“I have known and worked with Jim for his entire career and am in full agreement with the board’s decision. I am certain that Granite will be in very good hands. Jim is a proven Granite leader, who has been delivering the goods for 28 years. Jim will have the benefit of a capable, next-generation senior team that is ready to lead. In addition, strong business unit management, terrific engineering, financial talent and experienced builders throughout our system will complement Jim’s team. I am confident that Granite is poised to come roaring out of the current recessionary business climate stronger than ever, with the depth of talent to grow and satisfy the personal and professional aspirations of all our stakeholders, particularly our dedicated employees and our investors, who put their trust and capital in our hands.

“My intention is to stay involved with the company to the degree that I can be helpful. I will stay on our board, be involved in certain business development activities and continue to work to increase public funding for infrastructure, which is critical to America’s future. In addition, I hope to be a seat-filler at many San Francisco Giants baseball games.

“I want to thank all of our people across the country (both current and past employees) for your support and dedication. No CEO has ever been more blessed. It has been my honor to be on your team.” (The letter, in its entirety, can be read on the company’s Web site at www.graniteconstruction.com.)

Roberts joined Granite in 1981 and has held a number of positions within the company, including estimator, project manager and Nevada/Utah regional manager. In 2004 he was named senior vice president and manager of the branch business, overseeing businesses in California, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Washington and Alaska.

Roberts has served as chair of the National Asphalt Pavement Association, as president of the Nevada Chapter of the Associated General Contractors and as a member of the Nevada Chapter of the Young Presidents’ Organization. He is also currently a trustee emeritus of the University of Nevada, Reno Foundation.

A native of California, Roberts earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering from the University of California at Berkeley and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Southern California. He is a graduate of the Executive Program at Stanford University.

Granite Construction Inc. is a member of the S&P 400 Midcap Index, the FTSE KLD 400 Social Index and the Russell 2000 Index. Granite Construction Company, a wholly owned subsidiary, is one of the nation’s largest diversified heavy civil contractors and construction materials producers. Granite Construction Company serves public- and private-sector clients through its offices and subsidiaries nationwide. For more information about Granite, please visit its Web site at www.graniteconstruction.com.