May 8, 2025

By Lane Kimble

WASHINGTON, D.C. — WTBA’s reach and influence extends well beyond the state’s borders, a fact on display in the Washington, D.C. this week.

Executive Director Steve Baas joined former Board presidents Jim Peterson, Jeff Parisi, and HNTB Wisconsin Vice President Andy Kowkse for ARTBA’s Federal Issues Program and the Transportation Construction Coalition Fly-In.

The group heard from Congressional staff, economists, and industry leaders on key developments that will shape the federal transportation reauthorization bill.

The current version (the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law) expires in 2026.  Congress started working in earnest on reauthorization this year.

“We’re a nation of builders.  You don’t talk about ‘rebuilding America,’ you just do it,” CNN political commentator Scott Jennings told the gathering during his keynote luncheon speech.  Jennings called for permitting and workforce reforms in addition to long-term, stable investments.

Kowske, meanwhile, participated in and graduated from ARTBA’s Industry Leaders Development Program.  The ILDP trains and equips emerging leaders to be more effective advocates in our priorities. Past ILDP graduates include Dan Weinkauf, Elise Nelson, and Lane Kimble.

Kowske has been with HNTB since 2004 and has served as project manager on the massive Zoo Interchange reconstruction. He is also helping lead HNTB’s work on the Stadium Interchange portion of the upcoming I-94 East-West project.