APWA commends introduction of six-year transportation reauthorization DRIVE Act

Washington, D.C. — Th e American Public Works Association commended the bipartisan leadership of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, Chairman Jim Inhofe (R-OK) and Ranking Member Barbara Boxer (D-CA), who in June introduced a six-year transportation reauthorization bill. Th e legislation, titled the DRIVE Act — Developing a Reliable and Innovative Vision for the Economy — would reauthorize federal-aid highway and transit programs though fiscal year 2021 and proposes a 3 percent annual increase in funding levels over MAP-21, the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act, the previous transportation reauthorization bill.

The DRIVE Act is an authorizing bill and does not address how to fund the highway and transit programs. The Senate Finance Committee has jurisdiction over highway funding in the Senate.

ATSSA receives roadway safety training grant

Fredericksburg, Va. — The American Traffic Safety Services Association was awarded a four-year grant from the Federal Highway Administration to provide roadway safety training nationwide for workers and others who make their livelihood on America’s roadways.

State and local governments, transportation agencies and other groups can take advantage of the work zone safety training to prevent and reduce work zone injuries and fatalities. Course materials were developed in strict adherence to National Highway Institute standards and have a training cost of $25 per participant. The benefits of Work Zone Safety training include:

• High-quality education at only $25 means more employees are able to get trained
• Employers are compliant with state or federal mandates and their employees are up to date on standards
• Confidence knowing employees have been trained to set up work zones correctly
• Free guidelines mean workers are equipped with accurate and current information that can be applied on the spot

Visit www.atssa.com/WorkZoneSafetyGrant/RequestForm for overviews about the Work Zone Safety Grant. If an organization or agency is interested in hosting courses, visit www.atssa.com/WorkZoneSafetyGrant to fill out a “Grant Request Form” or contact the ATSSA Training Department at training@atssa.com to set up a course.

Twenty-five earn APWA public infrastructure inspector certification

Kansas City, Mo. — The American Public Works Association announced in July that 24 public works professionals from across North America have recently earned the certified public infrastructure inspector credential. Since its inception, the APWA Certification in Public Infrastructure Inspection program has credentialed a total of 252 U.S. and Canadian professionals with the CPII.

The purpose of the CPII credential is to promote quality infrastructure by advancing the knowledge and practice of construction inspection to benefit communities and public agencies. This APWA certification program is intended for individuals who inspect the construction of public infrastructure and facilities as well as other types of construction work and materials to ensure compliance with plans and specifications.

The new CPIIs hail from municipalities across the country. To view the list, visit www.apwa.com.

NTEA welcomes new director of fleet relations

Farmington Hills, Mich. — The Association for the Work Truck Industry recently appointed Christopher Lyon as director of fleet relations. He will replace Bob Johnson, who officially retires Oct. 9 after more than 11 years of service to the association.

NTEA selected Lyon for this position based on his extensive industry knowledge and fleet experience. In 2001, he began his career with the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. He earned his certified automotive fleet manager’s designation from the NAFA Fleet Management Association in 2009. He then served on NAFA’s Certification Board from 2010–13 and led its Curriculum Committee from 2013–15, and he holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Elmhurst College.

Johnson’s career includes more than 30 years of field experience in utility fleet and heavy equipment design.

Until his formal retirement, Johnson will oversee the transition and onboarding process to ensure the continuity and effectiveness of this position for the association.

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