In journalism it is called a "curtain-raiser" -- a story providing background and context in advance of a major event. The Legislature's version took place last week in Sacramento in the form of a Joint Legislative Committee meeting on the future of transportation funding.

The informational meeting held March 3 was just that -- a way to lay out the case that declining fuel tax revenues that help pay for road repairs must be addressed, and addressed soon, or the state's roads and bridges risk falling into a dangerous state of disrepair.

The hearing, led by Assembly Transportation Committee Chair Lori Wilson and Senate Transportation Committee Chair Dave Cortese, presented eye-popping information about how the advent of electric vehicles is sending fuel tax revenues plunging, putting future road and bridge repairs in peril.. The term "fiscal cliff" was used.

“Monday’s informational hearing was a productive and necessary step in addressing the future of transportation funding in California," Wilson told Asphalt Insider following the hearing. "We had insightful discussions about the challenges posed by declining gas tax revenues and the need for a fair, sustainable funding solution that ensures our roads, bridges, and transit systems remain safe and reliable for all Californians. I appreciate the engagement from experts, stakeholders, and my colleagues as we navigate this complex issue together. This is just the beginning—there are no easy fixes, but inaction is not an option. I look forward to continuing this important conversation and keeping Californians informed as we work toward solutions that support our state’s mobility needs now and in the future.”

Cortese offered similar sentiments when contacted by Asphalt Insider, saying, “Gas tax revenue is declining with more fuel efficient, hybrid and electric cars on the road in California while the new Administration is also planning to cut federal transportation dollars for our transportation projects. That’s why I have bills this session to develop public/private partnerships to help pay for this decrease in funding for our transportation projects."

Kiana Valentine, executive director of the CalAPA-supported advocacy group, Transportation California, told Asphalt Insider she appreciated the methodical and data-driven approach the Legislature is taking to tackle the thorny issue.

“We appreciate the thoughtful and inclusive approach that the Assembly and Senate Transportation Committees are taking to address the state’s projected $31 billion shortfall in declining gas tax revenues over the next 10 years," she told Asphalt Insider afterward. "Achieving a sustainable, affordable and effective transportation funding solution in which everyone pays their fair share is critical to enhancing safety and meeting the mobility needs of Californians. Transportation California is taking an evidence-based approach to replace lost funding through a revenue-neutral solution. We look forward to sharing the results of our efforts and working in close collaboration with the Legislature, Governor’s Office and our local and state partners and stakeholders to achieve a lasting solution.” 

One of the subject-matter experts who testified at the hearing was Margot Yap, CEO of NCE, a consulting firm that specializes in providing expertise to public agencies. Her firm is working on an update on an authoritative "needs assessment" report for the state's system. A working draft of that report is HERE. The report projects an overall revenue shortfall over the next 10 years, exacerbated by declining fuel tax revenues, to be $294 billion.

“I’m very encouraged to see the Legislature focus on this issue - it’s important we understand the impacts of declining gas tax revenues – not just on transportation, but the way it will affect Californians’ lives and the state’s economy," she told Asphalt Insider. "Given what I heard at the hearing, I’m optimistic that we can arrive at a solution that will work for everyone.”

Wilson, who was a featured speaker at CalAPA's Annual Dinner in January, said the hearing will be the first of several that are expected to be held to further frame the issue. In addition, she has introduced a bill, AB1421, to advance work on a fuel tax alternative that has been come to be known as the "Road User Charge." Information on that bill is HERE.

A recording of the Monday's legislative session can be accessed HERE. CalAPA members will have an opportunity to advance the conversation in-person on this and other issues during the association's annual "Fly-in" to the state Capitol March 18-19. Registration for that event is HERE.

The California Asphalt Pavement Association (CalAPA) is teaming up with the Asphalt Institute (AI) to provide asphalt pavement professionals an opportunity to earn a certificate in paving inspection. The in-person class will provide agency and industry personnel with the knowledge needed to properly inspect an asphalt paving project. This course will be taught by two well-respected Asphalt Institute engineers: Danny Gierhart and Jhony Habbouche. They will share inspector best-practices and strategies to ensure the construction of a quality asphalt pavement. This is the only class of its kind to be held in California. On-line registration is HERE.

