April 2003 AGGMAN State by State

State by State

Compiled by Angie Moehlman

Alabama
MONTGOMERY—According to the Associated Press, federal officials approved the Memphis-to-Atlanta highway route through the Tennessee Valley. Route approval was given on the acceptance of an environmental impact statement by the Federal Highway Administration. The 175-mile route will take approximately 20 years to complete.

Alaska
ANCHORAGE—According to the Anchorage Daily News, the Anchorage Assembly voted to send plans for a proposed 250-acre subdivision in the Sand Lake gravel pits back to the city Platting Board for reconsideration of water quality and the lack of covenants. Developer Dave Hultquist proposed building more than 650 houses and duplexes on the site.

Arizona
PHOENIX—According to The Arizona Republic, officials are trying to negotiate the closure of the Fort McDowell Sand and Gravel pit. Phoenix and the gravel pit’s owner, the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, are working on a deal that will appease area residents, who have complained about the landfill’s operations for years. Under the proposal, the tribe would donate 19 acres of the landfill to the city and the city would transform it into a neighborhood park.

Arkansas
HUNTSVILLE—According to the Associated Press, the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality recently shut down a gravel mining operation along War Eagle Creek, stating the Madison County Road Department lacked authority to mine there. Road department officials thought the property owners had the appropriate permit.

California
WATSONVILLE—On Jan. 27, 2003, San Benito County Ambassadors awarded Graniterock the Chamber of Commerce’s “Business of the Month” at a ceremony in the A.R. Wilson Quarry. The award recognizes businesses that are active members and supporters of the community and excel in promoting customer service.

Colorado
TRINIDAD—According to The Pueblo Chieftain, the Las Animas County Board of Commissioners recently voted unanimously to table a vote on a special use permit for a second gravel pit in the Gulnare area. The commissioners said they would seek legal advice before making a decision.

Connecticut
NEW HARTFORD—According to The Hartford Courant, representatives of Canton Village Construction recently met with the planning and zoning commission to address concerns about mining sand and gravel near the Farmington River. To address concerns, experts in traffic, soil, and air quality explained to commission members the project would have negligible effect on residents.

Delaware
DOVER—According to The News Journal, plans are in the making for moving the state’s Division of Motor Vehicles into the Delaware Department of Transportation. The Joint Finance Committee recently reviewed DelDOT’s proposed $179.6 million operating budget and will likely include the DMV move in the plan they recommend to the General Assembly in June.

Florida
FORT LAUDERDALE —According to the Sun-Sentinel, a new bill may be passed in the state Legislature that will set up a claims process for people who blame blasting for damages to their homes. The Florida Construction Materials Mining Activities Act would require mining companies to post a bond of at least $100,000 before blasting. It would require a mediator to review claims to determine whether they can be resolved quickly and informally. If that fails, it calls for both sides to attend a state administrative law hearing.

Georgia
HAMILTON—According to the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer, the draft of the rural State Transportation Improvement Program for the next three years calls for nearly $26 million in state, federal, and local spending for 15 road and bridge projects in Harris County.

Hawaii
HONOLULU—During the MDU Resources Group, Inc., fourth quarter and year-end 2002 results conference call, Martin White, president and chief executive officer stated that an increase in earnings resulted from increased aggregate, asphalt, and cement sales volumes and increased construction revenues. Earnings from acquisitions also added to the increase in earnings. “Our West Coast and Hawaii operations made outstanding contributions to earnings,” said White.

Idaho
BOISE—According to The Idaho Statesman, the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee voted to pull back spending plans by the Idaho Transportation Department, saying a cut of about $7 million would prevent the agency from arguing for a fuel tax increase in the future. The panel endorsed a $423 million budget for the agency.

Illinois
CHICAGO—According to the Chicago Tribune, Bartlett Village officials recently toured two Kentucky mines that resemble a $30 million project proposed in Bartlett. After viewing the Kentucky mines, village officials say they are encouraged about the prospect for a deep limestone mine, although they still must overcome environmental concerns. Bartlett village officials are in the early stages of reviewing plans by Bluff City Materials, Inc., and Vulcan Materials Co. to construct a room and pillar mine to quarry limestone as part of a 311-acre development near West Bartlett Road and Illinois Highway 25.

