The Kansas Milestone | Winter 2024

THE KANS AS

MILESTONE Winter 2024

PAVING THE WAY FOR PANASONIC

De Soto project creates access for new economic development

PERCEPTION OF SKILLED TRADES

Survey shows Kansas parents more positive about trades, technical college

ELECTION 2024

What it means for transportation

ROAD USE CHARGE Leading Kansas lawmakers give RUC a thumbs down

VOTER VIEWS ON TRANSPORTATION

Voters across country approve local transportation ballot issues

80+ YEARS

OF EMPOWERING PROGRESS IN KANSAS As a family-owned business spanning three generations and more than 80 years, our family’s mission and values are woven through the fabric of Kansas’ history. We’ve grown that mission from one store to 15 locations serving 144 counties with more technicians serving Kansas than any other heavy equipment dealer. While a lot has changed, Foley’s commitment to empowering the progress of our customers and the communities we serve has remained constant.

FoleyEq.com · 316.943.4211 © 2023 Caterpillar. All Rights Reserved. CAT, CATERPILLAR, LET’S DO THE WORK, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Yellow”, the “Power Edge” and Cat “Modern Hex” trade dress as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission. www.cat.com / www.caterpillar.com

Winter 2024

Volume 4, Issue 2

OFFICERS

Chad Girard, President APAC Kansas, Inc. - Shears Division Josh Smith, Vice President Klaver Construction Co. Heather Jantz, Treasurer MJE, LLC Chris Rech, Immediate Past President A.M. Cohron & Son, Inc.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Trey Bowen, Director-at-Large Superior Bowen Asphalt Co.

Peter Clark, Aggregate & Light Type Division Bayer Construction Shane Ham, Supplier/Service Division Foley Equipment Co., Inc. Mike Hoffman, Grading & Railroads Division Alan’s Excavating, Inc. Mark Lorenz, Utility Division Dondlinger & Sons Dan Murphy, Director-at-Large Dustrol, Inc. Travis Rose, Structures Division Bridges, Inc. Mike Schirmer, Rigid Paving Division Koss Construction / Bettis Companies Rocky Seybert, Flexible Paving Division Venture Corporation Pat Short, Director-at-Large Pearson Construction Steve Sloan, Supplier/Service Division Midwest Minerals

STAFF

Michael White Executive Director mwhite@webuildkansas.com Stephanie Mullholland Marketing & Membership Director stephanie@webuildkansas.com Nancy Delgado Administrative Coordinator ndelgado@webuildkansas.com

14

On the cover:

The De Soto local road project has reached substantial completion, paving the way for Panasonic Energy's new battery plant and other economic development Cover photo courtesy of KDOT

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Message 3 President’s KCA scores big names for convention

2024 4 Election What it means for transportation

Kan–zzzza City!

6 Touchdown Mitch Holthus to headline KCA convention

Usage Charge 10 Road Leading Kansas lawmakers give RUC thumbs down Show Support for Transportation 18 Voters Local ballot issues across the country earn support

Profile: Echo GPR Services 20 Member GPR saves local paving contractor from financial loss Litigation 22 DBE Federal Highway Administration issues guidance

Perceptions May Be Shifting 24 Parent Kansas survey shows increased image of skilled trades News 26 Member Acquisitions, new facility, new members

Extra Mile 28 The A message from KCA’s Executive Director

CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY OF KANSAS MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

90+ MORE THAN

E M PLO Y ERS

2.9%

AVERAGE RATE INCREASE SI N CE 2 0 13

1974

PR O G R A M E STAB L ISH E D IN

P L A N S A N D N E TW O R K

Contact the IMA Team CHRISTY POWELL

RYAN POWELL

Vice President, Wichita Market Leader, Employee Benefits

Vice President, Employee Benefits

316.266.6589

316.266.6230

christy.powell@imacorp.com

ryan.powell@imacorp.com

This material is for general information only and should not be considered as a substitute for legal, medical, tax and/or actuarial advice. Contact the appropriate professional counsel for such matters. These materials are not exhaustive and are subject to possible changes in applicable laws, rules, and regulations and their interpretations.

NPN 1316541 | IMA, Inc dba IMA Insurance Services | California Lic #0H64724 ©IMA Financial Group, Inc. 2023

CT-S-IMA-HE-080723

IMACORP.COM

P R ES IDENT’ S ME S S A G E

KCA scores big names for convention

BY CHAD GIRARD, APAC KANSAS-SHEARS DIVISION KCA PRESIDENT

Our 102nd annual convention is just around the corner, and it should be another one not to miss.

Mitch Holthus

We are excited to welcome Smith Center native Mitch Holthus – the Voice of The Kansas City Chiefs – as our keynote speaker. Holthus, like the founders of our companies, built his success on a strong Kansas work ethic. He got his start working at a nearby radio station in Phillipsburg, and today, is one of the most recognized play-byplay sportscasters in the country.

More Heavy-Hitters

Holthus isn't the only heavy-hitter on the convention agenda. We will also welcome the top leaders in the Kansas Legislature for our Friday morning breakfast panel. Senate President Ty Masterson, Speaker of the House Dan Hawkins and House Transportation Chairman Shannon Francis will join us to talk about the future of transportation funding and how we might approach funding mechanisms for the state's next 10-year transportation plan.

Additionally, Ashley Foret Dees, one of the country's premiere work visa attorneys, will join us for a discussion on how contractors and suppliers may be able to use the H-2A agricultural and H-2B temporary visa programs to fill labor shortages and facilitate growth.

And, Rich Juliano, general counsel for American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) and former White House Liaison for the U.S. Department of Transportation, will be with us to talk about the latest changes in federal laws and regulations affecting our industry and how we can navigate them, including Build America, Buy America (BABA).

New to Convention?

We're also adding a new event to the schedule this year. On Wednesday afternoon (January 29) from 4 to 5 p.m. the KCA board invites you to join us in the hotel bar – right before the Opening Night Reception – for a chance to talk with KCA's newest members and first-time conventiongoers. KCA membership is all about networking and forming relationships. Our goal is to make sure our newest members feel connected from Day 1, so please stop by and say hello!

While the KCA convention is known for the bigname speakers and the networking, it is much more than that. It is a time for catching up with old friends, making new friends, and rallying around our industry's common goals. That camaraderie – among partners and competitors alike – is what has sustained our industry through the good times and bad times for more than a century. I hope to see you there as we celebrate traditions and forge our future together.

PAGE 3

ELECTION 2024 WHAT CHANGED & WHAT STAYED THE SAME FOR THE TRANSPORTATION INDUSTRY 14

SENATE

25

HOUSE

39 NEW LEGISLATORS IN THE 2025 SESSION

This includes 14 new Senators and 25 new House members (9 of the 39 have previously served in the Legislature)

119

46

REPUBLICANS GREW THEIR SUPERMAJORITIES IN BOTH CHAMBERS

The Senate GOP grew from 29 to 31, and the House GOP grew from 85 to 88 for an overall pick-up of 5 seats by Republicans

PAGE 4

Kansas elections followed the national trend with Republicans turning back Democratic challengers and retaining seats that were considered to be vulnerable in metro areas like Johnson County.

Kansas Senate The State Senate will see 14 new faces in January. These changes are the result of 11 retirements, one incumbent beaten in the primary and two incumbents losing in the general election. Republicans will now hold 31 of 40 seats in the Senate, four more than the supermajority number of KCA ENGAGED IN 153 27 that is needed to override RACES THIS ELECTION, gubernatorial vetoes.

WINNING 98% OF

98% THOSE RACES

Kansas House of Representatives The Kansas House will see 25 new faces in January.

Nineteen incumbents did not refile (with four of those moving to the Senate), three lost their primaries and three lost their general election races. The House partisan split will shift to 88 Republicans and 37 Democrats, with Republicans holding four more than the 84 votes necessary for a two-thirds supermajority.

Chairmen for the Legislature's transportation and budget committees will remain the same while changes have been made to the committees through some new vice chair and ranking minority appointments.

