Utilizing an opportunity to meet face-to-face with U.S. congressional members, OCA’s delegation of nine members participated in the 2024 Transportation Construction Coalition (TCC) Fly-In, May 13-15, in Washington D.C. The Fly-In is an annual legislative event in the nation’s capital organized by TCC, a coalition co-chaired by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) and American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA). OCA serves as a state chapter for both AGC and ARTBA.
The three-day TCC event included roundtable discussions involving the Federal Highway Administration, TCC meetings discussing federal legislation pertaining to the nation’s transportation needs, and conversations with U.S. Representatives and Senators. OCA’s participation at the TCC Fly-In included Armstrong Steel Erectors Inc.’s Amy Hall and Joseph Hall, BOCA Construction Inc.’s Aiden McDonnell, Beaver Excavating’s Mark Sterling, Gerken Paving Inc.’s Mandy Gerken, Great Lakes Construction Co.’s George Palko, Kokosing Construction Co. Inc.’s Bryce Burgett, Shelly & Sands Inc.’s Pete Kinzer, and OCA’s President Chris Runyan and Legislative Director Michelle Holdgreve.
This year’s industry topics discussed with legislators included the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act; various transportation funding issues, such as the growing imbalance and the need for new revenue streams; obstacles due to federal regulations; work zone safety funds; as well as the timely enactment of the Fiscal Year 2025 transportation spending bill.
OCA’s participation in this year’s Fly-In centered on casual conversations with five of Ohio’s U.S. House members at a breakfast event at the AGC Townhouse, which OCA and American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) served as co-hosts. The group met with Rep. Troy Balderson (Zanesville), Rep. Shontel Brown (Warrensville Heights), Rep. Mike Carey (Columbus), Rep. Dave Joyce (South Russell), and Rep. Max Miller (Rocky River).
Of Ohio’s 17 U.S. Legislature seats – 15 in the House and two in the Senate – all but one will be determined in the November 5 election.