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Final List of Major-New Projects Approved by TRAC

The Transportation Review Advisory Council (TRAC) has given final approval to the annual list of projects to receive funding from the Ohio Department of Transportation's Major New Capacity Program over the next four years. It includes more than $292 million in new funding commitments. “Our economy depends on smart investments that make our transportation system safe and efficient,” said Governor DeWine. “The projects approved today will keep our economy moving forward.” TRAC-funded projects focus on enhancing the capacity of Ohio's transportation system and making it more efficient. The program resumed this year after being paused in 2020 when traffic volumes across the state dipped significantly leading to a decline in revenue from the motor fuel tax. There were 36 new applications requesting $551 million submitted this year. “As traffic volumes increase, we will continue to be good stewards of the resources entrusted to us. Ohio’s economy is growing. Safe, accessible and well-maintained transportation infrastructure is key to sustaining that economic growth and improving the quality of life for Ohioans," said ODOT Director Jack Marchbanks. "These latest TRAC projects are evidence of the DeWine-Husted Administration’s ongoing investment in our state.”

TRAC operates on an annual application cycle. At the completion of the application process TRAC members vote on the approval of the Major New Construction Program List of funding commitments for preliminary engineering, detailed design, right-of-way and project construction. Projects receiving funding commitments are placed into three "tiers" based upon the level of project development: • Tier I - The group of projects recommended for construction during the upcoming four-year construction period. • Tier II - The group of projects recommended for additional environmental, design or right-of-way development activities necessary before the projects would be available for construction. • Tier III - The group of projects with previous phases funded for construction in Tier I. Projects placed in Tier III status are part of a long range funding plan to advance multiple phase projects.

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19th Annual Top Gun Premier Midwest Construction Claims Webinar Series

Bricker & Eckler's construction attorneys are proud to present "Top Gun," our premier Midwest construction claims webinar series. This free event will cover:

•    Important construction concepts, including key contract language, best practices for project documentation, the risks of unforseen site conditions, delays and lost productivity claims, and the design professional's standard of care

•     Strategies to address damage and claims

•     Tools to analyze, prepare for and defend against claims for additional compensation

•     Options to manage and resolve construction claims efficiently

Click here for full agenda and registration

This webinar series has been submitted to the Supreme Court of Ohio Commission on Continuing Legal Education for 7.25 total CLE hours instruction. Approval is pending. Additionally, Ohio Engineering CPD credit will be available upon request for each webinar.

BWC - Indoor Air Quality Assistance Program

Air Quality: The bureau is also asking facilities eligible for its COVID-19 indoor air quality assistance program, which offers up to $15,000 in reimbursement for inspections of air quality needs and steps to address them, by Oct. 15.

The funding for the program came from the federal CARES Act and was launched last November.

"Ensuring vulnerable Ohioans have the healthiest possible environment is critical," said BWC Administrator/CEO Stephanie McCloud. "Governor Mike DeWine and I highly encourage all eligible facilities to take advantage of these funds and weaken the spread of COVID-19 in their facilities."

House Scheduled to Consider Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill Next Week

What's happening: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) reaffirmed her commitment to vote on the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) the week of Sept. 27, though exact timing for final passage is unclear. Pelosi is navigating complicated intraparty dynamics, with some progressive Democrats threatening to withhold support if separate anti-poverty and climate legislation does not advance first. House Republican leaders are urging opposition to the IIJA, but some GOP members are likely to support the bill.

Why it matters: Current policy and funding for surface transportation programs expires Sept. 30. If the House is unable to pass the legislation before Thursday, a short-term extension is likely.

What’s next: The IIJA is expected to be on the floor as soon as Monday. All ARTBA members should urge their representatives to support the legislation.

Updates on COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Doses

Booster doses of the Pfizer/Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine are now available for the following populations at least six months after completion of the primary Pfizer series, meaning at least six months after your second dose:

• People 65 years and older or residents in long-term care settings SHOULD receive a booster shot.

• People ages 50 to 64 with certain underlying medical conditions SHOULD receive a booster shot.

• People ages 18 to 49 with certain underlying medical conditions MAY receive a booster shot based on their individual benefits and risks. The CDC has indicated that this is a determination made by the vaccine recipient, but those eligible are encouraged to talk to their healthcare providers if they have any questions.

• People age 18 and older who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of their job or living in an institutional setting MAY receive a booster shot based on their individual benefits and risks. The CDC has indicated that this is a determination made by the vaccine recipient.

At this time, booster doses are authorized only for fully vaccinated Pfizer vaccine recipients who are at high-risk for exposure to COVID-19 or the complications from severe disease.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will review data and determine if and when booster doses are needed by each COVID-19 vaccine product. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will offer guidance for booster dose use. Right now, recipients of the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines do not need booster doses, but this could change based on ongoing evaluation.

Immunocompromised individuals who meet certain, specific criteria and received an mRNA vaccine (either Pfizer or Moderna), are already eligible for a third dose in their main primary series to strengthen their initial vaccine response. This additional dose should not be confused with a booster dose, which is used to strengthen waning immunity and bolster protection against serious outcomes including hospitalization and death.

For additional information about the COVID-19 Vaccine Booster, you can check out Ohio’s COVID-19 information website or the CDC website.

Worksite Traffic Supervisor (WTS) Prequalification Testing

On behalf of ODOT’s Division of Construction Management and Office of Roadway Engineering, registration is currently open for the following sessions of Worksite Traffic Supervisor (WTS) Prequalification Testing.

          • September 28 – Morning » Click here to register.

          • September 28 – Afternoon » Click here to register.

Click here to access the PDF flyer.

Prerequisites – Do not register for WTS Prequalification testing until the prerequisites have been completed. Please see the online registration form and flyer for details.

Pre-registration is required for WTS Testing. Seating capacity is limited for each session, based on social distancing requirements due to COVID-19. Please review the important updates and safety protocols as described per the links above.

Hall of Fame Nominations, Distinguished Service and Past President Award Nominations

In recognition of outstanding service within the heavy/highway industry and our association, nominations are being accepted for the following professionals:

     • Hall of Fame (contractor members)
     • Distinguished Service Award (associate members)

Nominated candidates must meet the following requirements before being listed for election:

a) Must have 20 years of service to the construction industry.
b) Active with OCA at least 15 years, serving at least 15 years on: OCA’s statewide committees (contractor members) or any OCA committee (associate members)
c) Candidates should have contributed significantly toward the stated goals and purposes of the Ohio Contractors Association.

      • Past President Service Award(any member)

Nominated candidates must meet the following requirement before being listed for election:

      • Any candidate must be affiliated with an OCA member in good standing. He or she must have contributed some extraordinary service for the association during the year. 

Candidates must be nominated by an OCA member. No more than two may be elected to the Hall of Fame and one elected for the Distinguished Service Award each year. A secret ballot will be used to select nominees. Awards will be presented during the virtual OCA Winter Conference. Deadline for nomination is October 1, 2021.

Please submit your nomination to David Rule at [email protected].                                                

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Safety Talks What is the True Cost of an Accident

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