ATSSA Signal July/August 2019

The Signal | July/August 2019 35 Chapter News Chapter News ATSSA chapters met across the United States to discuss area and industry initiatives. ATSSA staff participated in 74 chapter meetings to update members on the association’s initiatives including ATSSA’s State Government Relations program, The Foun- dation programs and events, and ATSSA events, such as ATSSA’s Legislative Briefing & Fly-in and National Work Zone Awareness Week. Visit www.atssa.com/Member-Center for more information. Arizona Chapter The Arizona ATSSA Chapter (AZ-ATSSA) met at the Arizona De- partment of Transportation (ADOT) in Phoenix on March 19. There were 48 people in attendance, including 14 from public agencies. The chapter coordinated a panel of five members to discuss smart work zone solutions for Arizona. This included the review of a current smart work zone within the state, as well as the types of equipment used to provide cutting-edge information and communication technologies. Attendees also learned how smart transportation and traffic management systems improve the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of transportation networks. AZ-ATSSA appointed members to represent the chapter on ADOT’s Strategic Traffic Safety Plan committees in the follow- ing emphasis areas: roadway departure, intersections, pedes- trian and bicycle safety, and crash data (data driven safety analysis). During the Arizona chapter meeting, a panel was held to discuss smart work zone solutions for the state. Arkansas Chapter The Arkansas ATSSA Chapter (AR-ATSSA) met on May 9 in North Little Rock. There were 20 people in attendance. To promote National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW), the chapter partnered with the Arkansas Department of Transpor- tation (ARDOT) on a series of events held throughout the week. During the week a press conference was held on a work site where new “Work With Us” signs were unveiled. Two events were held in conjunction with Arkansas’ minor league baseball teams, including a “Night with the Naturals” and a “Night with the Travelers.” At both these events, “Work With Us” t-shirts and orange wrist- bands were given out, an ARDOT official threw the first pitch, a mini memorial display of cones with black ribbons was set-up to raise awareness of those lost in work zones, and public ser- vice announcements for work zone safety were displayed on the stadium’s Jumbotron. Cindy Williams attended ATSSA’s Legislative Briefing & Fly-In and reported that both parties seem encouraged with the pos- sibility of an infrastructure package, once a funding mechanism is established. Williams had visits with Sen. John Boozman (R), Rep. Bruce Westerman (R), and Rep. Steve Womack (R). During the meeting, Cindy Williams shared about her experience meeting with legislators at ATSSA’s Legislative Briefing & Fly-In in Washington, D.C.