Indiana
INDIANAPOLIS—According to The Indianapolis Star, Indianapolis spent almost all of its $4 million budget for the 2003 calendar year on cleaning up snow. Amid concern that the snow removal budget may force delays in more than 200 road and street repairs, the city’s bookkeepers want to tap into a Department of Public Works surplus fund.

Iowa
DUBUQUE—According to the Telegraph Herald, 50 representatives from local government, the tri-state area business community, and the education and health sectors participated in the second annual Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce Legislative Trip to Washington and met with Dubuque’s congressional delegation and officials from several federal agencies. Better roads and fairer Medicare reimbursement topped the list of important issues on the delegation’s agenda.

Kansas
TOPEKA—According to the Topeka Capital Journal, Transportation Secretary Deb Miller stated that a tax increase package passed by the Legislature last year, which raised motor fuel taxes and increased vehicle registration fees, will generate enough money to cover most of the money removed from the state’s transportation plan in recent years. Governor Kathleen Sebelius proposed the Legislature take $260 million from the Kansas DOT to help the state pay its bills.

Kentucky
LEXINGTON—According to the Lexington Herald-Leader, the University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, and the state Transportation Cabinet formed a partnership to establish a transportation cooperative to reduce congestion and improve transportation, safety, and mobility. The Academy for Community Transportation Innovation will combine education and research with an emphasis on community involvement and environmental sensitivity in training transportation planners.

Louisiana
SHREVEPORT—According to The Times, a Congressional earmark of $4 million for the extension of Interstate 49 north of Shreveport will broaden efforts from buying land to actually pouring concrete. The state plans to begin land purchases by fall for a 6.5-mile stretch of I-49. Construction on the $400 million, 34-mile project is estimated to begin in 2004.

Maine
AUGUSTA—According to the Portland Press Herald, Maine expects to receive $148.9 million in federal highway funding this year. The money is designated to pay part of the cost of large projects. State officials assign priorities to projects based on safety concerns, development, and local support.

Maryland
ANNAPOLIS—According to The Washington Post, Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr., proposed using $500 million from the state’s transportation trust fund to prevent massive budget cuts. The governor asserts that he can use this money designated for transportation without doing serious harm to the state’s road and transit system.

Massachusetts
WORCESTER—According to the Telegram & Gazette, Worcester Sand and Gravel Co., Inc., agreed to pay the state Department of Environmental Protection $15,000 and submit cleanup plans. The company reported that a chlorinated cleaning solvent reached soil and groundwater in 1996 and that gasoline contaminated soil around an underground storage tank that same year. The consent order arose because the company did not clean up the contamination and did not file the necessary paperwork.

Michigan
DETROIT—According to The Detroit News, increased costs for road agencies, stagnant gas tax revenues, and a potential loss of state transportation money could mean fewer road repairs for next year. In Oakland County alone, road commission officials expect to spend less on resurfacing in 2004 due to higher insurance, fuel, and worker benefit costs. Financial planning for 2004 has been complicated for the state’s 83 road commissions because of Governor Jennifer Granholm’s proposal to transfer $118 million from the state’s transportation budget to other departments. Granholm is also seeking to cut $13 million from a Transportation Economic Development Fund.

Minnesota
MINNEAPOLIS—The Aggregate and Ready Mix Association of Minnesota (ARM) elected a new board of directors for 2003. Appointments include two board members from Cemstone, with Tim Becken as president and Kevin MacDonald as chair of the Technical Committee. Dan Mergens of Aggregate Industries is elected as second vice president and Brian Bauerly retains a board seat as past president. Mike McCormick of Aggregate Industries is now chair of the Aggregates Committee and Andy Julius of Master Builders is chair of the Marketing Committee.

