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ODOT Announces “Toward Zero Deaths” Network Meetings
ODOT has asked OCA to help publicize “Toward Zero Death” Network Meetings, which are scheduled for October 31 - November 2 and are being held in three regions around the state. They are bringing in a nationally recognized expert on the topic of what happens to our ability to drive as we age. This issue is important because Ohio has seen a rise in older driver crashes over the past three years. This rise coincides with projections that show a quarter of the U.S. population will be over 65 by 2025. Some of those people might be you or someone you know and/or care for.These meetings are also a great opportunity to build relationships between the various disciplines involved in traffic safety and health care, and recognize outstanding work by safety professionals across Ohio.
Sign up here for one of the meetings and encourage your colleagues and friends. This event is free and open to the public.
OCA Comments On USACE’s New Wetland Assessment Model
OCA was recently informed by ODOT that the Great Lakes and Ohio River Division of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is about to implement a new modeling tool for calculating the magnitude of stream and wetland impacts/debits associated with a project, as well as a framework for determining the magnitude of improvements/credits associated with the mitigation of a project. ODOT’s justifiable concern is that, without knowing the results from this new model, mitigation costs for wetland impacts could dramatically increase and the time to perform this new assessment could delay project delivery. Unfortunately, the USACE does not plan to public notice this change for review and comments, nor have they reached out to any stakeholders with notice of this change. The Department requested OCA communicate with the Corps urging them to postpone implementation until such time as the impacts of employing this model could be ascertained.
OCA consulted with both AGC America and ARTBA and we were informed that, coincidentally, the USACE had a notice in the Federal Register open for comments related to regulatory reform and a review of existing rules that the Corps operates under for environmental permitting. The window for providing comments closed on October 18. Based on AGC’s and ARTBA’s recommendation, OCA prepared comments, dated October 18, to address the concerns ODOT brought to our attention. A copy of that letter can be viewed by clicking here. In addition, ARTBA and AGC made specific reference to Ohio’s situation in their comment letters with the hope that unilateral changes without stakeholder comment on the part of USACE District offices will be curtailed.
NOV. 8 Webinar to offer DOL training on paid sick leave requirement for federal contractors
On Nov. 8, from 2-3 PM ET, AGC is hosting a webinar with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division on the requirement for federal contractors to provide seven days (56 hours) of paid sick leave annually. The requirement when into effect for contract solicitations issued on or after Jan. 1, 2017. Remember, this requirement only applies to direct federal contractors (those with prime or subcontracts with or through a federal agency—i.e., Army Corps, Navy, U.S. General Services Administration, and so forth). The requirement DOES NOT apply to prime or subcontracts with or through state departments of transportation.
The webinar is free for AGC members. The non-member fee is $49. Please clickhereto register.
Winter Conference Invitations Have Been Mailed
December 4 and 5, 2017
The invitations for the OCA Winter Conference have been mailed. This is our highest attended event of the year, packed with industry-relevant sessions and activities. If you did not receive an invitation and would like one, please contact Rachel Sirca ([email protected]) or Emily Pickens ([email protected]) and we’ll be happy to send you an e-invitation.
The Hilton Columbus at Easton has a reserved block of rooms for OCA. To make your reservations, go to http://tinyurl.com/OCAWinter2017.If you make your reservations by phone, our reservation code is OCC (614-414-5000). We used our entire room block the past several years, so you may want to reserve your room right away.
Winter Conference Keynote Speaker
Check out Matt Beaudreau’s organization in a featured article in the Washington Post. We are so excited for him to join us! The Center for Generational Kinetics is a consulting firm that analyzes the characteristics of different generations and the way they interact (hence “kinetics”). The center solves tough generational challenges with Gen Z, Millennials, Gen Y, Gen X, and Baby Boomers. Their custom research, speaking, and strategic consulting deliver innovative, practical solutions that drive results.
Lost in All the Hawaii Convention Information?
The Kaua’i, Hawaii invitation and excursion package had a lot of information. Contact Rachel Sirca with any questions you may have regarding excursions, the hotel, or any logistics. Many members have already called with some really good questions, or just to talk about what they would like to do. Calls and visits are welcome!
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