• In November, CAPA received the Governor's 2002 Environmental Achievement Award. The partnering efforts of CAPA with the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment - Air Pollution Control Division have resulted in a number of positive changes and we have been recognized for our proactive efforts to stay within compliance and to foster improved relations with the state air pollution control division.

• CAPA will again take a lead role in the 31st Annual Rocky Mountain Asphalt Conference & Equipment Show which will be held February 18-20, 2004. The conference adds an outdoor demonstration session and once again sets attendance records.

The RMAEC continues its long term agreement with CDOT for the continuation of the LabCAT program. Certification program attendance records for 2003 show a stady flow of technicians through the program, year end, 239 technicians were certified and over 370 attendees participated in RMAEC education classes. The LabCAT 2003 Final Program Report has been compiled and great benefit is being received from the program. Quality levels track very closely with 2001 and over 90% of the attendees indicating that the program will help much or very much on the job. One comment is profound, "I feel that the level of knowledge and testing across the board has been elevated over the last 4-5 years largely due to LabCAT."

• Several CAPA Board members and others accompanied CDOT Chief Engineer John Unbewust to the NCAT Transportation Symposium at Auburn University in Alabama on November 12-14. The trip was productive and provided an opportunity to learn more about the latest advances in hot mix asphalt technology.

• CAPA continues to play a leading role in the implementation of stone mastic asphalt (SMA) pavements in Colorado. A national conference was attended in March, an All Industry Asphalt Forum was held in May, a project open house was conducted in August, and a Synthesis Report was issued in September.

• CAPA partners with CDOT to implement longitudinal joint density specification. A CAPA Customer Quality Survey in 1998 indicated that poor construction quality of longitudinal joints was the highest ranked quality concern of asphalt pavements in Colorado. A work group was established in 1999; a specification was developed in 2000, and used for information only in 2001 and on 6 pilot projects in 2002. The specification will account for 15% of the incentive/disincentive payment and will be used on all projects bid after Jan. 2003.

• A record number of Local Agency Asphalt Forums were held this year with good discussion and good attendance at each one. Topics included specifications, inspection, recycled asphalt pavement, cold weather paving, and mix designs. The CAPA Local Agency Program continues to grow and provide increased support to the CAPA membership. Hot topics include a cost comparison study of city vs. contractor work in Colorado Springs and a MGPEC work group reviewing longitudinal cracking of HMA.

• CAPA partnered with 850KOA and introduced radio advertisements on 850KOA Bronco football radio broadcasts. The CAPA Marketing Committee developed four different ads and they are played throughout the year. The ads highlight the benefits of hot mix asphalt.

• The CAPA Board of Directors restructured the producer member assessments and developed an equitable dues system for all producer members. This new system was implemented for 2003 as well.

• A cost comparison study entitled, "Asphalt vs. Concrete: A Pavement Cost Comparison Study of Reconstructing and Widening Major Highway Corridors in Colorado" is completed. The report, funded by CAPA and developed by CTL/Thompson, showcases the cost effectiveness of hot mix asphalt pavements and the potential benefit of using longer life designs for asphalt pavements.

• CDOT finalized a White Paper entitled "Rehabilitation Cycles to Be Used in the Life Cycle Cost Analysis." The report documents the quality improvement of hot mix asphalt pavements and increases the initial performance period and rehabilitation cycles for HMA pavements by two years. Therefore, HMA projects designed for 20 years of life and constructed on the NHS will have an initial performance period of 10 years and rehabilitation cycles of every 10 years.