Mississippi
HATTIESBURG—According to the Hattiesburg American, Lamar County Planner Alana Abney qualified for the state Highway Commission’s southern district post. Abney qualified as a Republican to face incumbent Democrat Wayne Brown for the job that oversees transportation funding and projects for 27 southern counties.

Missouri
JEFFERSON CITY—On Jan. 10, 2003, the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission voted to reallocate the distribution of transportation funds, with 52.2 percent going to rural areas and 47.8 percent going to urban areas. The result is a net loss of funds allocated to St. Louis and Kansas City. This does not include a $100 million Flexible Fund to address regional and emerging needs.

Montana
HELENA—Senator Max Baucus outlined his plan to increase federal highway funding and create more highway jobs in Montana and America in his speech before the Western Governors Association. Key elements of Baucus’ Highway Plan include increasing overall revenue to the Highway Trust Fund without raising taxes; implementing new road safety measures; increasing transportation investment in rural areas; and increasing transit funding in rural areas.

Nebraska
SCOTTSBLUFF—According to the Associated Press, the Heartland Expressway project received $1.5 million of the requested $7 million in funding. The Heartland Expressway is a proposed four-lane highway planned between Denver and Rapid City, S.D.

Nevada
RENO—According to the Reno Gazette-Journal, transportation officials from Washoe and Clark counties told state lawmakers that more than $3.5 billion must be spent on transportation projects in Nevada’s two major urban areas, Las Vegas and Reno, if traffic gridlock is to be avoided. Legislation is needed for the counties to enact fee increases authorized by voters in November through the passage of advisory questions.

New Hampshire
PORTSMOUTH—According to the Associated Press, the Pease Development Authority approved spending up to $60,000 to process a state wetlands permit to dredge the Hampton-Seabrook Harbor. However, the authority does not have money from the state to pay for the dredging itself.

New Jersey
SOUTH AMBOY—According to the Home News Tribune, South Amboy received $11.13 million in funding from the state DOT to demolish its 50-year-old Conrail bridge and construct two new spans, one for freight trains and the other for vehicular traffic.

New Mexico
SANTA FE—According to The Santa Fe New Mexican, Judge Tim Garcia recently denied gravel mine owner Jerome Romero’s appeal of a permit denial by the Rio Arriba County Commission. Romero requires a permit under the county’s mining ordinance to expand his 5-acre operation by an additional 9.5 acres. Garcia ruled that Romero will not be able to expand the mine without going through Rio Arriba County’s zoning review.

New York
FISHKILL—According to the Poughkeepsie Journal, Southern Dutchess Sand and Gravel, Inc., requested a change to its existing permits to allow it to remove 2 million cu. yds. more of sand and gravel in the next decade or two from its existing mine near the Putnam County border. The state will hear public opinion about the mine before approving the expansion.

North Carolina
RALEIGH—According to the Associated Press, Governor Mike Easley proposed legislation in which $700 million in yet-to-be-issued bonds for the Highway Trust Fund would go toward resurfacing, replacing bridges, and public transportation, such as light rail and urban transit.

North Dakota
BISMARCK—According to the Grand Forks Herald, North Dakotans now have travel information available to them by phone. The 511 system is an automated telephone service that provides road and weather conditions, forecast information, construction information, and seasonal load restrictions.

Ohio
COLUMBUS—According to The Ohio Geological Survey’s 2001 Report on Ohio Mineral Industries, production of limestone and dolomite was 81 million tons worth $395 million. Ohio was third in the nation in production of limestone and dolomite, behind only Missouri and Alabama. Ohio is fifth in the nation in the production of crushed stone of all types, including sandstone. Nearly 57 millions tons of sand and gravel were produced in Ohio in 2001.

Oklahoma
OKLAHOMA CITY—According to the Tulsa World, a bill to authorize a toll bridge over the Arkansas River at Yale Avenue south of 121st Street won state House approval. The measure now awaits Senate approval.

Oregon
PORTLAND—According to the Daily Journal of Commerce, the Oregon DOT created five design options for an interchange at Jackson School Road and Sunset Highway. In an 11-year period, the area was the site of at least 47 accidents, including crashes in which two people died. All five of the designs call for lowering the speed limit.

