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In This Issue
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Featured Article |
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Paving Conference - Informational and Enjoyable
The 53rd Annual Asphalt Paving Conference, "Asphalt Pavements for Sustainability, Performance and Value" was held at the beautiful Radisson Hotel in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Two hundred forty people attended the event.
The vendor exhibits opened at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, February 25th and stayed open through the evening reception where exceptional food and drinks were enjoyed. Prior to the reception three educational sessions were held. M-115 Highways for Life Contracting Project, HMA: The Right Choice for Miller Road and MDOT Mobility Policy were the topics presented. (Please click on the links to view the PowerPoints)
The next day started with the opening session where MDOT Chief Operations Officer Larry Tibbits discussed the Transportation Funding Crisis, the Federal Economic Stimulus Program and Michigan's Transportation Future. He also offered some humorous reflections on his 39 year career with MDOT as he will be retiring on March 31st.
John Becsey presented a plaque to Mr. Tibbits in appreciation of his leadership and strong focus on open communication and partnering.
Mike Nystrom, MITA, reviewed Michigan's Transportation Funding status including recent funding initiatives under discussion.
Jim Weeks, Chairman of Barrett Paving Materials, Inc. and NAPA's 2009 Chairman offered remarks on NAPA's new strategic plan and related initiatives.
Dave Newcomb, NAPA VP of Research and Technology, discussed how the industry is positioned for success in addressing the challenges of today and in the future.
Following the General Session, the educational sessions continued on Thursday. The topics were:
RAP for Sustainability, Cost Savings and Performance
The Right Fit - Joint Construction
Asphalt - The Sustainable Choice
MDOT Update
We thank all of the speakers for sharing their expertise in these sessions. Please click on the links to view the PowerPoint presentations.
This Conference would not be the same without the generous support of our sponsors. Wolverine Tractor, Marathon Petroleum, Michigan Paving & Materials, Rieth-Riley Construction Co. and Michigan CAT - Platinum Sponsors. Barrett Paving Materials, Aggregate Industries, and Ontario Trap Rock - Gold Sponsors. BP Asphalt, Edw. C. Levy Co. and Seneca Petroleum - Silver Sponsors and Patriot Materials & Transport. - Bronze Sponsor. A special thank you to AIS Companies for sponsoring the breakfast! Thank you for coming through once again! Congratulations to Peter Stumm, of Antrim County Road Commission for winning the 32" HDTV from the door prize giveaway at lunchtime.
If you have any comments about this year's conference or have suggestions for next year, please email bwilson@apa- mi.org or call the APAM office.
Peter Stumm, Antrim County Road Commission
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APAM Happenings |
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Mark Your Calendars
Golf season is right around the corner. We have chosen the date for the 3rd Annual Asphalt Pavement Association Scholarship Golf Outing. We are trying a new location this year. We will be moving the event to Bucks Run Golf Club in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan on Tuesday, July 28, 2009. It will be the same format as in the past with a shotgun start at 9:00 a.m. so watch the newsletter and website for further details.
APAM to Publish Member Directory on Website
To help us get the Directory published we need you to update your information. An email request was sent out and responses have been slow. For your convenience a fillable form is available - click here! We look forward to getting this information out to the public. Thanks for your help!
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MDOT News |
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MDOT Leadership Appointments
Tony Kratofil named Metro Region Engineer
Tony Kratofil has been named the new Metro Region Engineer, effective April 5. He has been with MDOT for 17 years, most recently serving as Bay Region Engineer, a position he's held since March 2008, and as Metro Region's Deputy Region Engineer. Mr. Kratofil has previously worked as manager of the Lansing TSC and as the Project Development Engineer for University Region. He holds a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from the University of Michigan and a master of science degree in administration from Central Michigan University, and is a licensed professional engineer in Michigan.