The Asphalt Institute’s Paving Inspector Certification (PIC) course covers all the fundamental information that any asphalt paving personnel should know to properly inspect an asphalt paving job. It covers information essential for inspection and project management personnel to ensure asphalt pavements reach their intended service life. This course follows the authoratative AI "MS-22: Construction of Quality Asphalt Pavements" manual, and each attendee will receive a copy of the manual (a $75 value) to refer to during the course. Lunch will be provided on Day 1 and Day 2, and refreshments on all three days.

The PIC program will satisfy many of the personnel qualification requirements identified in ASTM D3666, Standard Specification for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Testing and Inspecting Road and Paving Materials. Because there are thousands of roadway and airfield agencies across the globe with differing policies and requirements, it is up to each registrant to determine whether their local agency accepts AI’s pavement inspection certification.

This course is designed for engineers, inspectors, consultants and contractor personnel who are responsible for project inspection, quality control, quality assurance and/or management of asphalt paving operations, from materials sampling to placement and compaction to testing and project documentation. All participants who successfully complete the course, including passing all quizzes, will be awarded "Paving Inspector Certification."

Additional information and on-line registration on this class can be found HERE. Space is limited, so early registration is strongly recommended.

Proposed tariffs slapped on Mexico and Canada were announced by the Trump administration last week, as expected, and then pulled back after a strong backlash at home and abroad. The construction materials industry has warned such tariffs could "significantly increase the cost of both public and private transportation and infrastructure projects."

The tariffs, which are essentially a tax on imported goods, could impact hundreds of billions worth of cross-border trade between the countries. The week was punctuated with conflicting announcements from the White House, first announcing the tariffs would proceed, then announcing that automobile manufacturing would be exempt. By week's end the White House, faced with a jittery stock market and retaliatory tariffs announced by America's trading partners, reversed his 25% tariffs on many Canadian and Mexican goods.

The National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA), a CalAPA partner, and other construction materials associations, previously voiced concern about how such tariffs could impact the construction industry. A coalition letter sent to the White House on Jan. 31, outlined those concerns. Contacted last week by Asphalt Insider, a NAPA representative said the organizations were closely monitoring developments that seemingly changed by the hour.

A previous Asphalt Insider story on this topic is HERE. In the current issue of CalAPA's association magazine, California Asphalt, economists from UCLA weigh in on the potential impact to the state and national economies on tariffs. That issue is on-line HERE.

Women of Asphalt California Branch volunteers participated in a high school career event last week in Livermore, and later announced an upcoming professional development webinar and new leadership for 2025.

The Branch, supported by CalAPA, participated in their first apprenticeship fair of the year, held at Livermore High School on March 5. Alongside other industry vendors such as Operating Engineers Local 3 Union, Trades Women Inc., DeSilva Gates, Peterson CAT, and the Construction Trades Workforce Initiative, the WofACA volunteers had the opportunity to showcase the many opportunities in the asphalt industry, said one of the organizers, Mimi Le with MCK Services.

The event was deemed a resounding success, with over 50 students of both sexes signing up to learn more about careers in the asphalt industry. Four lucky students each won $25 Target gift cards given away at the event.

Joining Le in staffing the booth were Karen Bonnetti-Ramirez from Caltrans District 10, Randy Cortez from BSK Associates and Suzanne Morgan from Structure Groups. Among the information shared with students was asphalt pavement design and testing, inspection and recycled pavements.

Hosted by Paula-Ann Cabading, the College & Career Specialist at Livermore High School/Tri-Valley Regional Occupational Program, the event attracted between 200 and 300 students and ran from 9:50 a.m. to 12:40 p.m. Afterward, the volunteers were treated to lunch by MCK Services at Wasabi Bistro in Livermore. Given the popularity of the Women of Asphalt California Branch booth at last year’s fair, the group secured two tables this year, allowing the volunteers to reach even more students and showcase more of what our industry has to offer.