Pennsylvania
ALLENTOWN—According to The Morning Call, Frank Casilio and Sons was granted a special exception use by the Lower Nazareth Township Zoning Hearing Board to build a concrete manufacturing plant on 5.6 acres off Tatamy Road. Casilio is purchasing the 5.6 acres from Eastern Industries, Inc., which operates a limestone quarry at the site.

Rhode Island
PROVIDENCE—According to The Providence Journal-Bulletin, a bill to criminalize driving with a 0.08 blood alcohol content won unanimous approval of the House Judiciary Committee after an 11-year debate. Rhode Island stood to lose more than $17 million in federal transportation funds if they did not comply with the federal statute.

South Carolina
CHARLESTON—According to The Post and Courier, the state DOT is complying with FHWA’s recommendation urging states to routinely include bicycle and pedestrian accommodations in road construction projects. The resolution received approval from the state Transportation Commission last February.

South Dakota
PIERRE—According to the National Journal’s CongressDaily, South Dakota Rep. William Janklow addressed the lack of power the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee members have to direct federal money to their own districts. Janklow was concerned with the amount of funding East Coast urban areas receive over Western and Southern states.

Tennessee
NASHVILLE—According to the Associated Press, Tennessee Transportation Commissioner Jerry Nicely presented Governor Phil Bredesen with about $55 million in potential budget cuts. Nearly all other state departments and agencies have cut budgets 7.5 percent.

Texas
AUSTIN—According to the Fort Worth Star Telegram, state leaders warned that state highway funding is nearly $3 billion less than originally projected for construction over the next decade. The state’s updated budget will not affect projects that are under construction or those in which the formal design work is under way, but it may have significant impact on new projects.

Utah
SALT LAKE CITY—According to The Deseret News, the Senate committee rejected a bill that was aimed at fixing the $4 million shortfall in the State Tax Commission’s budget for fiscal year 2004. The bill would have pulled the $4 million from the state transportation fund.

Vermont
BENNINGTON—According to the Associated Press, Governor James Douglas is considering increasing the state’s bond limit in fiscal 2005 to help ensure construction of the Bennington bypass. The Select Board recently called on Douglas to increase the state’s bond limit during the next three to five years to guarantee funding for the bypass and other major transportation projects in the state. Construction on the bypass’ western connector to New York began in 1999 and is due to be completed by the end of 2004. Work on the road’s second leg is due to begin in 2005.

Virginia
RICHMOND—According to The Washington Post, $2.2 billion from gas and sales taxes will go into the state’s transportation trust fund. Governor Mark Warner diverted $63 million from the fund to help balance the state’s budget.

Washington
VANCOUVER—According to The Columbian, Friends of the East Fork says that allowing J.L. Storedahl and Sons to expand gravel mining operations on 161 acres near the East Fork of the Lewis River would pose tangible dangers to threatened salmon and steelhead and their habitat and would violate the Endangered Species Act. Storedahl believes the effects of gravel mining can be mitigated and has spent $2.2 million and approximately five years developing a habitat plan and an accompanying draft environmental impact statement.

West Virginia
CHARLESTON—According to the Associated Press, Waco Oil and Gas is appealing a state agency’s refusal to grant a permit for a sandstone quarry in Pocahontas County. The company is seeking to overturn a ruling by the Surface Mine Board upholding the Department of Environmental Protection’s refusal to issue a mining permit.

Wisconsin
APPLETON—According to The Post-Crescent, Governor Jim Doyle plans to cut 2,900 state jobs as part of his plan to overcome a projected $3.2 billion deficit. Also part of the governor’s plan is the transfer of $500 million from the state’s transportation fund to help balance the rest of the budget.

Wyoming
CHEYENNE—According to the Associated Press, lawmakers in Wyoming increased state spending by 5 percent, with one tax hike, a 48-cent tax on a package of cigarettes. Wyoming relies heavily on mining and drilling taxes and earnings from investments. Recent high prices for the resources that are a bulk of Wyoming’s revenue have also contributed to the state’s increased budget.