Mark A. Van Port Fleet appointed MDOT Highway Development Engineer
Mark Van Port Fleet has been appointed the department's new Director of the Bureau of Development, effective today. Mr. Van Port Fleet has worked for MDOT for over 29 years, most recently as Engineer of Design. His previous experience includes 25 years in the Design Division including serving as the Engineer of Bridge Design and the Engineer of Road Design. He has four years in the Construction and Technology Division managing the Geotechnical, Geoenvironmental and Material Services Section. He serves on several AASHTO committees and task forces and is a former Director's Award winner. Mr. Van Port Fleet holds a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from Michigan State University and is a licensed professional engineer in Michigan.
Congratulations to both Tony and Mark.
Leon Hanks is an Author!
Leon Hanks, Chief Administrative Officer for MDOT, has written a book containing 50 short stories about hunting in the Upper Peninsula. Leon was recently interviewed by Holt Community News. In the article he says "I wrote the book because hunting has been an important part of my heritage and culture growing up in the U.P." and to "spread a positive image about hunting." You can read the entire article by clicking here. The book, entitled "Proud Hunters Proud Yoopers" can be purchased by logging onto proudyooper.com
Construction Advisory
2009-03 HMA Crack Treatment on Roads with Centerline or Shoulder Corrugations (Rumble Strips)
BOHIM 2009-03
2009-03 Unreasonable Delays due to Utility Companies
Engineering Operations Committee Minutes
The minutes for the Engineering Operations Committee meeting held on February 3, 2009 have been released. Please click here to read the minutes.
MDOT Links
Click here to view a listing of Construction Advisories
Click here to view a listing of Instructional Memorandums
Click here to view a listing of EOC Minutes
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The Smooth Road |
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Chuck Mills, APAM's Director of Engineering, has been meeting with various counties, cities, villages and consulting engineers to find out what issues the APAM members are facing in the marketplace. A meeting was held with representatives from Oakland County on March 20th to discuss the sustainability of HMA. The county showed interest in trying a Warm Mix project in the future. Chuck gave a presentation for Lennox Township on Porous HMA on March 23rd. The City of South Haven is looking at the possibility of using a Perpetual Pavement design for the reconstruction of one of their local streets.
In the marketing of HMA Ultra-Thin, Chuck would like to know what municipalities use microsurfacing, chips seals, or other surface treatments. Please contact Chuck to let him know, and he will follow up with them and explain the benefits of using HMA Ultra- Thin.
Chuck is also working on the publication of articles that focus on the benefits of choosing HMA to build and maintain our roads. If you have any ideas for possible articles, please pass them along to Chuck.
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Industry News |
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Sad News to Share
On Friday, February 20th, Tom Fudaly, Engineering and Operations Manager for FHWA suddenly passed away. Tom had been in his current position for the past 8 years and with FHWA for over 33 years. Tom was FHWA's representative on the MDOT / APAM Hot Mix Asphalt Operations Committee. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Lutheran Church, 4515 Dobie Road, Okemos, MI 48823 in memory of Tom.
And, on Saturday, March 14th Lloyd Bandy, retired Executive Director of the Asphalt Pavement Association of Indiana, passed away at his home after a long illness. Lloyd was Executive Director for 30 years and was an effective industry leader who will be missed by his peers. Lloyd leaves behind a wife and two daughters. Memorial contributions can be made in Lloyd's name to the American Cancer Society, 5635 W. 96th St. Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46278.
Our heartfelt sympathies to both families.
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In Other News... |
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2009 Michigan CQP and NPHQ Awards
It's time to think about which projects you can submit for the Michigan Construction Quality Partnership (CQP) and NPHQ Awards. These awards are for highway construction projects that have demonstrated outstanding achievement in support of the principles of the highway quality movement. Any organization that is a partner (construction contractor, designer and owner) in a high quality highway construction project that was substantially completed and open to unrestricted traffic between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2008 is eligible to submit a nomination to CQP. The deadline for submissions is April 15th.
Click here for more info and the nomination form.
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Other Meetings |
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Airport Pavement Workshop
April 7-9, 2009 Rosement, IL For more info click here
NAPA Mid-Year Meeting and Plenary Sessions
July 27 -29, 2009, Hilton Head, NC
Registration now open!
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