TRANSPORTATION LEADERS

SENATE TRANSPORTATION CHAIRMAN

Mike Petersen

SENATE TRANSPORTATION VICE CHAIRMAN

Rick Kloos

LEGISLATIVE LEADERSHIP

Senate Republicans and House Democrats will see changes with the election of new leadership. In the Senate, Republicans elected two new leaders – Tim Shallenburger (Baxter Springs) as Vice President and Chase Blasi (Wichita) as Majority Leader. In the House, Democrats elected two new leaders to their top spots with Brandon Woodard (Lenexa) as Minority Leader and Mike Amyx (Lawrence) as Assistant Minority Leader.

SENATE TRANSPORTATION RANKING MINORITY

Ethan Corson

SENATE PRESIDENT

SENATE MAJORITY LEADER

SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE

HOUSE MAJORITY LEADER

Ty Masterson

HOUSE TRANSPORTATION CHAIRMAN

Shannon Francis

HOUSE TRANSPORTATION VICE CHAIR

Robyn Essex

Chase Blasi

SENATE VICE PRESIDENT

Tim Shallenburger

HOUSE TRANSPORTATION RANKING MINORITY

Henry Helgerson

BUDGET LEADERS

Dan Hawkins

SENATE CHAIRMAN

Rick Billinger

SENATE VICE CHAIR

JR Claeys

Pat Pettey

HOUSE CHAIRMAN

HOUSE VICE CHAIR

HOUSE RANKING MINORITY

HOUSE TRANSPORTATION BUDGET CHAIRMAN

HOUSE TRANSPORTATION BUDGET VICE CHAIR

HOUSE TRANSPORTATION BUDGET RANKING MINORITY

Avery Anderson

Kristey Williams

Leah Howell

SPEAKER PRO TEM

Blake Carpenter

SENATE RANKING MINORITY

SENATE MINORITY LEADER

Troy Waymaster

Chris Croft

ASSISTANT LEADER

Dinah Sykes

Oletha Faust-Goudeau

HOUSE MINORITY LEADER

ASSISTANT LEADER

Barbara Ballard

Jo Ella Hoye

Brandon Woodard

Mike Amyx

PAGE 5

C O NV ENTIO N 2 0 2 5

Mitch Holthus to headline KCA convention 102ND ANNUAL KCA CONVENTION

January 29-31 Overland Park Sheraton See the full convention schedule on pages 8-9 or online at WeBuildKansas.com/convention

Mitch Holthus – the voice of the Kansas City Chiefs for the past 30 years and native of Smith Center, Kansas – will headline KCA's 102nd Annual Convention.

Holthus coined the phrase “Chiefs Kingdom” and is known nationwide for his “Touchdown Kan–zzzza City!” signature call. He was on call for Super Bowls LIV, LVII and LVIII when the Chiefs won the second, third and fourth NFL national championships in Chiefs franchise history. Prior to that he had a 13-year stint as the Voice of the K-State Wildcats.

MORE FEATURED CONVENTION SPEAKERS Ashley Foret Dees

President Ty Masterson

A partner in Berry Appleman & Leiden’s Houston office, Ashley Foret Dees’ expertise is in helping small businesses facilitate their growth through H-2 visa programs. She is a graduate of Vanderbilt and earned her law degree from Louisiana State University.

Ty Masterson (R-Andover) is in his 20th year in the Legislature, having served three years in the Kansas House before being elected to the Kansas Senate in 2009. He is former chairman of the Senate Budget Committee and has led the Senate as President since 2020.

Rich Juliano

Speaker Dan Hawkins

Rich Juliano has worked decades advocating for the transportation industry, currently serving as general counsel at the American Road & Transportation Builders Association. Prior to joining ARTBA, he was White House Liaison for the U.S. Dept. of Transportation.

Dan Hawkins (R-Wichita) is in his 6th term in the Kansas House. He chaired the Health Committee and served two terms as Majority Leader before being elected Speaker of the House in 2023. Hawkins owns and operates an insurance agency that works with small businesses.

BAL LAW FIRM

ARTBA

PRESIDENT OF THE KANSAS SENATE

SPEAKER OF THE KANSAS HOUSE

PHOTO COURTESY THE KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

C O NV ENTIO N 2 0 2 5

CONVENTION SCHEDULE WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29 9 to 11 a.m.

KDOT-Contractors-Railroad Meeting 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

KDOT Pipe Committee Meeting 2 to 4 p.m.

KAPA Annual Meeting 3 to 4 p.m.

Supplier & Service Provider Meeting 4 to 5 p.m.

New Member Meet & Greet

Stop by to meet KCA’s newest members! If you’re new to KCA or new to the convention, join us to network and make new friends before the opening night event.

Addressing Labor Shortages With Temporary Seasonal Visas

Ashley Foret Dees, BAL Today’s workforce shortages have challenged employers to identify additional labor markets. Find out what opportunities may exist through H-2A and H-2B seasonal visas. We’ll discuss timing, caps, worker recruitment, interfacing with agencies and immigrant options for H-2 workers as well as the ever-changing supplemental visa allotments for employers who don’t regularly file H-2As or H-2Bs. 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

For Spouses: Brunch & Design Workshop

Join fellow KCA spouses and guests for brunch and a creative workshop at Red Door Home Store. Participants will work hands-on with Red Door’s talented team to learn design tips & tricks and create your own floral arrangement to take home. Transportation provided.

Sponsored by:

5 to 7 p.m.

Murphy Tractor Presents: The Opening Night Bash!

Reception, Prizes & Bourbon Tasting Help us kick off the convention with the opening night bash. Includes open bars, heavy appetizers, a premium bourbon & whiskey tasting, carnival games and prizes!

Sponsored by:

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30 7:30 to 9 a.m.

Breakfast with the Secretary

Secretary of Transportation Calvin Reed Start the day off right with a hearty breakfast buffet followed by a Q&A with Kansas Secretary of Transportation Calvin Reed.

Sponsored by:

Break Station Sponsors:

PAGE 8

9:15 to 10:15 a.m.

10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Knowing and Navigating the Latest in State & Federal Policy Changes

Rich Juliano, Michael White & Blaine Finch From Build America, Buy America (BABA) to the Kansas Unemployment Insurance Act, recent changes at the state and federal level impact your business and publicly-funded infrastructure projects every day.

Find out what’s new, what’s in the works and how to effectively manage these policies in your operation.

11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Touchdown Kan–zzzza City!

Keynote Lunch with Mitch Holthus

The Voice of the Kansas City Chiefs, Holthus coined the phrase “Chiefs Kingdom” and is known nationwide for his “Touchdown Kan–zzzza City!” signature call. He was on call for Super Bowls LIV, LVII and LVIII when the Chiefs won the second, third and fourth NFL national championships in Chiefs franchise history. Join Mitch for lunch and an inspiring keynote during this era of the Chiefs’ dynasty.

Sponsored by:

Overall Convention Sponsors – Free valet parking will be provided at the convention hotel courtesy of our Overall Sponsors!

1 to 1:45 p.m.

Ice Cream Social Sponsored by:

1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Division Meetings

Flexible Paving • Structures • Landscaping 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Division Meetings

Aggregate Production & Light Type • Rigid Paving Grading & Railroads • Utilities Infrastructure 3 to 4:30 p.m.

KCA Casino

Try your hand at craps, blackjack, poker and roulette.

Initial stake and open bar provided. Then, use your winnings to bid on prizes.

Sponsored by:

4:30 to 10 p.m.

Foley Equipment Presents: Thursday Night Live!

Action Auction, Live Painter, Dinner & Live Concert Bid on live and silent auction items, plus a chance to win the $10,000 cash raffle! Doors open at 4:30 p.m. The live auction with Gavel Roads Auctions begins at 5:30 p.m.

Then, continue the fun and the networking with a chefprepared dinner, dessert bar and a live concert with Landrush. This high-energy, party band plays all the best classic rock, country & Top 40 hits from Bon Jovi & the Eagles to Lady Gaga & Little Big Town.

Sponsored by:

FRIDAY, JANUARY 31 8 to 9:30 a.m.

Breakfast Panel: The Future of Transportation Funding

Electric vehicles, declining gas tax revenues, the increased cost of materials and aging infrastructure stand to impact transportation funding in the coming years. You won’t want to miss this candid conversation with legislative leaders – Senate President Ty Masterson, House Speaker Dan Hawkins and House Transportation Chairman Shannon Francis – where we’ll discuss the practical solutions and political realities of funding the state’s transportation needs over the next decade.

Sponsored by:

9:30 to 10 a.m.