April 2003 Management State by State State Contract Activity				State by State Compiled by Angie Moehlman Alabama MONTGOMERY—According to the Associated Press, federal officials approved the Memphis-to-Atlanta highway route through the Tennessee Valley. Route approval was given on the acceptance of an environmental impact statement by the Federal Highway Administration. The 175-mile route will take approximately 20 years to complete. Alaska ANCHORAGE—According to the Anchorage Daily News, the Anchorage Assembly voted to send plans for a proposed 250-acre subdivision in the Sand Lake gravel pits back to the city Platting Board for reconsideration of water quality and the lack of covenants. Developer Dave Hultquist proposed building more than 650 houses and duplexes on the site. Arizona PHOENIX—According to The Arizona Republic, officials are trying to negotiate the closure of the Fort McDowell Sand and Gravel pit. Phoenix and the gravel pit’s owner, the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, are working on a deal that will appease area residents, who have complained about the landfill’s operations for years. Under the proposal, the tribe would donate 19 acres of the landfill to the city and the city would transform it into a neighborhood park. Arkansas HUNTSVILLE—According to the Associated Press, the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality recently shut down a gravel mining operation along War Eagle Creek, stating the Madison County Road Department lacked authority to mine there. Road department officials thought the property owners had the appropriate permit. California WATSONVILLE—On Jan. 27, 2003, San Benito County Ambassadors awarded Graniterock the Chamber of Commerce’s “Business of the Month” at a ceremony in the A.R. Wilson Quarry. The award recognizes businesses that are active members and supporters of the community and excel in promoting customer service. Colorado TRINIDAD—According to The Pueblo Chieftain, the Las Animas County Board of Commissioners recently voted unanimously to table a vote on a special use permit for a second gravel pit in the Gulnare area. The commissioners said they would seek legal advice before making a decision. Connecticut NEW HARTFORD—According to The Hartford Courant, representatives of Canton Village Construction recently met with the planning and zoning commission to address concerns about mining sand and gravel near the Farmington River. To address concerns, experts in traffic, soil, and air quality explained to commission members the project would have negligible effect on residents. Delaware DOVER—According to The News Journal, plans are in the making for moving the state’s Division of Motor Vehicles into the Delaware Department of Transportation. The Joint Finance Committee recently reviewed DelDOT’s proposed $179.6 million operating budget and will likely include the DMV move in the plan they recommend to the General Assembly in June. Florida FORT LAUDERDALE —According to the Sun-Sentinel, a new bill may be passed in the state Legislature that will set up a claims process for people who blame blasting for damages to their homes. The Florida Construction Materials Mining Activities Act would require mining companies to post a bond of at least $100,000 before blasting. It would require a mediator to review claims to determine whether they can be resolved quickly and informally. If that fails, it calls for both sides to attend a state administrative law hearing. Georgia HAMILTON—According to the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer, the draft of the rural State Transportation Improvement Program for the next three years calls for nearly $26 million in state, federal, and local spending for 15 road and bridge projects in Harris County. Hawaii HONOLULU—During the MDU Resources Group, Inc., fourth quarter and year-end 2002 results conference call, Martin White, president and chief executive officer stated that an increase in earnings resulted from increased aggregate, asphalt, and cement sales volumes and increased construction revenues. Earnings from acquisitions also added to the increase in earnings. “Our West Coast and Hawaii operations made outstanding contributions to earnings,” said White. Idaho BOISE—According to The Idaho Statesman, the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee voted to pull back spending plans by the Idaho Transportation Department, saying a cut of about $7 million would prevent the agency from arguing for a fuel tax increase in the future. The panel endorsed a $423 million budget for the agency. Illinois CHICAGO—According to the Chicago Tribune, Bartlett Village officials recently toured two Kentucky mines that resemble a $30 million project proposed in Bartlett. After viewing the Kentucky