History
ARTBA’s mission is simple: We bring together all facets of the transportation construction industry to responsibly advocate for infrastructure investment and policy that meet the nation’s need for safe and efficient travel. ARTBA also offers value-added programs and services providing its members with a competitive edge.
ARTBA’s core values and principles-defined and reflected in the association’s governance, management, policies and program of work-include: integrity and the highest ethical standards, visionary leadership that always focuses on the future and fosters innovation, an “action-oriented” approach and intelligent risk taking.
Here’s a timeline of key association milestones:
2019 - "Project 2019 Reauthorization Task Force” developed the legislative blueprint for the next federal highway and public transit bill, due in 2020.
2019 - ARTBA and its members successfully urged the repeal of a 103-year-old federal procurement rule, opening the way for new technologies and innovation.




2015 - ARTBA-TDF celebrates 30th anniversary.
2015 - ARTBA-TDF’s Young Executive Development Program is rebranded as the Industry Leader Development Program.
2015 - A five-year highway/transit investment bill (FAST Act) is signed into law by President Barack Obama.

2014 - ARTBA leads the successful industry push for the first multi-year federal waterway and ports infrastructure investment bill in seven years.It’s signed into law by President Barack Obama.
2014 - ARTBA rolls out first-ever all-digital “Washington Newsline.”
2014 - ARTBA launches Transportation Investment Advocacy Center™.




2009 - President Barack Obama signs the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act, which providesan extra $48 billion over two years for transportation improvements.
2007 - ARTBA hosts National Traffic Management & Work Zone Safety Conference atIntertraffic North America in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
2006 - ARTBA celebrates 50th anniversary of the Interstate Highway Program in Washington, D.C.with a gala dinner featuring General Colin Powell.

2004 - ARTBA plays a key leadership role in helping secure long-time industry goal of ethanol tax reform,which results in an additional $2 billion annual revenue stream for transportation improvements.
2003 - ARTBA-led coalition successfully advocates for passage of aviation investment bill (VISION-100)that’s signed into law by President George W. Bush.

2002 - ARTBA celebrates 100th anniversary in New York City and Washington, D.C.
2001 - ARTBA holds first-ever International Conference on Roadway Work Zone Safety.
2000 - ARTBA-led coalition secures passage of federal aviation bill (AIR-21), increasing federal airport capital investment by more than 60%. It’s signed into law by President Bill Clinton.
1999 - ARTBA-TDF creates first-ever Lanford Family Highway Worker Memorial Scholarship Program.

1998 - ARTBA “PRIDE in Transportation Construction” campaign launched.

1997 - “Washington Newsline” established.
1997 - ARTBA flagship website (www.artba.org) launched.


1995 - ARTBA successfully pushes enactment of National Highway System Designation Act.
1994 - ARTBA launches InfoStructure OnlineTM electronic bulletin board.
1994 - ARTBA Industry Advancement Fund (IAF) created.
1993 - ARTBA files first environmental lawsuit to protect industry market interests.

1990 - Public‑Private Ventures in Transportation Division established.
1989 - ARTBA organizes $1.5 million “Building a Better America Through Transportation Construction Campaign” to push for increased federal investment.
1989 - “Washington Update” fax service established.
1985 - ARTBA holds first-ever National Conference on Highway Work Zone Safety in Washington, D.C.
1982 - ARTBA successfully pushes first federal gas tax increase for road construction in 23 years.

1979 - Traffic Safety Industry Division established.

1977 - Transportation Officials Division established.
1976 - ARBA-proposed federal “4-R” programs enacted.
1970 - ARBA-pushed federal Airport Trust Fund established.



1956 - Planning & Design Division established.
1951 - Materials & Services Division established.
1948 - Record 300,000 attend ARBA annual convention and “Road Show” in Chicago.

1942 - ARBA helps form "The Road Gang” in Washington, D.C.
1940 - Annual convention and “Road Show” in Chicago attracts 47,500.
1936 - Contractors and Education Divisions established.
1933 - Georgia Road Builders Association becomes first state contractor chapter.
1930 - European Division established.
1928 - City Officials and Pan‑American Divisions established.

1927 - ARBA Manufacturers and County & Local Roads Divisions established.
1926 - A joint committee between ARBA and AASHO established.
1923 - Association launches member magazine (today called Transportation Builder).
1921 - ARBA secures increase in road construction funding with passage of Federal-Aid Road Act.

1915 - ARBA sponsors first Pan American Good Roads Conference.

1909 - First ARM “Road Show” (forerunner of today’s CONEXPO-CON/AGG) held in Columbus, Ohio.

1905 - ARM-supported federal Office of Public Roads established.
1904 - Reflecting rapid growth in transportation development, more than 1,100 delegates from 29 states attend ARM’s second national convention in Hartford, Connecticut.
1903 - First association convention held in Detroit, Michigan.

1902 - American Road Makers (ARM) Constitution, drafted by Horatio S. Earle, approved Feb. 13 at Hotel Cadillac in New York City.