“The United States already has the system in place — the Federal Highway Trust Fund,” he continued. “It needs to be restored to the strength it once had, and more money needs to be pumped into it to keep up with growing demands. It is difficult to consider raising the federal gas user fees, but many of us in the industry believe it may be our only answer at this point to fund highway projects that are in serious need. As noted in the previous research, American taxpayers would support it if it meant safe, efficient highways.

“I urge you to gather support for a long-term highway funding and multiyear authorization bill and make it a priority in Congress. Passing this bill, means you are essentially passing a jobs bill, putting thousands, perhaps millions, of Americans back to work not only in the construction industry but also in the many other supportive industries.

“Supporting a well-funded multiyear authorization bill which includes capacity expansion also benefits millions of Americans who depend on safe driving surfaces. There is a need for real jobs meeting real needs to provide American taxpayers real value.”

MSHA publishes excavator guidance

On July 13, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) published a new bulletin, Program Information Bulletin No. P10-09, regarding safety measures to be taken while operating excavators.

MSHA notes that it is “particularly concerned with preventing excavator accidents by implementing proper protective measures.” It suggests a minimum bench width of 25 feet, noting a work area examination is necessary to determine if this width is sufficient.

Other guidance includes the following: equipping excavators with appropriate length booms, dippers, and other related attachments to ensure the excavator and its operator remain as far from the high wall base as possible during scaling operations; and utilizing rock deflectors or similar attachments to protect the excavator from falling material. Finally, MSHA suggests that operators contact their OEMs regarding the availability of ROPs and FOPs structures for retrofitting existing equipment.

To view the bulletin, go to

www.msha.gov/regs/complian/PIB/2010/pib10-09.asp.

Aggregates Manager, Randall Reilly, honored with AZBEE Awards

The American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE) has honored Randall-Reilly Publishing Company’s Aggregates Manager with two awards for this year’s Azbee Awards of Excellence. Randall-Reilly publications won a combined 16 awards, including six awards for Better Roads, four awards for Commercial Carrier Journal (CCJ), and two each for Overdrive and Truckers News.

Aggregates Manager received two regional awards, one silver and one bronze, honoring both editorial and design work. In 2009, Aggregates Manager won four regional awards. The Azbee Awards of Excellence is a peer-judged contest that honors the top b2b publications in various categories.

Therese Dunphy, editor-in-chief of Aggregates Manager, says the magazine has been consistently recognized by ASBPE and other organizations, showing that hard work has paid off. “Thirteen will be a lucky number for the magazine,” Dunphy says. “During the last five years, the magazine’s editors, columnists, and graphic designers have won more than a dozen awards from such prestigious groups as the American Society of Business Publication Editors and the American Business Media. It’s an honor to garner such consistent recognition. We strive to highlight critical industry trends in an engaging and informative manner. We sincerely appreciate the recognition of that effort.”

Joe Donald, publisher of Aggregates Manager and Better Roads, says of the accomplishments: “We are proud and honored to be recognized by ASBPE. We look forward to continuing to work hard to serve our industries.”