mines, village officials say they are encouraged about the prospect for a deep limestone mine, although they still must overcome environmental concerns. Bartlett village officials are in the early stages of reviewing plans by Bluff City Materials, Inc., and Vulcan Materials Co. to construct a room and pillar mine to quarry limestone as part of a 311-acre development near West Bartlett Road and Illinois Highway 25. Indiana INDIANAPOLIS—According to The Indianapolis Star, Indianapolis spent almost all of its $4 million budget for the 2003 calendar year on cleaning up snow. Amid concern that the snow removal budget may force delays in more than 200 road and street repairs, the city’s bookkeepers want to tap into a Department of Public Works surplus fund. Iowa DUBUQUE—According to the Telegraph Herald, 50 representatives from local government, the tri-state area business community, and the education and health sectors participated in the second annual Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce Legislative Trip to Washington and met with Dubuque’s congressional delegation and officials from several federal agencies. Better roads and fairer Medicare reimbursement topped the list of important issues on the delegation’s agenda. Kansas TOPEKA—According to the Topeka Capital Journal, Transportation Secretary Deb Miller stated that a tax increase package passed by the Legislature last year, which raised motor fuel taxes and increased vehicle registration fees, will generate enough money to cover most of the money removed from the state’s transportation plan in recent years. Governor Kathleen Sebelius proposed the Legislature take $260 million from the Kansas DOT to help the state pay its bills. Kentucky LEXINGTON—According to the Lexington Herald-Leader, the University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, and the state Transportation Cabinet formed a partnership to establish a transportation cooperative to reduce congestion and improve transportation, safety, and mobility. The Academy for Community Transportation Innovation will combine education and research with an emphasis on community involvement and environmental sensitivity in training transportation planners. Louisiana SHREVEPORT—According to The Times, a Congressional earmark of $4 million for the extension of Interstate 49 north of Shreveport will broaden efforts from buying land to actually pouring concrete. The state plans to begin land purchases by fall for a 6.5-mile stretch of I-49. Construction on the $400 million, 34-mile project is estimated to begin in 2004. Maine AUGUSTA—According to the Portland Press Herald, Maine expects to receive $148.9 million in federal highway funding this year. The money is designated to pay part of the cost of large projects. State officials assign priorities to projects based on safety concerns, development, and local support. Maryland ANNAPOLIS—According to The Washington Post, Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr., proposed using $500 million from the state’s transportation trust fund to prevent massive budget cuts. The governor asserts that he can use this money designated for transportation without doing serious harm to the state’s road and transit system. Massachusetts WORCESTER—According to the Telegram & Gazette, Worcester Sand and Gravel Co., Inc., agreed to pay the state Department of Environmental Protection $15,000 and submit cleanup plans. The company reported that a chlorinated cleaning solvent reached soil and groundwater in 1996 and that gasoline contaminated soil around an underground storage tank that same year. The consent order arose because the company did not clean up the contamination and did not file the necessary paperwork. Michigan DETROIT—According to The Detroit News, increased costs for road agencies, stagnant gas tax revenues, and a potential loss of state transportation money could mean fewer road repairs for next year. In Oakland County alone, road commission officials expect to spend less on resurfacing in 2004 due to higher insurance, fuel, and worker benefit costs. Financial planning for 2004 has been complicated for the state’s 83 road commissions because of Governor Jennifer Granholm’s proposal to transfer $118 million from the state’s transportation budget to other departments. Granholm is also seeking to cut $13 million from a Transportation Economic Development Fund. Minnesota MINNEAPOLIS—The Aggregate and Ready Mix Association of Minnesota (ARM) elected a new board of directors for 2003. Appointments include two board members from Cemstone, with Tim Becken as president and Kevin MacDonald as chair of the Technical Committee. Dan Mergens of Aggregate Industries is elected as second vice president and Brian Bauerly retains a board seat as past president. Mike