WASHINGTON, D.C. — During his State of the Union address on Jan. 24, 2012, President Obama called on federal agencies to cut red tape in construction projects. Accepting that challenge, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood proposed a significant change in the way major transit projects compete for federal funds by streamlining the process and making decisions more responsive to local needs.

  PALM DESERT, CALIF. — The National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) released a report on life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA) procedures which examines in depth the concept of the material-specific discount rate. "Material-Specific Discount Rate: Inappropriate for Life-Cycle Cost Analysis" (NAPA Special Report 203) outlines standard and customary life-cycle cost analysis models. It also highlights a light on a “material-specific discount rate,” which is being promoted by the cement and concrete industries.

  LAS VEGAS — As oil prices rise and refineries adopt new technologies, industry experts are seeing a direct impact on the costs for states to build and maintain roads and highways. According to the Portland Cement Association (PCA), the lower “initial bid” of asphalt roads has disappeared, yet industry experts say many state departments of transportation (DOTs) have not changed their bidding policies.

   WASHINGTON, D.C. — The ARTBA Foundation is now accepting nominations for the 2012 Transportation Development Hall of Fame. The hall honors individuals or families from the public and private sectors who have made extraordinary contributions to U.S. transportation development or demonstrated exceptional leadership over their lifetime.

   INDIAN RIVER, DEL. — One lane of southbound traffic on the Indian River Inlet Bridge opened to passenger traffic on Friday, Jan. 20. In the next several days, one northbound lane will be open to vehicular traffic. Demolition work will then begin on the old bridge.

  DENVER — Pueblo’s 4th Street Bridge Project was presented with the Colorado Department of Transportation’s (CDOT) Environmental Excellence Project Award at the monthly meeting of the Colorado Transportation Commission. The new 4th Street Bridge, which crosses over 28 active railroad tracks, the Arkansas River, a pedestrian and bike path, and city street, was constructed adjacent to the 1958 structure it replaced. The construction team used a cast-in-place cantilever method, wetland pad, river barrier, bridge removal decking over the river, onsite dewatering, and other innovative methods to avoid or minimize impacts to the surrounding environment, including wetlands, water quality, historic resources, and migratory birds.

   COLUMBIA, S.C. — Florence & Hutcheson (F&H), a Columbia, S.C.-based engineering firm focused on designing and strengthening America’s civil infrastructure, received an Engineering Excellence Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies of South Carolina (ACEC/SC) for the US 378 Bridge over Great Pee Dee River Bridge Replacement Project.

  WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced $77 million in grants to 22 University Transportation Centers (UTCs) to advance research and education programs that address critical transportation challenges facing our nation. The UTCs, which are located throughout the United States, conduct research that directly supports the priorities of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).