services, LLC; U.S. Construction VTC INSURANCE GROUPVTC INSURANCE GROUP Restoration, Inc.; and W.T. Stevens Construction, Inc.

Winter 2014 mita crosssection 45 artba news Continued from pg.43

The Florida DOT, on the other hand, $100 million a year in design contracts. including a major rehabilitation of the I-70 wants to cut back on the amount of Vermont, which lost about half of their in- through Kansas City, procurement on a design/build in the state, as it currently terstate bridges due to flooding this year, Missouri River Bridge in St. Louis, and consumes 59 percent of their $3.2 billion plans to use design-build for repair work. procurement on the Fairfax River Bridge road and bridge budget. Missouri has three design/build proj- in Kansas City. These projects were com- New Jersey is also planning for about ects now underway with general support, missioned in 2012 as part of $125 million in design/build. The Highway Trust Fund Fiscal Cliff Given that nearly two-thirds of plan- ning and design and engineering work is on federal aid projects, any uncertainty surrounding the federal aid program is a wildcard for the 2014 market outlook. Revenues to the HTF from highway user taxes are too low to support the current level of federal highway invest- ment. Without increased revenues, the HTF would not be able to support any new highway investment in fiscal year 2015. All revenues collected in that year would be needed to pay for existing proj- ects. Given the importance of the federal program to both highway and bridge con- struction and planning and design, such a cut in federal aid would have a significant impact on every state program. The preceding article has been reprinted with permission from the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA). MITA is an affiliate of ARTBA. For more information, visit www.artba.org.

46 mita crosssection Winter 2014 Outreach Spotlight

MITA Special Events

Road Rally for Infrastructure The 1st Annual Road Rally for Infrastruc- ture was an idea to encourage more member involvement in the MITA PAC fundraising process, and it became a reality this fall. In simultaneously supporting the MITA PAC and exchange for making a contribution to the its efforts to secure additional funding for the MITA PAC, members were invited to bring industry. It was a successful inaugural event, a vehicle of their choice to the MITA build- bringing in close to $15,000.00 for the MITA ing for a caravan-style ride up to the Soaring PAC. MITA will work hard to continue the Eagle Casino & Resort, where lunch was tradition in the years to come. provided. Members were able to connect Continues on pg. 48 with one another and have a good time while

Winter 2014 mita crosssection 47 Outreach spotlight: special events Continued from pg. 47 MITA Special Events

Governor Fundraisers This fall, MITA hosted two re- ceptions for Governor Rick Snyder. Both events were well-attended by members, and we raised close to $150,000 total for the Governor’s re-election campaign. The recep- tions were both excellent opportu- nities to not only meet the Gover- nor, but to hear him speak directly about the issues facing the industry and how he plans to combat them in 2014 and beyond. Transporta- tion and infrastructure funding are still at the top of his priority list, and he has no intention of letting that change anytime soon. It was so important to demonstrate to the Governor how we have his back as much as he has ours, and many of our members did just that. These events were really successful From left to right during the October event: Shelly Potter and John Potter of John W. Pot- because of high member participa- ter, Inc.; Governor Rick Snyder; Steve Jackson, Jackson-Merkey Contracts, Inc.; Nancy tion, so we hope to see even more Sturrus, and David Sturrus from Grand Valley Concrete Products. of that in 2014.

Tom Wagenmaker of Anlaan Corpora- tion (left) talks with Pat Dunigan, Duni- gan Bros., Inc. during the Governor’s fundraiser in October.

48 mita crosssection Winter 2014 Outreach spotlight: special events

(Above) Governor Snyder chats with Thomas Guy (with name tag) from Guy, Hurley, Blaser & Heuer, LLC and other MITA members at the MITA Executive Vice President Mike Nystrom November fundraising event. (right) and Chief Executive Officer of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce Rich Studley prepare to introduce the Governor Jeff Buckley from C.A. Hull Co., at the October 16, 2013 reception. Inc. talks to the Governor at the November event.

Winter 2014 mita crosssection 49 INFO TECH IS PROUD TO PARTNER WITH MITA & MICHIGAN CONTRACTORS

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MITA Adds New Staff Member from the Ranks of the U.S. Marine Corps

