News to Note: President’s Message to the UTCA - December 2004

It certainly has been an exciting time since our October issue in both sports and politics. The Boston Red Sox made history, first by taking the American League pennant away from the Yankees, then by sweeping the Cardinals to with their first World Series in 86 years! Perseverance certainly has its merits. Our presidential elections are complete with Mr. George W. Bush reinstated for another term. With President Bush winning 51% of the popular vote, and the Republicans now in control of the House and Senate, there is an opportunity for our President to push his ambitious Legislative Agenda that will ultimately benefit the state of New Jersey, its businesses and citizens. We wish him well. On the State level, Mr. Richard Codey is our current Governor. With the various issues surrounding Gov. McGreevey’s exit, we hope Gov. Codey exhibits more moral integrity and respect for the office than his predecessor. We look forward to a positive working relationship with Governor Codey.

Our administrative staff has been busy over the previous two months. Priorities have centered around the review and analysis of new State regulations and pending legislation, in addition to the ongoing efforts to secure an increase in infrastructure funding. The UTCA has been preaching a shortfall in transportation funds to New Jersey Assembly and Senate officials for over two years. We believe our State elected officials will realize that additional funds are needed for state Transportation Trust funds to support the federal funds in the years 2006 & 2007. All our efforts are targeted to have a resolution by December 30, 2005.

As we work diligently on the state level, concurrent national operations are being handled through our affiliation with American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) and National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA). Federal funds are being allocated and will benefit New Jersey. Through the allocation of an ethanol fuel tax, ARBTA successfully secured approximately $4 billion to be added to this years fiscal Federal Highway Trust Fund.

At time of publication, the future of TEA-21 is still uncertain. It appears that Congress will not enact TEA-21 highway/transit legislation during the “lame duck” session. However, they must complete action on the FY2005 transportation appropriation bull. Our concern is that Congress could essentially extend the FY2004 funding levels through FY2005. This opens the door for an annual appropriations process, rather than a six-year commitment as in years past. Stay tuned.

NUCA, under the leadership of our own Mr. Bill Bowman, has also secured federal dollars to handle the country’s infrastructure regarding water and wastewater needs. This will have a positive impact on our state as the N.J. Environmental Infrastructure Trust finances approximately $450 million of New Jersey Municipal water and sewer work this year. To thank the many individuals who are supportive of our industry, the UTCA hosted a successful reception on November 17 in Atlantic City for the League of Municipalities. Attending were officials from public work utility authorities, other branches of municipal and county government and eight legislators from both the state assembly and senate.

The UTCA is looking forward to its yearly executive seminar being held this year Jan 7- 16, 2005 in Costa Rica. It has been sold out for quite some time. Appropriately, the UTCA will also provide a side trip to one of the major construction marvels of the world, the Panama Canal.

Congratulations to B. Anthony Construction for 30 years in the industry. Maser Consulting is also celebrating 20 years. Longevity in our industry takes perseverance, diligence, and a conscientious group effort. They have shown all three and succeeded. We appreciate all they have offered and their active membership in the UTCA.

~ James E. Johnston, Jr.