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New Zealand Ambassador to the United States, the Honorable Tim Groser
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The MBUFA Annual Conference was kicked off on March 16 by New Zealand's Ambassador to the United States, the Honorable Tim Groser, who made remarks about the history of New Zealand and the road charge program in that nation. New Zealand has relied, in part, on mileage-based user fees as part of its transportation funding more extensively and longer than any other nation.
The morning panels featured panelists focusing on
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New Zealand Road Charge Programme Panel |
1) New Zealand Road Charge Programme
2) MBUF Telematics and New Impacts
3) Fast Act Grant Recipients in the United States
In addition, two awards were presented during the day - one to Congressman
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MBUFA Chairman Jack Basso and Alex Herrgott
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MBUFA Chairman Jack Basso and Congressman Earl Blumenauer
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Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) who has been an outspoken supporter of efforts to make transportation funding more sustainable, and the other award to Alex Herrgott, former Deputy Staff Director of the Environment and Public Works Committee and a senior staff member from the Office of Senator Inhofe (R-OK), who has played a key role in crafting legislation supporting efforts to test sustainable alternatives for surface transportation funding, including Section 6020 of The FAST Act.
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Congressman Sam Graves (R-MO), delivering keynote address
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The keynote address was provided by Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO), Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure who noted the Committee will be looking at all aspects possible to fund infrastructure in the nation.
The afternoon panels focused on:
1) The California Road Charge Pilot
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FAST Act Grant Recipients Panel |
2) The New Administration and Impact on MBUF
3) MBUF Mythbusters 2017
Following the packed schedule, Ambassador Groser hosted a closing reception in the beautiful New Zealand Grand Hall, featuring a selection of New Zealand wines.
