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www.concreteproducts.com January 2015 • 17 The American Society of Civil Engineers and Eno Center for Transpor- tation question the first-cost philosophy behind much transportation infrastructure funding, based on findings from "Maximizing the Value of Investments Using Life Cycle Cost Analysis." Released late last year, the report surveys industry practitioners and policymakers on current use of life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA), and their beliefs on what role it should play in the decision-making process. It also features six case studies that demonstrate the benefits of implementing LCCA. While almost all those surveyed said the meth- od should be part of the process, only 59 percent said it was currently being used. "Considering the full cost of a project throughout its lifespan is essential if we want to make the best investment with the limited funding available," says ASCE Executive Director Pat Natale, announc- ing the report's release at a Capitol Hill briefing. "There is a clear desire to use this more in the transportation industry. Now is the time for our policymakers to incentivize using LCCA to ensure we choose the right project and design options." "Far too often not enough analysis goes into transportation investment decisions as the emphasis is placed on upfront costs rath- er than long-term costs and benefits," adds Eno President and CEO Joshua Schank. "Both local and federal planners and policymakers can make a difference in the future of this country's transportation and infrastructure network by implementing life cycle cost analysis." Using LCCA is an "emerging and significant topic," notes Feder- al Highway Administration Acting Administrator Greg Nadeau, one of the industry experts who shared unique perspectives during the report briefing. He pointed to the need for maximizing investment as the nation faces constrained budgets and aging infrastructure. Beth Osborne from Transportation for America, and ASCE Industry Leaders Council member Christopher Stone, president of Clark Nex- sen, shared viewpoints from different perspectives on the current use of LCCA in the industry and value of increasing its implementation. Osborne believes using LCCA will become easier very quickly, as greater implementation will lead to a discovery that the data needed is already exists in unexpected places. To help support civil engineers as they incorporate LCCA into decision-making, Stone observes that a course to train leaders in LCCA is critical, as it will reduce the barriers to entry. "Maximizing the Value of Investments Using LCCA" authors con- tend: • When making funding decisions under constrained budgets, it is tempting to place high importance on the up-front costs and pay little attention to costs in the future. • The United States needs to begin thinking more strategically about how it maintains and operates its transportation network, and manages its assets in the future. • With the focus of funding shifting toward system preservation, greater use of LCCA can ensure sustainability of future budgets and better management of vital infrastructure. • An LCCA program is undoubtedly a challenging endeavor for a state agency to undertake, but just because it is challenging or has not been done before does not mean that it cannot be done. GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS INFRASTRUCTURE ASCE states case for life cycle cost analysis Simply Match the Colors. How Hard can it be ? Our Color Metering Systems produce a rainbow of consistently precise colors, enabling you to add color to your products, and proftability to the mix. ACT – your single source supplier of turnkey Concrete Mixing and Batching Solutions. American division of Wiggert+Co. and Würschum The World of Concrete Las Vegas, NV, Feb 5–8, 2013. Booth # N437 www.concretebiz.com 603.431.5661