KCA Awards

Following the panel, we’ll recognize this year’s award recipients, including our safety award winners, KDOTKCA partnering award winners, and recognition of outgoing board members.

10 to 10:45 a.m.

KDOT Update & KCA Business Meeting

Get the latest updates from KDOT on their project pipeline, alternative delivery and more followed by KCA’s annual business meeting. The business meeting will include updates on association operations, the election of KCA board members & officers, and voting on proposed bylaws amendments.

Leading Kansas lawmakers give thumbs down to road-use charge

BY BRAD COOPER | SUNFLOWER STATE JOURNAL

Leading lawmakers bristled earlier this month at the idea of moving away from a fuel tax to a road tax based on how far Kansans drive.

The chairs of the House Appropriations Committee and Senate Ways and Means Committee cast doubt about a road-usage charge in response to a briefing they received from the state transportation department, which has been studying the topic.

Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed updated the Legislative Budget Committee Dec. 9 on the study, which stemmed from a 2019 report compiled by a task force made up of lawmakers and representatives of the transportation industry.

The 2019 report recommended investigating funding alternatives, including a fee based on vehicle miles traveled to help address the PAGE 10

increasing fuel efficiency of cars and trucks couple with the rise of electric vehicles. The results of the study, underway since 2021, will be presented to the Kansas Legislature next year.

“This study was really to understand people’s attitudes, what would it look like, how would people perceive it if we moved to something like a roadusage charge," Reed told the committee.

Nevertheless, lawmakers expressed reservations about moving to a different way of raising money to pay for maintaining the state’s road network.

“The mileage deal – I don’t think there’s anyone out there that I’ve talked to that thinks that’s even close to fair,” said Sen. Rick Billinger (R-Goodland), chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee.

Billinger said he didn’t At least 10 states have passed legislation to study think the road-usage what’s known as a road-usage charge. charge would be fair for the state’s agriculture Kansas Road Usage Study industry, which has to The Kansas study involved more than 500 people, travel long distances to including 324 rural participants and 242 urban and 214 S. Hwy 281 • Great Bend, KS 67530 move crops. suburban participants. Reed said the study asked 620-792-5921 participants to try out different technologies in www.venturecorpks.com “When you start talking their vehicle for collecting a road-usage charge mileage ... to me it’s and share their perceptions. They were asked if it Sen. Rick Billinger Brandon Williams PO Box not a fair charge of 660 infringed on their privacy and if it was a fair way to Baxter Springs, KS 66713 agriculture,” he said. “That’s something that is not collect the tax. The state didn’t collect any personal popular at all out there.” information from the participants. ms Diversified Management Willia

Rep. Troy Waymaster (R-Bunker Hill), chair of House Appropriations, shared a similar view.

Williamlike “I don’t particularly approach,”sWaymaster s Dithat versified Material said of the road-use tax.

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Reed said the study focused heavily on the agricultural sector. Reed told Billinger that transportation planners heard some of the same concerns the senator articulated.

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At the outset of the road-usage study back in carrothersconstruction.com 2021, state gas taxes made up about 21% of the Building water projects since 1921. revenues that pay for Kansas roads, with sale taxes comprising the largest part of the revenue pie at 38%. By 2045, transportation planners said at that time they expected state gas taxes to contribute Providing attest services, tax compliance, strategic planning, and other to 11% ofbusiness highway revenues with 60%across coming consulting to construction companies Kansas. from Michael Ropp sales taxes.

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Increases in vehicle fuel Rep. Troy Waymaster efficiency and wider use of electric vehicles raise questions about the long-term viability of fuel taxes as a means of funding transportation.

Waymaster said a better option for preserving highway funding might be increasing the fee for electric vehicles, which is $100 annually for full electric vehicles and $50 per year for hybrids.

States across the country are studying new ways to tax the public for transportation as gas taxes become less sustainable with more fuel-efficient and electric vehicles on the road.

Waymaster said. “Even in the Midwest region we’re pretty low ...RMA We’re Engineering, only going to seeLLC electric vehicles 2975 Blosser Dr. • PO Box 673 • Concordia, KS 66901 increase in production and sales so maybe that’s www.rmaengineer.com Shad Lohman, PE at." an avenue can possibly look KS • Construction Engineer

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Road-use charge The federal gas tax, set on a per-gallon basis, hasn’t been raised since 1993, and the revenue it generates is insufficient to support the transportation programs authorized by Congress since 2008, the Congressional Research Service reported in 2016. The Kansas gas tax is 24 cents a gallon, and it was last raised in 2003.

Studies in Other States

In the last decade, a number of states started experimenting with collecting revenue directly from drivers based on their travel with the idea that motorists should pay based more on how much they travel than the fuel they buy.

The University of Iowa’s Public Policy Center studied a mileage-based user charge a decade ago in which on-board computers with global positioning systems were installed in the vehicles to record mileage. The study involved 2,650 volunteer drivers in 12 locations throughout the country, each driving an average of 9,000 miles during the two-year study that ended in 2010.

The Iowa study, the first to examine road user charges on a national and multijurisdictional scale, found that 92.5% of all driven miles were successfully measured by both the GPS and the onboard diagnostics system.

Throughout the study, participants were given a series of questionnaires to evaluate how accepting they were of the move away from a fuel tax and the tradeoff between privacy and billing statements. At the start of the study, 41% of the volunteer drivers were somewhat or very positive about the idea of replacing the gas tax with a tax based on vehicle miles driven. By the end of the study, 70% had a positive view of shifting to a road-user charge.

Seven years ago, a study done in California found 73% believed that taxing by the mile was more PAGE 12

equitable than a gas tax. Further, the study found that 87% of participants found the pilot to be easy and 85% were overall satisfied with the pilot, and 91% expressed willingness to participate in another road charge pilot.

Seven years ago, Colorado concluded a study of road-usage charges involving about 150 volunteer participants. The study, which examined three different mileage reporting options, found that about a quarter of the participants thought it would either interfere with their privacy or penalize drivers who buy fuel-efficient vehicles.

About 62% of the Colorado study participants thought the road-usafe charge would not properly track mileage from anyone outside the state who use state highways. About 44% agreed that a road-user charge would affect all people in equally. Others who thought it would not affect all drivers thought rural residents would be disproportionally affected.

Minnesota also examined road-user charges with about 500 participants who used specialized Android smartphones with a preinstalled mileage fee application specifically designed for the pilot.

The smartphones had to be in the vehicle, and they communicated with a device plugged into the on-board diagnostic port to verify the phone was in the correct vehicle. The phones used GPS to determine location and mileage and transmitted study information through the cellular network.

Researchers reported that drivers didn’t express fear about a lack of privacy because they already thought that they gave up their privacy to mobile phone service providers.

“Instead, participants worried that their data would be vulnerable to access by wrongdoers who would seek to misuse the information,” the

ROAD USAGE PROGRAMS & PILOTS

11 states currently have have Road Usage Programs or pilots in place

Source: ARTBA

study said. “They wanted reassurance that their data could be safely held by the state, such as in the form of a security certificate program.”

Oregon & First Road-User Charge

Oregon implemented the country’s first road-user charge system that is available on a voluntary basis in which drivers pay 1.8 cents per mile traveled. Oregon uses odometer readings with a plug-in device to collect the tax.

Drivers can choose between a device with no GPS that tallies charges for all miles driven or a device with GPS that tallies only miles within the state. Each vehicle’s mileage is sent to an account manager, who then bills the drivers.

Brad Cooper worked 26 years as a reporter before launching the Sunflower State Journal, which provides daily coverage of Kansas political and government news.

Brad started his journalism career at The Associated Press, working for newspapers in Greenville, S.C. and Shreveport, La., before moving to Kansas where he covered Johnson County local government, regional transportation and Statehouse news for The Kansas City Star.

To stay up-to-date on the latest legislative news, consider an email subscription to the Sunflower State Journal. Visit SunflowerStateJournal.com or email bradc25@sunflowerstatejournal.com for details.

PAGE 13

PAVING THE WAY FOR PANASONIC

De Soto project creates access for new economic development Local government and business leaders, along with Kansas Secretary of Transportation Calvin Reed and Clarkson Construction Company, announced substantial completion of the De Soto Local Road Improvements Project in Johnson County with a Dec. 13 ribbon-cutting event. All lanes opened to traffic on Dec. 12.

transportation infrastructure improvements necessary to support Panasonic Energy's new electric vehicle battery manufacturing facility in De Soto.