McCormick of Aggregate Industries is now chair of the Aggregates Committee and Andy Julius of Master Builders is chair of the Marketing Committee. Mississippi HATTIESBURG—According to the Hattiesburg American, Lamar County Planner Alana Abney qualified for the state Highway Commission’s southern district post. Abney qualified as a Republican to face incumbent Democrat Wayne Brown for the job that oversees transportation funding and projects for 27 southern counties. Missouri JEFFERSON CITY—On Jan. 10, 2003, the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission voted to reallocate the distribution of transportation funds, with 52.2 percent going to rural areas and 47.8 percent going to urban areas. The result is a net loss of funds allocated to St. Louis and Kansas City. This does not include a $100 million Flexible Fund to address regional and emerging needs. Montana HELENA—Senator Max Baucus outlined his plan to increase federal highway funding and create more highway jobs in Montana and America in his speech before the Western Governors Association. Key elements of Baucus’ Highway Plan include increasing overall revenue to the Highway Trust Fund without raising taxes; implementing new road safety measures; increasing transportation investment in rural areas; and increasing transit funding in rural areas. Nebraska SCOTTSBLUFF—According to the Associated Press, the Heartland Expressway project received $1.5 million of the requested $7 million in funding. The Heartland Expressway is a proposed four-lane highway planned between Denver and Rapid City, S.D. Nevada RENO—According to the Reno Gazette-Journal, transportation officials from Washoe and Clark counties told state lawmakers that more than $3.5 billion must be spent on transportation projects in Nevada’s two major urban areas, Las Vegas and Reno, if traffic gridlock is to be avoided. Legislation is needed for the counties to enact fee increases authorized by voters in November through the passage of advisory questions. New Hampshire PORTSMOUTH—According to the Associated Press, the Pease Development Authority approved spending up to $60,000 to process a state wetlands permit to dredge the Hampton-Seabrook Harbor. However, the authority does not have money from the state to pay for the dredging itself. New Jersey SOUTH AMBOY—According to the Home News Tribune, South Amboy received $11.13 million in funding from the state DOT to demolish its 50-year-old Conrail bridge and construct two new spans, one for freight trains and the other for vehicular traffic. New Mexico SANTA FE—According to The Santa Fe New Mexican, Judge Tim Garcia recently denied gravel mine owner Jerome Romero’s appeal of a permit denial by the Rio Arriba County Commission. Romero requires a permit under the county’s mining ordinance to expand his 5-acre operation by an additional 9.5 acres. Garcia ruled that Romero will not be able to expand the mine without going through Rio Arriba County’s zoning review. New York FISHKILL—According to the Poughkeepsie Journal, Southern Dutchess Sand and Gravel, Inc., requested a change to its existing permits to allow it to remove 2 million cu. yds. more of sand and gravel in the next decade or two from its existing mine near the Putnam County border. The state will hear public opinion about the mine before approving the expansion. North Carolina RALEIGH—According to the Associated Press, Governor Mike Easley proposed legislation in which $700 million in yet-to-be-issued bonds for the Highway Trust Fund would go toward resurfacing, replacing bridges, and public transportation, such as light rail and urban transit. North Dakota BISMARCK—According to the Grand Forks Herald, North Dakotans now have travel information available to them by phone. The 511 system is an automated telephone service that provides road and weather conditions, forecast information, construction information, and seasonal load restrictions. Ohio COLUMBUS—According to The Ohio Geological Survey’s 2001 Report on Ohio Mineral Industries, production of limestone and dolomite was 81 million tons worth $395 million. Ohio was third in the nation in production of limestone and dolomite, behind only Missouri and Alabama. Ohio is fifth in the nation in the production of crushed stone of all types, including sandstone. Nearly 57 millions tons of sand and gravel were produced in Ohio in 2001. Oklahoma OKLAHOMA CITY—According to the Tulsa World, a bill to authorize a toll bridge over the Arkansas River at Yale Avenue south of 121st Street won state House approval. The measure now awaits Senate approval. Oregon PORTLAND—According to the Daily Journal of Commerce, the Oregon DOT created five design options for an interchange at Jackson School Road and Sunset Highway. In an 11-year period, the