GMA invites members to biannual Lobby Day

Geosynthetic Materials Association heads to Washington March 4–5.

The Geosynthetic Materials Association (GMA) announced in a letter to members that its first of two 2014 Lobby Day visits to Capitol Hill is March 4–5.

The letter from GMA division supervisor Lucie Passus stated: “GMA successfully made significant strides in 2013 to raise the profile of the industry in Washington, D.C. with policymakers on Capitol Hill. GMA can now count on many Members of Congress who are actively willing to step (up) and help the industry.

“A large part of our success is due to the dedication and participation of GMA members to this biannual event. To continue the momentum of our efforts, it is critical that GMA membership participate and make sure that legislators are aware of the issues affecting their constituents.”

The letter then listed several issues important to the geosynthetics industry that will be discussed during the congressional meetings on March 5:

• Life cycle costs and benefits of incorporating innovative materials in pavements.
• Geosynthetic liners in coal ash waste sites.
• The environmental and engineering solutions that geosynthetic materials bring to the shale gas extraction industry.
• Strategic discussions related to the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) reauthorization.
• Continued relationship development with Members of Congress.

The letter noted that there is no registration fee to attend GMA’s Lobby Day. Registration is encouraged by Feb. 3, 2014, to ensure effective scheduling with the congressional delegations of GMA members.

The letter outlined the following schedule:

Tuesday, March 4
5 p.m., GMA dinner and Executive Council Meeting at Smith & Wollensky

Wednesday, March 5
7:45 a.m., kickoff and continental breakfast, offices of Whitmer & Worrall
8 a.m.-4 p.m., All Day Meetings on Capitol Hill, with debriefing following immediately

A limited number of rooms are available at: The Lombardy Hotel, 2019 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C., 1-800-424-5486, group code 2996; reserve online; nightly rate $239 (not including taxes/fees). This rate is available until Feb. 10, 2014.

Lobby Day registration deadline: Monday, Feb. 3.

For more information: Lucie Passus, + 1 651 225 6956, lpassus@ifai.com