KEY UPGRADES

• New curb & gutter for improved drainage and durability

"This project exemplifies the power of collaboration and teamwork. A heartfelt thank you to our incredible project team and every partner who brought this innovative vision to life," said Bill Clarkson, Jr., CEO of Clarkson Construction.

"We were able to shorten the project timeline and ensure that all lanes were opened to traffic in time for Panasonic's grand opening next year."

• Bike lanes and sidewalks to During the 18-month support active transportation construction period, the project converted more • Enhanced lighting to improve than four miles of two-lane visibility and safety pavement into a divided four-lane concrete roadway with curbs, gutters, bike lanes, sidewalks and lighting.

Panasonic announced the The work area included West 103rd Street between selection of the De Soto site for its factory in Evening Star Road and the Lexington Avenue/K-10 July 2022. The factory is the largest economic interchange, and about one half mile of Astra development project to-date in Kansas history Parkway (formerly Main Avenue) south from West and has been a catalyst for rapid development in 103rd Street. the area.

As part of the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE), the project was the first progressive design-build project undertaken by KDOT. It was delivered in partnership with the City of De Soto and Johnson County to provide the

"Our team and our partners deserve immense credit for embracing innovation and understanding the impact of this work for one of the most transformational projects in our state’s history,” said Secretary Reed.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 PAGE 15

Clarkson's project team included (left to right): Jacob Padgett, Assistant Project Manager; Kate Sweeten, Communications Director; Trevor Fitch, Vice President-Project Delivery; Aaron Shimmel, Vice President-Preconstruction; Bill Clarkson, Jr., CEO; Kevin Kellerman, Senior Project Manager; Billy Clarkson, President; Rick Parrott, General Grading Superintendent; Chad Luedke, DesignBuild Coordinator; Anne Striplin, Project Site Assistant; Ron Hornick, Quality Manager; Bob Branson, Grading Superintendent; and (Not Pictured) Brad Pohlmeier, General Paving Superintendent.

PAGE 16

PRIME CONTRACTOR

Clarkson Construction Company

SUBCONTRACTORS

Advanced Erosion Solutions, LLC BHC

Braun Intertec

Collins & Hermann, Inc.

Cooper Construction, LLC CS Carey, Inc.

Global Earthwork + Underground Hayes Drilling, Inc.

Heartland Traffic Services IBC Traffic, Inc.

Kaw Valley Companies LINC Professional LLC Miller’s Pro-Cut

Realm Construction, Inc. RSI

Schrimpf Landscaping

Sosaya Electrical Construction Sunflower Paving

(Top photo) A view of West 103rd Street and Astra Parkway; (left) Getting started in the construction process; (above) the Dec. 13 ribbon cutting event marking all lanes open to traffic.

PAGE 17

Voters across country show support forVoters local transportation investments Approve $41 Billion

in Local Transportation Investment

BY ARTBA & TRANSPORTATION INVESTMENT ADVOCACY CENTER | TRANSPORTATIONINVESTMENT.ORG

approved 77 percent of 370 transportation Voters percent ures on state and approved local ballots77 throughout 370 transportation ccording of to initial results compiled funding by sportationmeasures Investmenton Advocacy Center state and easures will generate an estimated $41.4 local ballots throughout and renewed funding for roads, bridges,

transportation investment continues to transcend partisan politics,” said TIAC senior director of state funding policy Carolyn Kramer Simons. “Voters from all parties and geographic areas agree on the need to invest in our road, bridge, and transit infrastructure.”

the country on election night this year, according to e will be available immediatelyby through results compiled ARTBA’s ents, while most will be generated through Transportation Investment y, or other taxes collected gradually over as Advocacy Center ars.

(TIAC). The measures will funding generate measures appeared on ballots in an estimated $41.4 es, with 23 states approving at least one billion in new and renewed ocal question. funding for roads, bridges, or these trails, ballot measures and rail. during one of the

What Stands Out

In Washington state, voters chose to keep the state’s Results as of 12 p.m. ET on 11-6-24. ential national election cycles in modern carbon credit market, a that the issue of transportation investment Some revenue will be available immediately portion of which is used for its transportation anscend partisan politics,” said TIAC senior director of state funding policy Carolyn Kramer through bond agreements, while most will be budget onand projects to improve transit, electrify rs from all parties and geographic areas agree on the need to invest in our road, bridge, ucture.” generated through sales, property, or other taxes ferries, advance high-speed rail, and for initiatives collected gradually over as much as 30 years. to improve pedestrian safety.

Out state, voters chose to keep the state’s carbon credit market, a portion of which is used for its Transportation funding measures appeared Voters in California budget on projects to improve transit, electrify ferries, advance high-speed rail, and for initiatives rejected a statewide measure destrian safety. on ballots in at least 25 states, with 23 states that would have lowered the threshold required

approving at least one statewide or local

to pass local bonds and special taxes from

one of the most consequential national election cycles in modern history shows that the issue of

maintain and improve roads, bridges, trails, and other transportation-related infrastructure.

ornia rejected a statewide measure that would have lowered the threshold required to pass local question.

66.67 percent ecial taxes from 66.67 percent voter approval to 55 percent voter approval. This would have voter approval to 55 percent voter approval.

Thistrails, would have eased the burden on den on counties, cities, and towns seeking revenue to maintain and improve roads, bridges, sportation-related infrastructure.

“The support for these ballot measures during counties, cities, and towns seeking revenue to

local measures include:

f nine counties in South Carolina renewed or enacted a local sales tax for transportation approving $11.7 billion in funding for roads, bridges, and transit over the next 25 years.

Tenn., voters invested $3.1 billion in the city’s transit system, sidewalks, and roads after voters mingly approved a half-cent sales tax increase.

Seattle, Wash. renewed a local property tax for a $1.55 billion investment in the city’s tion infrastructure over eight years.

merican Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA). All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, anical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission of ARTBA.

214 S. Hwy 281 • Great Bend, KS 67530 620-792-5921 www.venturecorpks.com PAGE 18Brandon Williams

PO Box 660 Baxter Springs, KS 66713

renewedOther a half-cent transportation notable local sales e $14.9 billion for another 20 years; and

TYPE OF BALLOT

Measures

by Type of Initiative QUESTIONS APPROVED

measures:

unties in Georgia approved new or renewed re partly or entirely transportation • Four of used ninefor counties in

South Carolina renewed or

• Maricopa County, Ariz. renewed a halfcent transportation sales tax, which will generate $14.9 billion for another 20 years; and • Three of seven counties in Georgia approved new or renewed local sales taxes that are partly or entirely used for transportation purposes.

a of local tax for nation inenacted the number localsales questions on proved 75transportation, percent of 141 measures.

While approving g was below the state’s 10-year average of $11.7 billion in funding for 00 measures since 2014. roads, bridges, and transit over the next 25 years.

nsportation-related ballot measures has st decade. Since 2014, voters in 43 states Nashville, Tenn., voters arly 3,000• state and local measures on

Ohio continues to lead the nation in the

•

number local questions on the ballot.

Maricopa County, Ariz. renewed a half-cent of transportation sales tax, which will generate $14.9 billion for another 20 years; and Measures by Type of Initiative

invested $3.1 billion in Voters there approved percent of 141 214 S.75Hwy 281 • Great B • Three out of seven counties in Georgia approved new or renewed measures.

While strong, this approval the city’s transit system, local sales taxes that are partly or entirely used for transportation 620-792-592 purposes. rating was below the state’s 10-year average of 87 sidewalks, andresults roads after votersover overwhelmingly still pending results. Final will be certified the next few weeks. www.venturecorp nsportationinvestment.org, for updates.

Ohio continues to lead the nation in the number local questions on percent approval ofof1,200 measures. approved a half-cent sales tax increase.