Le said the event is part of the WofA-CA Branch Education Committee’s ongoing commitment to raising awareness of the diverse opportunities within the asphalt industry while providing valuable educational resources.

"I'm incredibly proud of our Woment of Asphalt California Branch volunteers for the outstanding job they did in representing the asphalt industry," Le said. "Their dedication and passion truly reflects the strength and diversity of our community. It was an honor to stand alongside them at this event, proudly representing women on the Women of Asphalt California Branch."

Le expressed gratitude to Randy Cortez for supporting the event, ensuring young men felt comfortable to stop by the booth.

In other branch news, the group announced registration is open for another professional development webinar in the "Empower-Her Leadership Series" to elevate women in the industry. The webinar, to be held on Friday, April 4 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., is hosted by Rachel Luciak of Strategic G Advisors. The title for the free educational webinar is "Presentation Skills to Boost Your Confidence, While Maximizing Your Impact." To register for the free educational webinar, click HERE.

The Women of Asphalt California Branch also announced that Sarah Hartz, chief of the Caltrans Southern Regional Lab, will be the new industry co-chair of the group for 2025. She replaces Cathrina Barros Dmytrow, who held the position until she retired from state service last year. Now part of a private consultancy, Pavement ACES, Dmytrow has agreed serve as the industry co-chair of the group.

To learn more about the Women of Asphalt California Branch, and sign up to receive notifications of upcoming events, click HERE. The branch is supported by CalAPA's charitable arm, the California Asphalt Research & Education (CARE) Foundation. Learn more about the CARE Foundation HERE.

A memorial service for legendary University of California professor and asphalt expert Carl Monismith is scheduled for March 21 at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Jerome Catholic Church, 308 Carmel Avenue in El Cerrito.

Monismith, a member of the CalAPA "Hall of Fame" and recipient of numerous other honors during his storied career, passed away Jan. 7 in Montana at the age of 98. A story about him is in the current issue of CalAPA's association magazine, California Asphalt. That issue can be accessed on line HERE.

The family says there will be a gathering immediately following the memorial service at the Parish Hall. Internment will be at 2:30 p.m. at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon.

Each week we highlight a word, acronym or other term commonly used in the asphalt pavement industry in California.

HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE: The pressure in a liquid under static conditions; the product of the unit weight of the liquid and the difference in elevation between the given points and the free water elevation.

Each week we highlight a key point or best practice of interest to asphalt paving crews, inspectors and others working in the field. We welcome suggestions. More tips can be found in our "Asphalt Parking Lot Construction Checklist" HERE. Information on the CalAPA "Quality Paving Certificate" program is HERE.

SITE PREPARATION: If overlaying an existing or milled surface, has the surface been

cleaned/swept and given a full "tack coat" (a bonding agent between the two surfaces)? What is the

specified coverage rate for the prime/tack coat? Is the application uniform? Has the material been

given enough time to "break" (evaporate the water)?

Each week we highlight a term that is specific to climate-change issues related to the asphalt pavement industry. This feature is intended to raise awareness of the asphalt industry's climate-change initiatives and the specialized terminology that goes with them. More information on "The Road Forward" asphalt industry climate initiative can be found HERE. A recent CalAPA magazine story on the topic is HERE.

TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE: Balancing environmental, economic, and social impacts.

"Think where man's glory most begins and ends, and say my glory was I had such friends."



– William Butler Yeats

We hope you enjoy CalAPA's Asphalt Insider newsletter. We are committed to providing you with the most up-to-date information on technical issues, regulation, news, analysis, people, events and trends in California that is of interest to the asphalt pavement industry and our various agency partners. To subscribe to the newsletter, click HERE. For comments, questions or to suggest a story idea, click HERE. We are committed to promptly notifying our readers of any errors in this publication. Please click on the comment link above to alert the editor of any errors or omissions.

Sincerely,

Russell W. Snyder, CAE

Executive Director

The California Asphalt Pavement Association (CalAPA)®