MITA is pressure and high expectations, without losing aviation maintenance, aircraft procedures and pleased to integrity of the work or our attitude. We are aerial gunnery. announce dedicated to our work, to excel and to help “I am looking forward to meeting members the addition drive the industry forward.” throughout the spring construction season as of Matt Mc- Matt, who grew up in La Crosse Wisc., I do job site visits and safety training,” said Clintick as our served in the Marine Corps for 10 years and Matt, who is an avid hunter. “Members can feel new Director completed four deployments: two to Iraq and free to contact me anytime with safety-related of Safety and two to Southeast Asia for anti-terrorism and issues. I’m ready to serve!” McClintick replaces Workforce anti-piracy operations. He now calls Michigan former Safety Director Pat Brown, who has Development. his home, and lives in Bath with his wife, Al- moved on to a new career in the insurance Matt, lison, and his two children: daughter, Rowan, industry. You can reach Matt by e-mail at who recently 17; and son, Luke, 2½. [email protected], or by phone: Office: transitioned Matt McClintick McClintick studied English with a minor in 517-347-8336; Cell: 517-897-1726. from active photography at duty in the Marine Corps, said he looks forward Winona State to working for MITA and making a difference University in Wi- for the industry. Governor Snyder, MDOT and nona, Minn. As a Sign of FHWA are strong advocates for the hiring of Marine, he went the Times veterans. By hiring Matt, MITA is hoping to through FAA and lead the way for others in the industry to give college accred- Potholes have veterans a chance to establish themselves with ited aviation and gotten so bad a career in the construction industry. inspector train- that MDOT “It is important to know what veterans can ing, and took Director Kirk bring to the table,” said Mike Nystrom, MITA’s part in OSHA Steudle was Executive Vice President. “From the very certified classes forced to fill first day, they have teamwork and leadership for heavy equip- potholes instilled upon them, constantly being mentored ment. He is also recently. through their career.” certified as a Matt added that veterans are “used to get- Marine Corps ting the job done under tight deadlines, intense instructor for

BulletinIndex Engineering 01/17/2014...... 2014 State of the 01/15/2014...... 2014 MITA Annual State Update Conference - Registration 02/07/2014...... Spring Weight Deadline, E-Verifile Info and Restrictions – Really?! Members Health Care Highlights 02/04/2014...... MDEQ/AWMA to Host 02/20/2014...... Changes Pending 01/15/2014...... Stolen Equipment Notice Fugitive Dust Management for MISS DIG Remote Ticket Entry Workshops 01/10/2014...... Did You Know: Viewing & 02/14/2014...... Membership: Please Updating Your MITA 02/04/2014...... BOHIM Update contribute to the MITA PAC Today! Membership Directory 01/17/2014...... MDOT Publishes 02/12/2014...... Stolen Equipment Notice Listing Is A Few Clicks Away! FY 12-13 Letting Statistics 02/11/2014...... In Memoriam - Terry Smid 01/07/2014...... Stolen Equipment Notice Legislative 02/03/2014...... Did You Know: Update Blue 01/02/2014...... ARTBA 4th Quarter 02/07/2014...... Update on the Book Rates Faster – Contractors Survey Governor’s Budget Submit Your Old Result Sheets! 01/02/2014...... Did You Know: You Don’t Presentation 01/31/2014...... Member Action Alert: Want To Miss The 2014 Annual 01/30/2014...... Read Infrastructure & 2014-2015 MITA Directory Conference Keynote Speakers In Progress Road Funding Media Safety Coverage Through State 01/21/2014...... New Report: Deficient Funding News Briefings! 02/20/2014...... MIOSHA Recordkeeping Roadways Cost Michigan Forms Required Drivers $7.7 Billion

Winter 2014 mita crosssection 53 Winter 2014 Cross-Section Ad Index Ace Cutting Equipment and Supply ...... 40 Give ‘Em a Brake ...... 37 Mourer Foster, Inc...... 44

AIS Construction Equipment ...... BC Great Lakes Aggregates ...... 54 NTH Consultants ...... 23 Alta Equipment Company ...... 35 Griffin, Smalley & Wilkerson, Inc...... 45 Oakland Companies ...... 38 Association Benefits ...... IFC Guy Hurley Blaser & Heuer LLC ...... 10 Operating Engineers ...... 55 Atsalis Brothers ...... 52 Info Tech...... 50 HUB International ...... 32 Bacco Construction Company ...... 23 Jay Dee Contractors, Inc...... 43 Plante Moran ...... 4 BCT Benefits ...... 6 Jensen Bridge and Supply Company ...... 36 James Burg Trucking Company ...... 3 Kotz, Sangster, Wysocki P.C...... 31 Powerscreen of Michgian, LLC ...... 27 Butzel Long ...... 27 Lawrence Technological University ...... 15 Pro-Tec of Michigan, LLC ...... 22

Bell Equipment...... 42 Edw. C. Levy Co...... 15 Spartan Specialties LTD ...... 48 Berger Dealer Group ...... 7 Lowe Construction Company, Inc...... 26 Stoneco ...... 38 Capitol Barricading, Inc...... 33 Mersino ...... 24 Ten Mile Creek ...... 19 Corrigan Oil Co...... 10 Michigan CAT ...... 51 Trench Tech, Inc...... 41 Efficiency Production, Inc...... 14 Michigan LECET ...... 11 Valenti Trobec Chandler Inc...... 45 G2 Consulting Group LLC ...... 33 Michigan Pipe and Valve ...... 46 GEI...... 34 Michigan State Conference of Wade Trim ...... 25 GBM Recycled Concrete ...... 17 Plasters and Cement Masons ...... 49 Zervos Group ...... 43

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54 mita crosssection Winter 2014 Ground Breaking News At our 515 acre Sam T. Hart Education Center in Howell and our Stationary Education Center in Detroit, we are working every day to be certain our members are prepared to exceed market demands. Contact us if you want to learn how you can become part of the team.

Operating engineers’ Value prOpOsitiOn Members will provide a fair day’s work, bringing unsurpassed Unity, Pride and Productivity to the job-site while performing safely.

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