About ARTBA

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Who Are We?

Behind the headlines of today's high-tech and high-flying industries-from satellite communications and e-commerce to CAT scanning and microsurgery-runs a dependable, unifying reality. No matter how sophisticated or elaborate their products or services, every enterprise in America depends upon the nation's infrastructure of highways, airports and public transportation. And, although in our busy lives we largely take its prodigious benefits for granted, this transportation system not only ensures America's economic prosperity, but each day contributes vitally to the success of every facet of our national and local community life.

The bare facts of the system reveal its importance: almost four million miles of public roads; 5,415 airports; 6,185 miles of urban transit; 200,000 miles of freight and passenger railway; and 3,750 waterport terminals. A recent government estimate values the nation's roads, bridges, airports and mass transit facilities in excess of $1.5 trillion. But the system's operating dynamics are more compelling still, for not only is the network continually expanding to meet growing transportation needs, it must also be constantly maintained and renewed. U.S. transportation construction is a $200 billion-per-year industry, a greater proportion of the gross domestic product than farming, petroleum, motion pictures, or tobacco. And more than 2.2 million private and public sector jobs are generated by transportation construction economic activity.

A Century of Service to the U.S. Transportation Construction Industry

Not surprisingly, so vast a system embraces diverse disciplines, resources and skills in countless communities, and a great many companies large and small whose common interests are vitally affected by federal, state, and local legislatures and judiciaries. Since 1902, those common interests of the transportation construction industry have been actively coordinated, pursued and advocated by an uncommonly energetic trade group, the American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA).

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., ARTBA is a full-service association with more than 5,000 members, whose eight membership divisions reveal its industry's diversity: contractors, planning and design, transportation officials, traffic safety, materials and services, public-private ventures in transportation, research & education and equipment manufacturers. ARTBA holds annual meetings and conferences, maintains standing committees, policy advisory councils, and professional development sections that work on issues to promote the effectiveness and efficiency of the transportation construction industry.

Perhaps most importantly, however, ARTBA advocates strong federal investment in the nation's transportation infrastructure to meet the demands of the motoring public and business community.

As with other major trade associations, ARTBA is an important participant in the continuing debate to balance national, regional, and local resources to achieve the healthiest and productive balance of resource allocation and priorities not only in Washington, but in communities all across America. ARTBA's unique federation structure and nearly 105-year track record have no parallel in the U.S. construction industry. A diverse and talented volunteer leadership, active chapters and grassroots members and a highly qualified interdisciplinary staff all work together to make ARTBA today's driving force in transportation construction!