Congressman and FHWA chief participate in final day of Midyear Digital

ATSSA wrapped up its first Midyear Digital event on Thursday with Rep. Pete Stauber (R-Minn.) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Administrator Nicole R. Nason sharing insights during the Government Relations Committee Meeting.

Stauber said he’s eager for Congress to address the nation’s infrastructure needs and the federal highway bill known as the FAST Act, which is set to expire Sept. 30.

He serves on the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee and urged ATSSA members to reach out to committee members and ranking members of Congress to get their priorities heard.

The first-term Congressman representing Minnesota’s 8^th District said he’s eager to get legislation passed in a bipartisan fashion. He also indicated a need to look at all options to fund transportation and ensure the Highway Trust Fund becomes solvent again.

ATSSA held its first Midyear Digital event from Monday through Thursday. Nearly 400 people took part in the committee and council meetings that tackled roadway safety infrastructure issues. Participants also enjoyed virtual social events where they engaged in informal conversations about a variety of issues from virtual meeting experiences to funding and technology.

Midyear Digital kicked off with an Opening General Session that included Minnesota Department of Transportation Deputy Commissioner and Chief Engineer Nancy Daubenberger and a panel addressing short- and long-range forecasts for the roadway safety infrastructure industry. The Midyear Meeting was originally planned for Minnesota but COVID-19 forced a shift to a virtual platform and ATSSA’s first-ever Midyear Digital. The full opening session was recorded.

FHWA Administrator Nason provided updates on her agency’s efforts and thanked ATSSA members for their role in working to make roadways safer. She also indicated that the U.S. Department of Transportation is working hard to preserve the safety spectrum, which is essential for the safe and secure deployment of connected and automated vehicles (CAVs).