The 2024 Annual Transportation Construction Coalition (TCC) Fly-In took place during May 14-15 at Washington, D.C. Swathi Theeda (LEAP Class of 2024-25) and Matthew Gutkaiss (LEAP Class of 2023-24) were able to attend along with a group from FP2 that included Mark Ishee, Bob Huitt, Rick Church, Scott Metcalf, and Tom Kuennen. The group was guided by Tracy Taylor of Government Alignment Strategies (GAS).

The primary objective of the visit was to meet with house representatives and senators, relevant to the constituencies of the team attending with FP2, to discuss the pressing issues and needs of the asphalt paving industry. 

The major discussion points included the implementation status and the industry feedback on the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) on the paving industry from a material supply standpoint as well as sustainability were discussed.

The future of Highway Trust Fund (HTF) and taxation of electric vehicles were highlighted to ensure consistent funding to the industry. Finally, the need for engineering support to the counties and cities to understand when and how to maintain or pave their dirt roads and manage their existing road networks through proper distress mapping and appropriate use of pavement preservation treatments was emphasized.

The group also met with members of the Sub-Committee on Highways and Transit as well as the House Recycling Caucus. The current status of the IIJA bill from industry perspective was provided to the Highway and Transit Subcommittee while the House Recycling Caucus was given introduction to the various recycling technologies typically utilized by the asphalt industry.

Finally, the group also participated in a few great sessions that are a part of the TCC Fly-In, which gave a legislative perspective of the IIJA bill and its associated challenges of implementation. Last but not least, Tracy Taylor was able to coordinate a special tour of the Capitol Building for the group, which was quite memorable. The picture shows a few of the group members in front of the National Monument, from where the Presidential inaugural ceremonies typically take place in the Capitol Building.

Thanks to FP², AEMA-LEAP program, and GAS for making this event possible and continuing to provide an enriching experience for the current and past LEAP members.