Columbus hosts NAPA Midyear
Asphalt pavement professionals from across the country are in Ohio this week for industry discussions, programming, and networking.
NAPA’s Regional Advisory Committees met Tuesday and Wednesday to discuss the challenges asphalt mix producers are facing in the different geographic areas of the country.
The regional meetings in Columbus come after the Joint Regional Advisory Committee met virtually on July 2.
NAPA members from the Western region shared best practices for increasing the use of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) in the area, suggesting that prescriptive “recipes” could be holding back innovations in RAP use and other specifications.
In the Southeast, members noted that some state departments of transportation have not added new projects or had lettings since funding peaked in 2025. The Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act, the current federal surface reauthorization funding bill, was signed in 2021 and expires Sept. 30.
Those with businesses in the Southeast also discussed different approaches to heat illness prevention. Heat indices in the south can remain dangerous even during night work, so providing shade doesn’t always reduce the risks. Beyond typical hydration issues, discussions also centered on the growing popularity of energy drinks. Crew members may believe the drinks are hydrating them, but this can actually increase hydration deficits.
Members agreed that continued crew education and usage of resources, like NAPA’s Heat Illness Prevention Plan, are important for safeguarding against heat and dehydration in the industry.
Get your Midyear NAPA swag during the Diamond Drop!
Hats, M&Ms, bottle openers, sunglasses, and more at the Diamond Drop near the NAPA Booth. Come by the booth anytime to participate, score free stuff, and learn more about Diamond Commendations.