Minnesota Public Radio prepared a story which ran on the MPR radio news network on October 30 discussing the need for Minnesota to change specifications for county roads from the current 9-ton or less to a standard 10-ton design to carry heavier and more frequent loads in Greater Minnesota. ARM will continue to make this issue its number one legislative priority in the 2007 legislative session and will also continue to work with ARM members, local officials, shippers and the media to increase support for legislation requiring a 10-ton network be established in every county in Minnesota.

Click Here to Read MPR Article

In trying to get business, concrete builders who insulate their walls might benefit from becoming a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) accredited professional, David Shepherd, Director of Sustainability, Portland Cement Association (PCA), suggested last week during the semi-annual meeting of the Insulating Concrete Form Association held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Sustainable development, or green building, although commanding only 2% of both new residential and commercial construction currently, will have a major impact on the concrete construction industry in the coming decade, says Shepherd.

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The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued a G49 (Construction sand and gravel, hot mix asphalt storm water discharge) draft permit for public comment.  The comments are due to PCA by November 28^th.  The Notice of Intent to issue the G49 permit is attached to this article. The ARM Aggregate Committee will be reviewing the draft and forwarding those comments to MPCA.  Please copy ARM on any comments that you submit to MPCA or feel that ARM should submit.

ARM Executive Director Fred Corrigan has been asked to participate on the Industrial Stormwater Work Group of the Stormwater Steering Committee to assist in the development and resolution of issues for Minnesota’s industrial stormwater permit and program. The ARM Aggregate Committee will be monitoring this process which could continue into 2008. Kate Burek of Aggregate Industries is also serving on the Work Group.

Click here to download the Notice of Intent to Issue the G49 Permit

On Wednesday, December 13^th, the Aggregate & Ready Mix Association of Minnesota will hold two one-hour long sessions on pervious concrete.  The first session will include an “Intro to Pervious” presentation given by Jon Hansen (NRMCA) and a synopsis of ACI 522 and the ASTM process by ARM’s Technical Committee Co-Chair, Joe Clendenen (Holcim).  John Kevern (Iowa State University) will also provide freeze-thaw information.  During the second session, Jason Kruger (NCCC) will provide information on  his work with Watershed Districts and Larry Matsumoto, PE (City of Minneapolis) will also be a presenter.  Brad Burke (Aggregate Industries) and Kevin Johnson will update attendees on various pervious projects that have already been poured.  There will also be a panel discussion during this session.

ARM members are encouraged to invite anyone interested in pervious concrete to attend these sessions.  There is a registration fee of $25.  The ARM Annual Convention will be held at The Depot in downtown Minneapolis.

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On Wednesday afternoon, December 13^th, two contractor sessions will be featured at the ARM Convention.  The sessions are open to ARM members, ICF builders and installers and other interested parties.  The first session will feature Karen Linner (BAM).  Linner will provide information on obtaining the energy tax credit.  The second session will feature PCA’s Jim Niehoff who will give a presentation on marketing yourself as an energy efficient builder.  Cost to attend the two sessions is $25.  Contact the ARM office at 952-707-1250 for additional information or e-mail mmills@armofmn.com

Click Here to Download Registration Form