Weather is getting stronger. Damage from storms is greater. The costs to repair and rebuild are going higher. So how are we doing when it comes to changing the way we design and build infrastructure?

Michael Johnson, President and CEO of the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association, joins us for a conversation about the political realities of infrastructure financing.

Pamela Williams, Executive Director of the Build Strong Coalition, talks about resilient solutions to combat the ever-present threat of natural disasters.

Transportation financing made a splash during the 2016 Presidential campaign thanks to candidates Trump and Clinton. Since then, the topic has gained more prominence. Even though a deal has not been reached, Dave Bauer, President and CEO of the American Road and Transportation Builders Association, says progress has been made thanks to the debate that began on the campaign trail.

With another presidential race gearing up, transportation reporters are now saying that a surface reauthorization extension is all one can hope for out of Congress next year.

Ed Mortimer, the Chamber’s Vice President of Transportation and Infrastructure, appears this week to explain the plan and the need for Congressional action before the end of this year.

The national media’s view of the state of funding for transportation infrastructure is cynical and

cautious, but the opportunity for more investment, despite their reports, is not completely lost.

With the abrupt end to the last White House meeting a few weeks ago, what is there to look forward

to on the funding question?

We review the week’s infrastructure news in Washington, including the meltdown at the White House and the focus on climate change in Congress. Then, we get an overview of infrastructure policy and funding priorities from Rep. Rodney Davis, ranking Republican on the Highways and Transit Sub-Committee of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

Some concrete comes to the job ready for installation while some concrete needs to be pumped into the work site. This week we visit with Bob Risser and Christi Collins, both members of the North American Concrete Association (NACA).