• CAPA took a lead role in the 31st Annual Rocky Mountain Asphalt Conference & Equipment Show. The show attracted 1,300 participants (1,000 attendees, 300 staff, exhibitors, etc.) and is now the largest asphalt conference in the country outside of the World of Asphalt. In 2004, the equipment show was expanded, an Asphalt 101 Education track was added and the training sessions were well attended.

• The 2004 RMAEC/LabCAT Program Summary Report has been compiled and indicates that great benefit is being received from the program. Over 95% of the 228 certification course attendees indicated that the quality of the program is either HIGH or VERY HIGH. In addition, a new Asphalt Inspector Certification Course has been added in 2004 and will be fully implemented in 2005.

• The 11h Annual “Best in Colorado” Asphalt Pavement Award Program was a success. An excellent Award Judge Team was assembled and a record 81 projects were nominated for awards. The award winners were featured in Colorado Construction magazine and in the Rocky Mountain Construction magazine. The Award Dinner was also well received with a record number of 320 attendees.

• An Edge Cracking of HMA Work Group was established and a research project was conducted with CSU. A report entitled ”Edge Cracking of Asphalt Pavements: Probable Cause” has been developed.

• CAPA interacted successfully with CDOT to ensure the asphalt industry interests were represented in several technical and specification issues. These include roadway smoothness; QA Dispute Resolution; stone matrix asphalt; P-200 Management, etc. In addition, a QC Manager’s Coordination Committee was established to ensure better communication and coordination of technical and specification issues.

• CAPA added 31 new member organizations in 2004. This marked the second year in a row where three new producer members have been added (Hall-Irwin Corp., Kehn’s Construction, and Colorado Asphalt Services Inc.). In addition, 4 new Affiliate Agency members, 13 new Associate members, and 11 new Affiliate members were added. CAPA also maintained a 96% membership retention from 2003.

• A CAPA funded study entitled “Top of Silo Opacity Measurement Guidance for HMA Plant Emissions” was completed. The study provides best practice guidance on operating within the EPA opacity restrictions and includes critical information on how to properly perform the Method 9 Opacity Tests.

• A one day Best Practices for Equipment Operators Training course was developed and was held in April. In addition, CAPA partnered with the Colorado Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) and conducted 4 “All About Asphalt Pavements” seminars on asphalt mixes and mix design/selection.

• Very successful interaction with the FAA occurred in 2004. As a result of input from CAPA, the FAA made a number of adjustments to specifications (grade control and smoothness requirements, use of PG asphalts, P-209/P-208, asphalt binder certification, etc.).

• CAPA initiated several work groups in 2004 to address the purchase of an HMA plant and/or the production of HMA by governmental agencies. Positive progress was made in Colorado Springs, CDOT Region 5 (Durango), and in the City/County of Denver.

• A Guide Contract Documents and Specifications for HMA Pavements on Colorado Roadways is near complete. The guide is an excellent tool when working with consultants and local agencies.

• An Asphalt Career Development Program has been developed. The plan includes a partnership with the Tri County Work Force Development Program and CAPA being more proactive in working with key stakeholders in identifying, recruiting, training, and placing new employees into the asphalt industry.

• CAPA played a strong supporting role in Colorado Springs on the 1A Initiative. The 1% sales tax measure passed and will add $70 million to transportation funding in Colorado Springs/El Paso County. The use of asphalt is expected to increase significantly in the area starting in 2005.

• CAPA played a strong supporting role in the defeat of the Amendment 34 ballot measure.

• The CAPA/APWA Asphalt Technology Scholarship Program funded four excellent candidates to attend the NCAT “Short Course in Asphalt Technology” at Auburn University in March.

• A successful Asphalt Pavement Maintenance Seminar was held on Dec. 7 that attracted over 75 maintenance personnel (primarily city, county, and CDOT). The seminar was held in conjunction with the APWA and sponsored by several CAPA associate/affiliate members. We received excellent feedback from the participants (including “… One of the best classes I have ever attended.”).