ATSSA Signal Nov/Dec 2018

The Signal | Nov/Dec 2018 41 Chapter News ATSSA chapters met across the United States to discuss area and industry initiatives. ATSSA staff participated in numerous chap- ter meetings to update members on the association’s initiatives including ATSSA’s State Government Relations program, The Foundation programs and events, such as ATSSA’s Legislative Briefing & Fly-in and National Work Zone Awareness Week. Visit www.atssa.com/Chapters for more information. Chesapeake & Virginia Chapter A joint meeting was held by the Chesapeake and Virginia chapters of ATSSA on Aug. 22 in Williamsburg, Virginia, in conjunction with ATSSA’s Midyear Meeting. The chapter hosted Mike Fox, highway accident investigator from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in Washington, D.C. Fox discussed the NTSB, what kind of crashes they investigate, and briefly described their investigative process. Some current crashes were reviewed, along with a closer look at case studies of crashes of interest to the roadway safety industry. A total of 20 people attended the Indiana Chapter of ATSSA meeting Sept. 14 in Plainfield, Indiana including five representatives from the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) and one from the Indiana Constructors. David Rush and Harry Campbell provided an update about the Vir- ginia Department of Transportation, and Jerry Nagyiski shared up- dates about the Delaware Department of Transportation. Both chapters are considering hosting state advocacy days and have asked members interested in participating to contact their respec- tive chapter presidents. The Twisted Bowling Tournament Fundraiser, hosted by both chapters during ATSSA’s Midyear Meeting, was a success with over 100 participants. Indiana Chapter ATSSA Director of Government Relations David Bell shared news about sales tax and road funding for 2019. INDOT addressed a num- ber of topics including black tape, orange sheeting, digital sign spec- ifications, sign removal, temporary work zone speed limits, work zone reviews, and nighttime lighting. The chapter will meet in De- cember with a location TBD. Kentucky Chapter The Kentucky Chapter met for its third quarter chapter meeting at the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet on Sept. 19. Sen. Ernie Harris (R – Ken.), chair of the Kentucky State Transportation Committee, and Thomas Nelson, Jr. of the FHWA attended. Harris spoke about the state’s present and future budget initiatives and roadway plans, while Nelson spoke about related federal plans. Both expressed support for the chapter and members. The meeting concluded with an announcement of the election for president-elect. Sen. Harris addressed the Kentucky chapter at the recent chapter meeting, dis- cussing budget initiatives and roadway plans for the state government. Michigan Chapter The Michigan Chapter of ATSSA held a meeting June 27 in Farming- ton Hills, Michigan. Chapter President Kurt Shea of PK Contracting welcomed nearly 25 people in attendance, including five from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). Mark Bott of MDOT spoke about Michigan’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan and efforts to help reduce crashes and fatalities. The chapter also discussed standards for the Manual Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH). Chris Brookes and Chuck Bergmann, of MDOT shared ATSSA commit- tee reports. Bergmann, chair of the chapter’s Work Zone Awareness Week Committee, discussed future plans for National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW). Jamie Lemke of Give ‘em a Brake Safety, was confirmed as presi- dent-elect and Mark Van Til, also of Give ‘em a Brake Safety, was elected to the chapter board. Stephanie Boileau of SME, was appoint- ed as treasurer and Jim Van Dam, of NLB was thanked by the presi- dent for his years of service and help re-establishing the chapter. The next meeting will take place this fall in October or November. Chapter News