area was the site of at least 47 accidents, including crashes in which two people died. All five of the designs call for lowering the speed limit. Pennsylvania ALLENTOWN—According to The Morning Call, Frank Casilio and Sons was granted a special exception use by the Lower Nazareth Township Zoning Hearing Board to build a concrete manufacturing plant on 5.6 acres off Tatamy Road. Casilio is purchasing the 5.6 acres from Eastern Industries, Inc., which operates a limestone quarry at the site. Rhode Island PROVIDENCE—According to The Providence Journal-Bulletin, a bill to criminalize driving with a 0.08 blood alcohol content won unanimous approval of the House Judiciary Committee after an 11-year debate. Rhode Island stood to lose more than $17 million in federal transportation funds if they did not comply with the federal statute. South Carolina CHARLESTON—According to The Post and Courier, the state DOT is complying with FHWA’s recommendation urging states to routinely include bicycle and pedestrian accommodations in road construction projects. The resolution received approval from the state Transportation Commission last February. South Dakota PIERRE—According to the National Journal’s CongressDaily, South Dakota Rep. William Janklow addressed the lack of power the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee members have to direct federal money to their own districts. Janklow was concerned with the amount of funding East Coast urban areas receive over Western and Southern states. Tennessee NASHVILLE—According to the Associated Press, Tennessee Transportation Commissioner Jerry Nicely presented Governor Phil Bredesen with about $55 million in potential budget cuts. Nearly all other state departments and agencies have cut budgets 7.5 percent. Texas AUSTIN—According to the Fort Worth Star Telegram, state leaders warned that state highway funding is nearly $3 billion less than originally projected for construction over the next decade. The state’s updated budget will not affect projects that are under construction or those in which the formal design work is under way, but it may have significant impact on new projects. Utah SALT LAKE CITY—According to The Deseret News, the Senate committee rejected a bill that was aimed at fixing the $4 million shortfall in the State Tax Commission’s budget for fiscal year 2004. The bill would have pulled the $4 million from the state transportation fund. Vermont BENNINGTON—According to the Associated Press, Governor James Douglas is considering increasing the state’s bond limit in fiscal 2005 to help ensure construction of the Bennington bypass. The Select Board recently called on Douglas to increase the state’s bond limit during the next three to five years to guarantee funding for the bypass and other major transportation projects in the state. Construction on the bypass’ western connector to New York began in 1999 and is due to be completed by the end of 2004. Work on the road’s second leg is due to begin in 2005. Virginia RICHMOND—According to The Washington Post, $2.2 billion from gas and sales taxes will go into the state’s transportation trust fund. Governor Mark Warner diverted $63 million from the fund to help balance the state’s budget. Washington VANCOUVER—According to The Columbian, Friends of the East Fork says that allowing J.L. Storedahl and Sons to expand gravel mining operations on 161 acres near the East Fork of the Lewis River would pose tangible dangers to threatened salmon and steelhead and their habitat and would violate the Endangered Species Act. Storedahl believes the effects of gravel mining can be mitigated and has spent $2.2 million and approximately five years developing a habitat plan and an accompanying draft environmental impact statement. West Virginia CHARLESTON—According to the Associated Press, Waco Oil and Gas is appealing a state agency’s refusal to grant a permit for a sandstone quarry in Pocahontas County. The company is seeking to overturn a ruling by the Surface Mine Board upholding the Department of Environmental Protection’s refusal to issue a mining permit. Wisconsin APPLETON—According to The Post-Crescent, Governor Jim Doyle plans to cut 2,900 state jobs as part of his plan to overcome a projected $3.2 billion deficit. Also part of the governor’s plan is the transfer of $500 million from the state’s transportation fund to help balance the rest of the budget. Wyoming CHEYENNE—According to the Associated Press, lawmakers in Wyoming increased state spending by 5 percent, with one tax hike, a 48-cent tax on a package of cigarettes. Wyoming relies heavily on mining and drilling taxes and earnings from investments. Recent high prices for the resources that are a bulk of Wyoming’s revenue have also contributed to the state’s increased budget.