State University Pittsburg State University Pittsburg State University Pittsburg, Kansas Pittsburg, Kansas Pittsburg, Kansas pittstate.edu/construction pittstate.edu/construction ENVIRONMENTAL pittstate.edu/construction AND Pittsburg ENVIRONMENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND Kansas Pittsburg, Kansas AND Pittsburg, Kansas AND pittstate.edu/construction ENVIRONMENTAL pittstate.edu/construction ENVIRONMENTAL pittstate.edu/construction AND Pittsburg, ENVIRONMENTAL 620-235-6555 620-235-6555 620-235-6555 SAFETY MANAGEMENT SAFETY MANAGEMENT SAFETY MANAGEMENT 620-235-6555 620-235-6555 620-235-6555 SAFETY MANAGEMENT SAFETY MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT pittstate.edu/construction pittstate.edu/construction pittstate.edu/construction ENVIRONMENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SAFETY pittstate.edu/construction pittstate.edu/construction pittstate.edu/construction ENVIRONMENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND 620-235-6555 620-235-6555 620-235-6555 SAFETY MANAGEMENT SAFETY MANAGEMENT SAFETY MANAGEMENT 620-235-6555 620-235-6555 620-235-6555 SAFETY MANAGEMENT SAFETY MANAGEMENT SAFETY MANAGEMENT CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT INTERIOR DESIGN INTERIOR DESIGN INTERIOR DESIGN MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT INTERIOR DESIGN INTERIOR DESIGN INTERIOR DESIGN CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT INTERIOR DESIGN INTERIOR DESIGN INTERIOR DESIGN MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT INTERIOR DESIGN INTERIOR DESIGN INTERIOR DESIGN

the ballot. Voters there approved 75 percent of 141 measures. While strong, this approval rating was below the state’s 10-year average of 87 percent approval of 1,200 measures since 2014.

SCHOOL OF SCHOOL OF CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION

Pittsburg, Kansas

Pittsburg, Kansas

THAN MEETS THAN THESCHOOL MEETS EYE. OF THE EYE. SCHOOL OF SCHOOL OF CONSTRUCTION SCHOOL OF CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION

SCHOOL OF SCHOOL OF CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION

SCHOOL OF SCHOOL OF CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION

Pittsburg State University State University Brandon WilliamsPittsburg Pittsburg State University Pittsburg State University Pittsburg, Kansas Pittsburg, Kansas

SCHOOL OF SCHOOLState OF University Pittsburg State University Pittsburg SCHOOL OF SCHOOL OF University Pittsburg State University Pittsburg State CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION Pittsburg, Kansas Pittsburg, Kansas CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION Pittsburg, Kansas Pittsburg, Kansas Pittsburg State University Pittsburg State University

CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION ELECTRICAL ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING ENGINEERING ENGINEERING ENGINEERING ELECTRICAL ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING ENGINEERING ENGINEERING ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY ELECTRICAL ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING ENGINEERING ENGINEERING ENGINEERING ELECTRICAL ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING ENGINEERING ENGINEERING ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY THERE’S MORE TO MORE TO THERE’S MORE TO THERE’S THERE’S MORE TO THERE’S MORE THERE’S TO MORE TO THERE’S MORE TO THERE’S MORE TO CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION THERE’S MORE TO MORE TO THERE’S MORE TO THERE’S THERE’S MORE TO CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION THERE’S MORE THERE’S TOMEETS MORE TOEYE. THERE’S MORE TOEYE. THERE’S MORE TOEYE. THAN MEETS THE EYE. THAN MEETS THE THAN THE THAN MEETS THE CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION THAN MEETS THAN THEMEETS EYE. THE EYE. THAN MEETS THE EYE. THAN MEETS THE EYE. CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION THAN MEETS THEMEETS EYE. THE EYE. THAN MEETS THE EYE. THAN THAN MEETS THE EYE. THAN MEETS THAN THEMEETS EYE. THE EYE. THAN MEETS THE EYE. THAN MEETS THE EYE.

Brandon Williams PO Box 660 • Voters in Seattle, Wash. renewed a local property Historical Trends General Election Transportation Investment Ballot Measures Baxter Springs, KS 66713 Historical Trends tax for a $1.55 billion investment in the city’s Nationally, support for transportation-related Nationally, support for transportation-related ballot measures has high over the lastmeasures decade. Since 2014, voters in 43 states high over the last transportation infrastructure over years. ballot has remained 214eight S. Hwy 281remained • Great Bend, KSstate 67530 approved 84 percent of nearly 3,000 and local measures on ied M f i s r e anageme approved v i D s m decade. Since general election ballots. nt Willia 2014, voters in 43 states 620-792-5921 THAN MEETS THE EYE. THAN MEETS THE EYE. THAN MEETS THE EYE. 84 percent of nearly 3,000 state and local THAN MEETS THE EYE. THAN MEETS THE EYE. THAN MEETS THE EYE. What’s Next www.venturecorpks.com Twenty-two measures are still pending results. Final results will be certified over the next few weeks. measures on general election ballots.

Visit the TIAC website, transportationinvestment.org, for updates.

Pittsburg State University PO Box 660 General Election Transportation Investment Ballot Measures TRANSPORTATION MEASURES (2014-2024) Pittsburg State University2014-2024 Pittsburg, Kansas WilliamBALLOT Pittsburg, Kansas s Diversified Materials Baxter Springs, KS 66713 pittstate.edu/construction pittstate.edu/construction pittstate.edu/construction ENVIRONMENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND pittstate.edu/construction pittstate.edu/construction ENVIRONMENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND 620-235-6555 620-235-6555 620-235-6555 SAFETY MANAGEMENT SAFETY pittstate.edu/construction MANAGEMENT 620-235-6555 620-235-6555 620-235-6555 SAFETY MANAGEMENT SAFETY MANAGEMENT i e f d i s M r e a v n i a D g s ement m a i l l i W 620-679-9810 bwilliams@wdminc.net 620-674-2149 Cell www.wdminc.net CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT INTERIOR DESIGN

SCHOOLState OF University Pittsburg SCHOOL OF University Pittsburg State CONSTRUCTION Pittsburg, Kansas CONSTRUCTION Pittsburg, Kansas Pittsburg State University

THANSCHOOL MEETS OF THE EYE. SCHOOL OF CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION

401 West Wea St., Paola, KS 66071 Commercial913.294.2361 Building Envelope Audits & Evaluations Install: Interior & Exterior Insulation, Coatings, Spray Applied Fireproofing, stment Advocacy Center™ (ARTBA-TIAC) is an educational and informational resource designed Spray Applied Acoustical Insulation carrothersconstruction.com lators, organizations and businesses successfully growbwilliams@wdminc.net transportation investment at the state 620-679-9810 Williams Diversified Materials

P

ture initiative of the Transportation Makes America Work (TMAW)CONSTRUCTION campaign.

CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION

Building water projects since 1921.

620-674-2149 Cell CONSTRUCTION www.wdminc.net CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT INTERIOR DESIGN INTERIOR DESIGN ARTBA’s Transportation Investment Advocacy Center™ (ARTBA-TIAC) is an educational and informational resource designed MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT INTERIOR DESIGN INTERIOR DESIGN to help private citizens, legislators, organizations and businesses successfully grow transportation investment at the state transportationinvestment.org CONSTRUCTION and local levels. It is a signature initiative of the Transportation Makes America Work (TMAW) campaign.

ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING transportationinvestment.org TECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY portation Builders Association (ARTBA). All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission of ARTBA.

THAN MEETS THE EYE.

CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY

CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY Pittsburg State University

Pittsburg, Kansas

THERE’S ENVIRONMENTAL MORE TO THERE’S MORE TO THERE’S MORE TO pittstate.edu/construction AND THERE’S MORE TO THERE’S MORE TO THERE’S MORE TO CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION 620-235-6555 CONSTRUCTION SAFETY MANAGEMENT CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION THAN MEETS THE EYE. THAN MEETS THE EYE. THAN MEETS THE EYE. THAN MEETS THE EYE. THAN MEETS THE EYE. THAN MEETS THE EYE. SCHOOL OF SCHOOL OF

SCHOOL OF SCHOOL OF

SCHOOL OF SCHOOL OF

Providing attest services, tax compliance, strategic planning, and other business consulting to construction companies across Kansas.

© 2024 by the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA). All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission of ARTBA.

