President’s Message Reflecting on the past election, it is obvious that our country is looking for a change. The election results have shown that we, as a nation, are not happy with the status-quo and are looking to get something done in our great country. This trickles down to New Jersey, as well. Governor Chris Christie has the opportunity before him to fix one of our state’s most pressing issues; the passage of the Transportation Trust Fund (TTF). Governor Christie has not only promised to balance the budget, but also not to spend more than what is brought in. This is a novel and simple ideal, which each and every NJ business and family should live by. NJ currently brings in approximately $930 million in revenue to the TTF annually, yet our payments on the debt service alone are $1.2 billion annually and that number will continue to rise. The $300+ million difference is being funded with tax revenue from the State’s general fund. NJ has been paying for projects and equipment which are estimated to last for 6-10 years with 30 year bonds! Would you run your business like this? No! This is fundamentally wrong and has to end now! Some of the depressing transportation facts for New Jersey: · FHWA reports that 46% of NJ roads are rated as “not acceptable” which is the highest percentage in the nation. · FHWA reports that 35% of our bridges are “structural deficient” or “functionally obsolete.” · NJ workers have the second longest average commute according to the US Census Bureau. · Neighboring states charge far more for their gas tax than NJ. The following numbers are totals when petroleum gross receipts tax revenues are added in: · NJ - 14.5 cents per gallon · PA - 41.8 cents per gallon · CT - 49.3 cents per gallon · NY - 49.8 cents per gallon We need at a minimum $2 billion of NEW DEDICATED revenue to help resolve these issues. We need your support on a grassroots level to urge your local representatives to do the right thing and pass a renewed, robust and sustainable TTF now!
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The perfect segue from our bad transportation news is the good news of the dedication of the Robert A. Briant, Sr. Memorial Bridge in Monmouth County on October 10th. The bridge is located on Route 71 connecting Avon to Belmar. It is so apropos that a bridge is dedicated to such a great man who had dedicated his life’s work to infrastructure. A truly well deserved honor. I would also like to note the retirement of Steve Brawer, the UTCA’s attorney for the past 30 years. I have had the great honor of working with Steve for the last 20 years with the UTCA. He has always been a gentleman and a true supporter of the UTCA. He is a great legal advisor and a champion of many of our initiatives. He successfully defended many Local Public Contracts Law issues, and most notably successfully challenged the use of PLA’s for transportation and utility projects. This month’s magazine features two firms which have achieved significant milestones in their respective businesses this year. Vollers Excavating is celebrating 65 years in business, and Campbell Materials is celebrating its 10th year. I congratulate each firm and wish them continued success in the future. Lastly, I would like to mention the great turnout that we had at our annual reception for the League of Municipalities Convention. It was held at the Tropicana and we had an impressive turnout of numerous state legislators, many state and municipal engineers, as well as many other friends and dignitaries. The convention culminated with Bob Briant Jr. reiterating our transportation trust funding needs and solutions. I believe that everyone there understood the dire needs that we face and support the measures that have to be taken this month. I wish all of you and your families a Happy Hanukkah, a Blessed Christmas, and a healthy, safe and Happy New Year.
Best regards,
Scott Lattimer Utility and Transportation Contractor, DECEMBER 2014