WASHINGTON, Aug. 18 /U.S. Newswire/ -- The American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA), a 106-year old national advocacy group based in Washington, D.C., has gained two very important allies in its efforts to build the transportation construction market. ARTBA announced August 18 that the Missouri-based Associated General Contractors (AGC) of St. Louis and Heavy Constructors Association (HCA) of Greater Kansas City have become its latest state affiliates.

"AGC of St. Louis and HCA join a growing team of state contractor associations that have chosen to affiliate with ARTBA and work in partnership with us to boost the federal government's investment in transportation," ARTBA President & CEO Pete Ruane said. "Our new chapters and members in Missouri will strengthen our grassroots team as we advocate for a renewed vision and mission for America's federal highway and transit programs."

Ruane noted Missouri is home to key congressional and state transportation leaders, and said the Missouri chapters will play a critical role in helping educate these policymakers about the revenue shortfall facing the Highway Trust Fund this year (Missouri can expect a 34 percent cut in its federal highway/bridge funding October 1, unless Congress acts), and about the state's overwhelming investment needs as Congress considers the next multi-year highway/transit investment bill, scheduled for 2009 action.

Heavy and highway construction contractors in both chapters will be enrolled as ARTBA members. The two associations will be ARTBA's exclusive Missouri affiliates.