THANSCHOOL MEETS OF THE EYE. SCHOOL OF CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION

620-235-6555

620-235-6555 CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT

STRUCTION STRUCTION ELECTRICAL INEERING ELECTRICAL INEERING TECHNOLOGY HNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY HNOLOGY

2

SCHOOLState OF University Pittsburg SCHOOL OF University Pittsburg State CONSTRUCTION Pittsburg, Kansas CONSTRUCTION Pittsburg, Kansas Pittsburg State University Pittsburg State University Pittsburg, Kansas pittstate.edu/construction Pittsburg, Kansas pittstate.edu/construction 620-235-6555 620-235-6555 pittstate.edu/construction pittstate.edu/construction

Commercial Building Envelope Audits & Evaluations THERE’S MORE TO Install: Interior & Exterior Insulation, Coatings, Spray Applied Fireproofing, CONSTRUCTION Spray Applied Acoustical Insulation

Michael Ropp Business Development Manager michael.ropp@pinionglobal.com • 913-538-1987 • pinionglobal.com 8801 Renner Blvd, Suite 100, Lenexa, KS 66219

Power through Partnership

4435 Main Street, 4th Floor, Kansas City, Missouri 64111 816-591-8492 (913)831-1777

RMA Engineering, LLC

2975 Blosser Dr. • PO Box 673 • Concordia, KS 66901

4

Civi Field Inv

PAGE 19

MEM BER P R O F IL E

UNCOVERING THE INVISIBLE:

Q&A with Echo GPR Services What does Echo GPR do and has required our services in what can be detected through approximately 40 states.

GPR services?

Echo GPR provides Ground What led you to form the Penetrating Radar and Utility company?

Locating/Mapping Services.

Echo GPR was started in ECHO GPR SERVICES Ground Penetrating Radar 2001 by Rick Norland, my 913.879.2200 | 800.514.5107 services include concrete father-in-law. He saw GPR 1540 E Spruce | Olathe, KS 66061 scanning for reinforcement at a demonstration at a www.echogpr.com and conduits for drilling Concrete Sawing and Drilling and sawing, engineering Association (CSDA) meeting MARK DESCHEPPER, President investigations, locating utilities, back in 2000. He immediately mark@echogpr.com voids underneath concrete, recognized the value in what sinkholes, underground storage would become a standard tanks for environmental Phase tool in construction prior to II ESAs, grave locates, water sawing or drilling concrete. leak locating, road and bridge deck assessment Rick wished for the company to be family-run and in accordance with ASTM D6087, and general in 2007 I joined the company. site investigations locating anomalies prior to performing geophysical investigations or other What’s the advantage for contractors and excavation activities. owners vs. traditional locating methods?

The main advantage is that GPR is capable of What geographic areas do you serve? detecting anomalies that traditional locating Predominately we service a 6-state region methods cannot as easily detect. While GPR is not including Nebraska, Iowa, Oklahoma and Arkansas a replacement for standard locating methods, it is with Kansas and Missouri being theS. primary additive to provide secondary locating or 214 Hwy 281 • GreatanBend, KStool 67530 states we serve. However, our expertise in GPR620-792-5921 assist in locating non-conductive utilities.

www.venturecorpks.com

Brandon Williams

PO Box 660 Baxter Springs, KS 66713

ms Diversified Management Willia

Williams Diversified Materials

620-679-9810 620-674-2149 Cell PAGE 20

bwilliams@wdminc.net www.wdminc.net

401 West Wea St., Paola, KS 66071 913.294.2361 carrothersconstruction.com Building water projects since 1921.

CASE STUDY: GPR SERVICES PROTECT PAVING CONTRACTOR FROM MAJOR FINANCIAL LOSS After finishing a paving job, a local paving contractor

working on the Dairy Farmers of America headquarters

project in Kansas City, Kansas, was audited through physical testing. Several core drills were used to show that the amount of asphalt laid was not thick enough in certain areas. The contractor faced heavy fines and having to potentially replace entire sections of asphalt costing them tens of thousands of dollars. They were sure they placed enough and hired Echo GPR Services to scan the entire lot to determine asphalt thicknesses. Using the cored data, Echo calibrated the GPR to

the asphalt and mapped out the entire parking lot. Using a statistical breakdown it was found that the contractor was

in compliance and did not have to replace the lot. Echo saved the contractor a major financial loss on the project and assured the building owner they received what they had paid for.

Does this replace the need for 811 locating?

Absolutely NO! Echo GPR is a private utility locating firm, 811 services are public locates. A more generalized way of thinking about this is that 811 will mark out those utilities that are owned by the utility provider, and generally that means marking up to a meter or box. We step in after 811 has been completed and are able to mark out those services that are privately owned, essentially pick up where they are required to stop. This includes private electric services such as parking lot lights, water between the meter and the property, and in

some cases, we are asked to double check an 811 locate or provide a depth reading to a utility. 811 does not provide depth readings to the utility.

What about smaller projects?

We can provide services for projects that range from scanning for a single core drill in concrete to avoid hitting a Post-Tension Cable, to providing utility locates on several acres of property. Most of our concrete projects entail scanning prior to core drilling or trench cutting operations and are done in less than half a day.

Strength that binds.

Good people helping good

people, we've been forging

(800) 362-0570

a solid foundation for more than a century.

MonarchCement.com

PAGE 21

F E DERAL L A W

FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION

FHWA issues guidance to comply with DBE litigation

BY AMERICAN ROAD & TRANSPORTATION BUILDERS ASSOCIATION (ARTBA)

What happened:

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) released guidance Nov. 18 related to the MidAmerica Milling case, in which two industry plaintiffs are challenging the constitutionality of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program.

Why it matters:

In September, Kentucky Federal Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove issued a preliminary injunction prohibiting DBE goals from applying to projects involving the two plaintiffs. The judge still needs to consider the case's merits, but gave a strong indication he will rule the DBE program unconstitutional, which was a factor in his granting the injunction.

According to the new FHWA guidance, if either plaintiff (Mid-America Milling or Bagshaw

PAGE 22

Trucking) expresses interest in bidding or quoting on an advertised federal-aid project, then the state transportation department (DOT) is to adjust the DBE goal for that project to zero percent. The guidance applies to all states in which one of the plaintiffs is working or has expressed interest in doing so. While FHWA lists 25 states in which the plaintiffs currently operate or plan to bid, the "0% DBE goal" requirement could extend to projects in any state identified by one of the plaintiffs.

What's next:

Judge Van Tatenhove must still hear arguments from the parties and decide the case on its merits. The judge has many legal options should he rule for the plaintiffs, including invalidating the DBE program nationally or in his judicial circuit, or instructing the U.S. DOT to change it. ARTBA will report on these developments as they occur.

THREE NETWORKING EVENTS SCHEDULED IN FEBRUARY, MARCH

1 • Great Bend, KS 67530 HEAVY CONSTRUCTION 20-792-5921 RECEPTION WITH LEGISLATORS enturecorpks.com

660 6713

c.net c.net

TRANSPORTATION DAY AT THE CAPITOL & LEGISLATIVE RECEPTION March 12 KCA Office | Topeka

February 12 KCA Office | Topeka

Hosted by Economic Lifelines, the day will bring city Join us between 4-6 p.m. for heavy appetizers, an and countyKS leaders, contractors and engineering open bar and networking with Kansas legislators.

214 S. Hwy 281 • Great Bend, 67530 firms together for sessions with the Legislature's The reception will also include recognition of Jerry 620-792-5921 transportation leaders and KDOT officials as well we Younger, managing director of KAPA-KRMCA, on www.venturecorpks.com a late afternoon reception with legislators. his retirement after 38 years in the industry.

Brandon Williams

PO Box 660

401 West Wea St., Paola, 66071 BaxterKS Springs, KS 66713 913.294.2361 KCA-KDOT PARTNERING carrothersconstruction.com CONFERENCE ms Diversified Management Willia February 25-26 Building water projects since 1921.

Drury Broadview Hotel | Wichita

Designed especially and Williams for superintendents Diversified Materials project managers, the partnering conference Providing attest services, tax compliance, strategic planning, and other business consulting to construction companies across Kansas. schedule will includeMichael sessions on project Ropp Business Development Manager collaboration, presentation ofbwilliams@wdminc.net the •2024 partnering 620-679-9810 michael.ropp@pinionglobal.com • 913-538-1987 pinionglobal.com 8801 Renner Blvd, Suite 100, Lenexa, KSwww.wdminc.net 66219 620-674-2149 Cell awards, and networking with KDOT district leaders and consulting engineers. Hotel room reservations should be made before January 24 by calling 800-325-0720 and referencing room block number #10104317.

