Legislators in 37 states have introduced 185 bills aimed at boosting transportation investment in the first two months of 2019, a new analysis finds. This number is higher than the amount of legislation the American Road & Transportation Builders Association’s Transportation Investment Advocacy Center (ARTBA-TIAC) tracked over the same time period last year and is projected to grow as additional measures are introduced throughout the year.

Motor fuel taxes continue to be a popular method to raise new revenue. Twenty-one states have proposed increasing one or more types of motor fuel tax to generate funding for transportation improvements.

Of those 21 states, 10 included altering or creating a variable-rate tax that fluctuates based on external factors such as the Consumer Price Index, average wholesale price of motor fuel, or other formulas.

Continuing a trend seen in recent years, many states introduced electric vehicle fees to help ensure all vehicles that create wear and tear on roads pay for their share of maintenance. Sixteen states filed legislation to implement an electric vehicle registration fee, with 10 of those states including an additional registration fee for hybrid vehicles.

Several states are also considering innovative funding solutions. Mileage based user fee studies or pilot programs are being considered in eight states. Four states have introduced legislation to implement tolling.

Of the legislation introduced in January or February, 19 measures have advanced beyond one legislative chamber, with one bill—an electric vehicle registration fee increase in Wyoming— signed into law. Another bill in Arkansas to convert the state’s flat excise tax to a variable-rate formula based on the average wholesale price of fuel, implement new electric and hybrid motor vehicle registration fees, and utilize at least $35 million in casino revenues for transportation funding has been sent to the governor and is expected to receive final approval in March. One hundred sixty-six bills have been introduced and are awaiting further action. Several states have not yet convened for their legislative session, and at least one state—Alabama—is expected to file a significant transportation investment bill

Read the full TIAC report.

ARTBA-TIAC tracks ongoing state transportation funding legislation across the U.S. and provides regular updates through its blog at www.transportationinvestment.org. TIAC staff also produces regular research reports and analysis, hosts an annual workshop in Washington, D.C. and holds ongoing webinars for transportation investment advocates featuring case studies, best practices and the latest in political and media strategies.

In November 2018, TIAC tracked a record 346 state and local transportation-related ballot measures in its annual election report, showing voter support for the measures at 79 percent nationwide.

March 3-9, 2019, is National Women in Construction Week. Here are five steps to being an effective leader within the construction industry, according to a panel of women in construction during ConExpo 2017.

Are leaders born or made? The truth is, a little bit of both. Empirical data says one-third of us have leadership traits within us, but two-thirds of us create ourselves as leaders.

At CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2017, Linda Talley, behavioral theorist, and Connie Leipard, president, Quality Drywall Construction, led a discussion on women in construction, the myths and truths of leadership, the role gender plays in effective leadership, and how to continuously develop your leadership style.

A leadership trait could be ambition, high energy, high IQ or high emotional intelligence. While you may not be able to improve your IQ, you can improve your emotional intelligence. Higher emotional intelligence improves your performance and makes you a more effective leader.

Leadership development is a continuous process and devoting time and energy to your personal development as a leader does pay off. Equip yourself with the skills you need to become a better leader by following these steps:

1. Master the Details

Construction is very intense when it comes the knowledge and technical expertise required to do the job effectively. Learning the technical aspects of the job can boost your confidence and help you gain experience.

2. Find a Mentor

We all wish we had a mentor, but how do you find one? Don’t be afraid to ask people for help. Most people are more than willing to let you pick their brain. The worst they can say is no. And don’t just stop with colleagues. Join industry associations (like National Association of Women in Construction) to extend your network and support system. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and push you to try new things.

3. Think Strategically

Women tend to be more tactical; they were raised that way. Wash the dishes. Fold the laundry. Do the shopping. However, if you want to move up the ladder, you have to learn to become strategic in your thinking. Avoid getting stuck in the middle management rut by allowing others to perceive you as someone who “gets stuff done” but doesn’t bring big ideas to the table.

4. Be Flexible in Your Approach

While you may have earned the respect of your colleagues, the same may not be said for vendors or clients. Understand the gender biases that exist and confront them when necessary. The key to moving forward in the industry as a woman is to stand tall in the face of adversity. If someone makes a negative comment or remark, just ask, what did you mean by that?

5. Bring People In

Being a leader means dealing with difficult situations and confrontation. If you’re dealing with an employee who isn’t a team player, engage with them on an individual basis. Let them know you value their viewpoint, even if it is a negative one. As a leader, you need to absorb and celebrate the feedback people give you to help steer culture of the organization in the right direction.

Finally, cement these skills into your repertoire by debriefing yourself at the end of each day. Ask yourself, what did you learn? Who was supportive of you? What did they teach you? Establishing this routine will help you find small victories and opportunities to advance.

For more information and to purchase education program recordings, visit ConExpo’s website.