Rally for Roads attracted several hundred road workers from across the U.S. to the National Mall in Washington on May 25 in support of a multiyear surface transportation bill. Speakers, including Sen. David Vitter (R-La.), said the bill is needed to create tens of thousands of jobs. Sponsorship for the event came from industry associations and suppliers. Karl Watson, president of Cemex USA, Houston, and chair of the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association, told the crowd that investment in the nations infrastructure is vital to the economy. We urge Congress to pass a robust multiyear highway bill that will put people back to work, Watson said.

The Associated General Contractors of America recently named Linbeck Group LLC, Houston, one of the nations safest construction companies. The association, which oversees the annual Construction Safety Excellence Awards, recognized Linbeck for the strength of its safety programs and overall safety performance during 2010. Linbeck requires safety training and remedial updates for all its employees, with participation from all subcontracting firms in safety stand-downs (one such, above, took place May 5 in Fort Worth at the Cook Childrens Medical Center project). Linbeck was also recognized for its development and implementation of safety and loss prevention programs.