Virginia Transportation Construction Alliance Hosts Successful Lobby Day at Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Transportation Construction Alliance Hosts Successful
Lobby Day at Virginia General Assembly
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Left to right: John Winslow, Branch Civil; Mo Kim, Rinker |
Even with a quiet and fairly non-controversial General Assembly Session, the Virginia Transportation Construction Alliance (VTCA) continued to build new relationships with newly elected legislators and leadership when VTCA held its annual Lobby Day at the Virginia General Assembly. A diverse group of contractors, aggregate producers, and engineering design consultants met with 23 state legislators to advocate for critical legislative and funding priorities impacting the state’s transportation infrastructure.
The morning began with a welcome by Delegate Karrie Delaney, Chair of the House Transportation Committee. The attendees broke into small groups for a series of productive discussions in which VTCA representatives emphasized the importance of sustained transportation funding to maintain Virginia's quality of life and bolster its business environment. Key issues presented to legislators included safety measures, workforce development, and infrastructure funding.
Advocating for Safety Initiatives
VTCA highlighted its support for safety initiatives, including legislation to permit portable changeable message signs on vehicles and was to make use of photo speed monitoring more affordable. These measures aim to improve highway safety and reduce accidents in construction zones. The Alliance also urged legislators to explore funding mechanisms to offset the costs of equipment needed for speed monitoring systems. More conversations on affording the equipment will be discussed in 2025.
Addressing Workforce Development Needs
With workforce shortages posing challenges to the industry, VTCA underscored the need for significant investments in workforce development. The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) is seeking $144 million to address high-demand jobs in engineering and construction. VTCA representatives supported this effort, which includes $90 million for equipment and facilities, $46.2 million to hire industry-focused instructors, and $8.5 million to expand the FastForward program, which trains workers for in-demand jobs.
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Left to right: Beth Quinn, Quinn Consulting Services; Senator |
Prioritizing Infrastructure and Procurement
VTCA also voiced support for SB 1082, which would allow the Commonwealth Transportation Board to issue revenue bonds for the Special Structures Program. This funding mechanism would expedite the design and construction of critical bridges and special structures across Virginia.
With so many new legislators in the General Assembly, we need to remind them of the importance for flexibility in public procurement processes and reiterated the importance of qualifications-based selection (QBS) for acquiring engineering services, a standard embedded in both federal and state procurement laws.
Additionally, VTCA opposed mandates for Project Labor Agreements (PLAs), stressing that these requirements are anti-competitive, will exclude Virginia’s non-union workforce—94% of contractors in the state are non-union—and lead to out-of-state labor being prioritized.
Aggregate Production Economic Study
VTCA informed legislator, the Aggregate Production community directly contributed $790.5 million to Virginia’s GRP, or 0.13% of total state GRP. Since 2012, aggregate and industrial mineral mining has grown 23% in GRP. Comparatively, coal and metal mining GRPs have seen consistent decline. Although forestry and timber has grown 30% since 2012, its total contribution to Virginia’s GRP remains only 45% of what the aggregates industry contributes.
A Unified Voice for the Industry
The VTCA’s Lobby Day showcased the organization’s commitment to advancing the interests of its members and the broader transportation industry, laying the groundwork for a productive legislative session in 2026.