Commercial Building Envelope Audits & Evaluations

Power through Partnership

Install: Interior & Exterior Insulation, Coatings, Spray Applied Fireproofing,

4435 Main Street, Floor, Kansas City, Missouri 64111 Spray4th Applied Acoustical Insulation (913)831-1777

RMA Engineering, LLC

2975 Blosser Dr. • PO Box 673 • Concordia, KS 66901 www.rmaengineer.com

Shad Lohman, PE

KS • Construction Engineer

ke ur Ro

slohman@rmaengineer.com Cell 785-407-0349 • Office 785-262-4762 Civil Engineering • GIS • Electric Staking • Electric Inspection Field Inventory • Joint Audits • Storm Response • Bridge Construction

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Customized Commercial Cleaning and Post-Construction Cleanup. Offering Tranditional Services and Green Eco-Friendly Solutions.

Younger started working for KDOT Providing attest services, tax compliance, strategic planning, and other business consulting to construction companies across Kansas. in 1986. He served Michael Ropp Business Development Manager as a Civil Engineer michael.ropp@pinionglobal.com • 913-538-1987 • pinionglobal.com Renner Blvd, Suite 100, Lenexa, KS 66219 in Road8801 Design before being promoted to Squad Leader. In 1996, he took a position in Wichita as Field Engineering Administrator for District Five, and later returned to Topeka as Topeka Metro Engineer before Power through Partnership being promoted to District One Engineer 4435 Main Street, 4th Floor, Kansas City, Missouri 64111 for northeast Kansas.

In 2006, Younger was (913)831-1777 named Deputy Transportation Secretary RMA Engineering, LLC and State Transportation After 2975 Blosser Dr. • PO Box 673 • Engineer.

Concordia, KS 66901a www.rmaengineer.com decade in that role, he went to KAPA-KRMCA Shad Lohman, PE where he KS has servedEngineer as managing director • Construction slohman@rmaengineer.com es of the association for 8 years. at Cell 785-407-0349 • Office 785-262-4762 ci k ur

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Civil Engineering • GIS • Electric Staking • Electric Inspection Field Inventory • Joint Audits • Storm Response • Bridge Construction

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Mention this and get one free month for a one-year contract

401Younger West Wea Jerry hasSt., Paola, KS 66071 913.294.2361 announced plans to retire in February carrothersconstruction.com after a 38-year Building water projects since 1921. career in the industry.

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Drew Combs, Owner (316) 779-4487 drew@combscleanict.com 816-591-8492

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Younger to retire from KAPA-KRMCA

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Customized Commercial Cleaning and Post-Construction Cleanup. Offering Tranditional

PAGE 23

Parent perception of skilled trades may be shifting

BY MATT RESNICK, HAWVER'S CAPITOL REPORT

PAGE 24

parents reporting they’d be happy if their child went to technical school decreased slightly (47.1% compared to 48.9%), the percentage that chose they’d be very happy jumped to 28.7% from 17.1%. Likewise, the percentage that chose neutral declined to 19.6% from 25.3%, and the percentages that chose unhappy or very unhappy also dropped A growing number of parents across Kansas are in (to 3.3% and 1.3%, respectively).

Most of the reasons why parents felt the way favor of their children attendingthey technical colleges did about technical college didn’t change significantly, although there or gaining job skills through apprenticeships were some gains in the percentage that felt attending a technical college will as opposed to obtaining bachelor’s degrees, help my child gain the skills necessary his/her career, which increased to according to a study presentedfor to the Kansas 30% from 26.5%.

of those surveyed said they would like to see their child enter an apprenticeship program — up 2.3% from the initial study. The percentage of parents who thought Parent attitudes about how they’d feel their child would enroll if their child enrolled in a four-year in a four-year university university were largely unchanged, after high school dropped although the number decreased enough to 44% changing from 52%. to require the headline from

State Board of Education.

Community colleges also received strong support, with a slight drop in the percentages of parents who chose happyHirePaths (49.1% from 53.5%) but a much Kristin Brighton, who launched the greater percentage who chose very program that KCA is a foundinghappy sponsor of, (30.3% from 21.9%).

presented the findings from a recently conducted The most common reason parents chose community college is they hope their “parent perception” survey. Brighton child will contrasted attend a community college then later transfer to a four-year college/ those results with a survey of Kansas university. parents However, theby percentage chose this option decreased to numerous K-12 school districts who in 2019.

37.1% from 45.6%, which could show that

CONSTRUCTION WAS ONE OF 5 HIGH-DEMAND CAREERS THAT SAW A HIGHER POSITIVE PERCEPTION AMONG PARENTS SINCE 2019

Overall, the 2024 study concluded that parents have developed a more positive perception of apprenticeships and technical training — as well as cultivated positive views of skilled trade careers.

HirePaths is a statewide marketing initiative aimed at helping parents navigate career exploration with their children and increase awareness of high-demand careers like construction.

3

child will choose a community college remained relatively flat at around 12%, the percentage who said they hope their child will attend a technical college jumped to 13% from 8%. Likewise, the percentage who said they hope their child would become an apprentice jumped to 5.8% from 3.5%.

*Note: Survey respondents were asked to answer the questions specifically about their oldest child age 18 or younger on the day the survey was taken.

“If we don’t get tuned into all these new opportunities – and change the public perception that the only way to be successful is to have a fouryear college degree – then all of these new efforts are never going to be successful,” Brighton told the state board.

Some other highlights demonstrate perception changes since the 2019 survey. The percentage of parents who hope their child will earn a bachelor’s degree someday dropped significantly to 62.1% from 74.2%.

We also saw decreases in percentages of parents who chose neutral, unhappy or very unhappy.

college rose to 28.7% from 17.1%. Additionally, 5.5%

in revamping career and technical education 4 programs in K-12 school districts, but not enough has been done to get the word out to parents.

We also saw a drop in the percentage of parents who feel their child needs a bachelor’s degree to be successful, to 18.8% from 24.4%.

Why are parents interested in apprenticeships for their children? The top reason parents said they hope their child would become an apprentice was to explore a career path he/she could grow into (increasing to 39.5% from 35.6%).

Parents also chose apprenticeships because they want their kids to be able to financially support themselves, with the percentage of respondents who chose this option increasing to 24.7% from 18.8%.

apprenticeships for their children? The top reason parents said they hope their child would become an apprentice was to “That’s a very significant change,” Brighton explore a career path he/she said. could grow We see encouraging increases in parent into (increasing to 39.5% from 35.6%). perceptions about apprenticeships.

Parents also chose apprenticeships When asked how they’d feel if their child because they want their kids to be able chose to learn a skilled trade through The number ofa respondents they would to reporting financially support themselves, with an apprenticeship, much larger the percentage of respondents who percentage of parents chose they’d be be “very happy” to see their child attend technical chose this option increasing to 24.7% happy (40.1% compared to 35.5%) or from 18.8%. very happy (18.3% compared to 8.8%). bachelor’s degree to be successful, to 18.8% from 24.4%.

alternatives — from not sure through I plan to work as an apprentice for a period of time to learn a skilled trade — increased, except the the percentage who Brighton said Department of Education and said they plan to enlist in the military, which stayed aboutagencies the same (2.2%).have made noticeable strides other state

We see encouraging increases in parent perceptions about apprenticeships.

When asked how they’d feel if their child chose to learn a skilled trade through an apprenticeship, a much larger percentage of parents chose they’d be happy (40.1% compared to 35.5%) or very happy (18.3% compared to 8.8%).

3

percentage who hope their inWhile thethefive years since child will choose a community college remained flat at around 12%, the firstrelatively survey.

For the percentage who said they hope their child will attend technical college instance, the anumber jumped to 13% from 8%. Likewise, the whohopeful said they hope their ofpercentage parents their child would become an apprentice jumpedwould to 5.8% from 3.5%. child go straight Some high other highlights from schooldemonstrate to a perception changes since the 2019 four-year bachelor’s survey. The percentage of parents who hope their child will earn a bachelor’s degree program dropped to 51% infrom the We roughly also saw decreases percentages degree someday dropped significantly of parents who chose neutral, unhappy to 62.1% from 74.2%.

