Rock from the Road: Blog and Travelogue

February 24, 2015 – Aggregates industry professionals who want to see the latest product innovations – and discover the latest industry best practices – are headed to the 2015 AGG1 exhibition in Baltimore, March 17-19. Show organizers tell me that:

Prime-Time Products

When you expect reliability and performance throughout your entire operation, count on Baldor Electric Co. Baldor will be featuring its new line of high-performance crusher duty motors that comply with the United states Department of Energy Integral horsepower rule set to take effect June 1, 2016.

Manufacturers in Focus

Stockpile Reports, an online service that delivers accurate stockpile volume, tonnage and pile locations using an Apple iPhone device, Aerial, Walking Wheel, GPS or Laser data was awarded a contract for stockpile measurements from the TxDOT beginning in 2015.

People on the Move

Bridgestone Commercial, a division of Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations (BATO), announced the appointment of a new president in the commercial tire division. As president, Commercial OTR, Taylor Cole will be responsible for leading Bridgestone’s North American commercial and strategic direction. Cole will be instrumental in harnessing resources for continued growth of the division,...

NSSGA Commends House on WRRDA Bill

The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) applauded the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the Water Resources Reform & Development Act of 2013 on an overwhelmingly favorable vote of 417 to 3. House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-Pa.), ranking committee member Nick Joe Rahall (D-W.Va.) with Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Chairman Bob Gibbs (R-Ohio) and ranking subcommittee member Tim Bishop (D-N.Y.) are to be congratulated for shepherding this bill through the Committee and the House on a bipartisan basis.

“With the passage of this bill, NSSGA hopes Congress will return to a biannual process for approving water resources development legislation, which authorizes important navigation, flood control, recreation, and environmental protection projects,” said Michael Johnson, NSSGA president and CEO. “Congress also should fully fund the projects through the Energy & Water Appropriations bill. Too often projects are halted or slowed due to inadequate funding resulting in longer completion timelines and higher costs. Fully funding important water infrastructure projects will return dividends to the American people through an increasingly efficient water transportation network, better environmental protection, and increased recreational opportunities.”

NSSGA supported WRRDA, which is a vital piece of legislation aimed at strengthening America’s vast water transportation network. The House action demonstrates that lawmakers can work together to draft and pass major legislation to improve the nation’s aging infrastructure. NSSGA urged House and Senate leaders to appoint conferees without delay in order to speed strategic investments in the bill that are necessary throughout the United States.

NSSGA also thanked its Aggregates in Action grassroots who contacted their House members to urge passage. Fully funding important water infrastructure projects will return dividends to the American people through an efficient water transportation network, better environmental protection and increased recreation opportunities.