PUG Chair Corner

May 29, 2023

Summer is right around the corner and for many of us the construction season is in full swing. Here are a few things that the PUG Board has been working on for you.

2023 PUG Conference

We hope you are planning to attend the 2023 Project User Group Conference from August 27th – 31st. Our theme this year will be Partners in Excellence. This year’s PUG conference is in Boise, Idaho and the website can be found here. The site contains lots of helpful information for planning your participation including a justification letter, links to hotels, and the conference agenda. There is also information about the many great things to see and do in Boise.

This year’s PUG Conference will have all the TAG sessions you have come to expect as well as several panel discussions about module implementation. We are looking for panelists that would be interested in sharing their experience with their fellow AASHTOWare Project community. Please reach out to any of the PUG Board members if you are considering volunteering to be part of a panel discussion.

 

PUG Agency User Rep  – Special meeting

On May 5th we held an Agency User Rep special meeting to discuss two resolutions that had been submitted along with reviewing the costs of the Nevada PUG conference held in 2022.

Resolution 1

Title: Data Analytics TAG identified a need to meet more frequently

Whereas it is the responsibility of the PTF to establish funding for TAG meetings to meet,

Whereas Data Analytics TAG members have identified a need to meet more frequently throughout the year,

Whereas

Now, therefore be it resolved that the Data Analytics TAG requests that the PTF approve funding for ITI to meet every month for a conference call with the Data Analytics TAG members to discuss issues consistent with its missions and goals.

Resolution 2

Title: TEA/PUG Inc. Dissolution

Whereas: it is the responsibility of the PUG Board to manage the financial responsibilities of the Transportation Estimators Association (TEA) and Project Users Group (PUG) and was created to manage the funds that cover the conference costs.

Now, therefore, be it resolved that the TEA/PUG Inc. be dissolved and AASHTO shall manage the financial responsibilities of the PUG Conference. The PUG Board shall maintain all other responsibilities. AASHTO shall fund one PUG Board member (Chair/Vice Chair) to attend the quarterly Project Task Force (PTF) meetings. AASHTO shall fund recognition awards at the discretion of the PUG Board as outlined in the budget. The TEA Board shall find other means to manage their funds.

Both resolutions passed with the required Agency User Rep votes. The PUG Board will officially submit these resolutions to the PTF for review and approval.

Planning the PUG conference is getting more difficult each year. The financial responsibility and resource requirements are significant deterrent for states considering whether or not to host. The PUG Board feels that bringing in a conference planner will reduce the workload and improve the product while still providing the benefits that PUG Conference attendees have received in the past.

Dissolving the TEA-PUG INC business structure sounds significant on its face but the non-profit is not the same as the PUG Board. While the business entity may go the Board will still be here to benefit the group. Without the need to focus on conference planning the PUG Board members will be able to bring even more benefit to the user community.

As always be sure to reach out to any board member if you have ideas or concerns.

 

Regards,

Christine Langley

AASHTOWare Project User Group Chair