62% who favored their childorpursuing very unhappy. a four-year We also saw a drop in the percentage degree in 2019.

Why are parents interested in of parents who feel their child needs a

“The business was really feeling like When asked what they community think their child would choose if asked about their plans we needed different skills in our next generation after high school, the number of parents who chose I plan to enroll in a four-year of workers in order to have a successful Kansas college or university after high school dropped to 44.5% Brighton from 52.2%. Allsaid. other economy,”

*Note: Survey respondents were asked to answer the questions specifically about their oldest child age 18 or younger on the day the survey was taken.

fewer parents in 2024 see community college as a steppingstone to a fourand instead as the only The survey asked parents a setyear of university, questions training needed to start their career. We Executive Summary also see this they in the increase in the related to postsecondary planscanand how number of parents who said they see community college as a way to explore PARENT OF POST-SECONDARY OPTIONS wouldPERCEPTIONS define success a career path he/she can grow into, In the original 2019 study, we found that for their eldest child, which grew to 25.3% from 20.4%.

62.7% of parents hope their child will attend a four-year college or university age 18 or under. The as their next step after high school. Our 2024 datashowed shows that the percentage results shifting of parents who hope their child will go from high school directly to a bachelor’s perceptions related to degree has dropped to 51.7% from 62.7%.* postsecondary plans

“Almost 90% of parents would be pleased” to “Nearly 85%.”

PAGE 25

K CA M EM BER N EW S

JERRY BEACHNER PASSES AWAY Jerry Beachner, longtime Kansas bridge and highway construction contractor, passed away Nov. 2 at his home in St. Paul. He was 86.

Jerry and his brothers founded Beachner Construction Company in 1960. In their early years, their projects included helping with construction of the original U.S. Federal Highway System in Kansas. Jerry oversaw the road and bridgebuilding division of the company. He also served on the KCA board and the board of the Associated General Contractors of America.

reinforces our commitment to excellence but also positions C-Hawkk as a leader in the industry for future generations.”

LEGACY INFRASTRUCTURE ACQUIRES J&R SAND J&R Sand Co., based in Liberal, has been purchased by Legacy Infrastructure Group. The company will operate as J&R Constructors Group LLC. Eric Jones is president.

J&R Sand was owned and operated by Todd Carlile.

Carlile has been active in the KCA on the board and PAC Committee since 1984, and is a past president of the association. Trey Bowen is CEO of Legacy Infrastructure Group, which also owns Superior Bowen Asphalt in Kansas City. Bowen currently serves on the KCA board.

C-HAWKK FORMS PARTNERSHIP WITH 214 S. Hwy 281 • GreatKCA Bend, KS 67530 WELCOMES HIGHWAY PARTNERS, INC. 620-792-5921 FIVE NEW MEMBERS Kevin Shelton, owner and president ofwww.venturecorpks.com C-Hawkk Construction Inc., has announced the company's partnership Highway Partners Inc. C-Hawkk, Brandon with Williams PO Box 660 based in Eudora, is a family-owned business Baxter Springs, KS 66713 formed in 1989. They specialize in traffic control ed Mapavement nageme ms Diversifiand nt Willia markings.

“Partnering and growing with Highway Williams als forward Partners Inc. represents a significant Diversified Materistep in our mission to sustainably grow and deliver the highest quality products and services to 620-679-9810 bwilliams@wdminc.net our clients,” said Shelton. “This alliance not only 620-674-2149 Cell www.wdminc.net

Commercial Building Envelope Audits & Evaluations Install: Interior & Exterior Insulation, Coatings, Spray Applied Fireproofing, Spray Applied Acoustical Insulation

PAGE 26

FIT Excavating

Utility infrastructure and excavating work Topeka, KS | (785) 207-5581 www.fitexc.com Brian Thompson - bthompson@fitexc.com Kory James - kjames@fitexc.com Brandon Ramirez - bramirez@fitexc.com

Oaters LLC

401 West Wea St., Paola, KS 66071

Utility construction 913.294.2361 Eldon, MO | (785) 650-1903 Rex Stilescarrothersconstruction.com - rskiles@skyvalt.com Building water projects since 1921.

Providing attest services, tax compliance, strategic planning, and other business consulting to construction companies across Kansas.

Michael Ropp Business Development Manager michael.ropp@pinionglobal.com • 913-538-1987 • pinionglobal.com 8801 Renner Blvd, Suite 100, Lenexa, KS 66219

AARON SNOOK DIES IN HUNTING ACCIDENT Aaron Snook died Dec. 14 in a hunting accident. He was 41 years old. Aaron was owner and president of Seeders, Inc. in Wichita, and was involved in other investments and companies. He was an active member of KCA.

In Aaron's memory,

contributions may be made for playground, football field and

other exterior improvements to: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School

645 N. 119th St. W.

Wichita, KS 67235

"Aaron was a big man who lived a big life. His presence was felt by all who knew him, whether through family, church, business, or the community," read his obituary. "Fun loving, kindhearted, devoted family man, a friend to many and a stranger to none."

He is survived by his wife, Meagan, and their three children, Levi, Elliotte, and Logan; his parents Linda (Joe) Davison and Jim (Kim) Snook; his brother Chris Snook with Bob Bergkamp Construction and his wife Donna; his sister Anna Kenney and her husband Aaron; and a large extended family. He was a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church and was involved in many other causes in the community. He enjoyed fishing, traveling, attending KSU football games, and snow skiing with family.

M CON LLC

Underground utility construction and earthwork Wathena, KS | (785) 989-4550 www.mconunderground.com Tyler Miller - tyler@mconunderground.com

D&D Equipment Rental

Sales & leasing of new and used equipment Wichita, KS | (316)522-6272 www.danddrents.com Rob Duling - rob@danddrents.com

Renaissance Financial

Investments, planning & insurance Overland Park, KS | (913) 344-7717 www.rfc.com Wyatt Hoffman - wyatt.hoffman@rfc.com

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING

FOLEY ADDING MACHINE REBUILD FACILITY Foley Equipment is adding a new facility in Kansas City dedicated to machine rebuilds. Foley has been the Caterpillar dealer for Kansas and Northwestern Missouri for more than 80 years.

“The Cat Certified Rebuild Program returns machines to like-new condition with full warranty and other benefits like upgraded electronics and features, allowing customers to maximize the value of their Cat equipment,” said Matt McNett, Vice President of Service and Power Solutions for Foley Equipment.

The Kansas Contractors Association will hold its annual meeting on Friday, January 31 at 10:30 a.m. in the Cottonwood Ballroom at the Overland Park Sheraton.

PAGE 27

THE EXTRA MILE

A family that sticks together

BY MICHAEL WHITE KCA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Our entire KCA family was shaken this month with the unexpected loss of one of our own – Aaron Snook. Aaron, owner and president of Seeders, Inc. in Wichita, died Dec. 14 in a hunting accident.

big our KCA family really is and how interconnected we are. When one of us feels a loss, the entire industry feels it.

This year we've felt, and continue to feel, the loss we had in June of Dirk Riniker, president of Ebert Construction in Wamego; and the loss in November of Jerry Beachner, who founded Beachner Construction in St. Paul with his brothers.

He, his brother Chris, and the Snook family are long-time members of our association. When I came to KCA in 2017, the Snooks were quick to welcome me and lend a hand. Aaron and I connected over our shared love of K-State.

They leave behind big Dirk Riniker Jerry Beachner Aaron Snook But, that wasn't unique shoes to fill, that's for sure. for Aaron.

But, families who stick together through thick and thin have incredible He had a tremendous ability to connect with strength as individuals and as a whole. people. As his obituary read, he was "a friend to many and a stranger to none." Aaron's life was In honor of Aaron, Dirk and Jerry and the other KCA cut much too short, but he left behind some family members who have gone before them, may unforgettable lessons on the importance of living we hug our loved ones a little longer at the holidays life fully and loving the people around us. this year, and may we pull together - like we always have - to help our KCA family members weather The loss of Aaron, and the loss of other long-time the difficult times. members of our KCA family, hits especially hard this time of year. It is a powerful reminder of how

PAGE 28

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PHOTO BY DAN WILSON / THE KANSAS CITY CHIEFS