TEXTILES.ORG
Andrew Aho
FHWA’s Highways for LIFE (HfL) program was a featured topic during a March 2007 meeting that members of the Geosynthetic Materials Association (GMA) members conducted with James Ray, FHWA’s Chief Counsel. Ray provided a summary of the HfL program and encouraged GMA members to work with state DOTs to identify projects that would qualify for HfL grant money.
“The purpose of the Highways for LIFE pilot program is to accelerate the adoption of innovations and new technologies, thereby improving safety and highway quality, while reducing congestion caused by construction,” he said.
Ray summarized the HfL program for those in attendance to further educate them on specific facets of the program. He recommended that GMA members forward their ideas to state DOTs.
Several GMA members have been working with state DOTs to get applications for this program submitted. Ray said geosynthetic products and technologies provided by GMA members are prime candidates for partnerships with state DOTs and for grant money from HfL program.
That message echoed the remarks made by FHWA Administrator Richard Capka (right) during his keynote address at the Geosynthetics-2007 Conference and Trade Show in January in Washington, D.C.
GMA members had a follow-up meeting with Ray and members of the FHWA team in June to report on the progress made with various state DOTs. And a follow-up conference call specifically on HfL grant procedures was held in July with GMA members and Kathleen Bergeron, HfL Administrator.
These are prime examples of the benefits of belonging to a trade association such as GMA. Member companies receive exposure to opportunities that they might not be able to create on their own.