Nebraska LTAP: Recent Episodes
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This informational webinar is geared toward Nebraska Local Public Agencies & the Nebraska Department of Transportation Employees. This Webinar will be a demonstration of the various Heavy Equipment Training products including Online Courses with training videos that are on-demand & work at your own pace. An overview of Train-the-Trainer resources with a look into the Heavy Equipment Trainer kits and what is included that are offered by Vista
Ankeny, Iowa — Rural roads and bridges serve as the initial link in the overall supply chain – allowing the soybeans and grain produced on a farm to be eventually consumed by both domestic and international customers. Of the bridges in the country classified as deficient and, in many cases, subject to closures or restricted access, a significant percentage are located in rural areas. “Our nation’s rural bridges serve as the initial step in a lengthy journey to the ultimate customer,” explains Mike Steenhoek, executive director of the Soy Transportation Coalition (STC). “Unfortunately, the region of the country in which bridge conditions are most severe – rural areas – also happen to be the region in which available funding to improve these conditions is stagnant or on the decline. The concern remains that if this starting line for farmers is not well-maintained, soybeans and grain will not effectively reach the finish line in delivering to our customers.” Given the significance of this need and the limited resources to address it, a potential response by bridge owners is to simply close or restrict access to existing bridges or hope federal, state, or local government will be willing and able to supply the necessary revenue. While pursuing increased investment is appropriate and closing or placing restrictions on certain rural bridges may be prudent, increased energy and attention must be devoted to addressing the cost side of the equation and making existing tax dollars stretch further.
Employees from two county road departments join us to discuss how they have used social media to reach the traveling public.
Al Dutcher, Nebraska Extension Agricultural Climatologist, joins us to share his outlook for 2020-21's winter weather including potential ice and snow events.