Session No. 8D

Federal Infrastructure Investment Act 

Moderator: Michael Castellano, Senior Engineer, Pennoni

Federal Infrastructure Investment Act — What’s in It?

• Dean Franks, Senior Vice President, Congressional Relations, American Road & Transportation Builders Association

Federal Infrastructure Investment Act — What’s Next?

• Matt Reiffer, Vice President, Infrastructure, American Council of Engineering Companies

Bios

Dean Franks joined ARTBA in October 2006 as a legislative representative after working on Capitol Hill for over three years. As a senior member of the ARTBA government relations’ team, Franks serves as the primary liaison to the U.S. Congress. He also plays a key role in ARTBA’s efforts to advocate and communicate the transportation construction industry’s priorities and concerns before the U.S. Department of Transportation and the entire executive branch. During Franks' nearly 15 years at ARTBA, he has played an integral role in our major legislative accomplishments, including the passage of the FAST Act and MAP-21 reauthorization laws, the last two FAA reauthorization laws, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, various annual Appropriations Bills and Highway Trust Fund solvency legislation bills. Franks previously worked for Congresswoman Judy Biggert (R-Ill.). He joined the Congresswoman’s staff in the spring of 2003 and held a variety of positions in her office. Franks served as a legislative aide specializing in defense and military issues and handled several administrative duties for the Congresswoman. A native of the Chicago area, Franks attended Tulane University where he received a Bachelor of Arts in 2002, with a major in sociology and minor in political science. While at Tulane, he was involved in many activities and held internships with Smith Barney and the Eisenhower Center for American Studies. Franks resides in Ashburn, Virginia with his wife and two daughters.

Matt Reiffer is the Vice President of Infrastructure Programs at the American Council of Engineering Companies. He is the association’s primary lobbyist on all federal transportation issues, including roads and bridges, aviation, rail, and transit matters before Congress and the Administration. In his role, he also oversees the council’s infrastructure advocacy agenda, including energy, environment, and water infrastructure issues. Prior to joining ACEC in 2008, Reiffer served for six years as the Legislative Director and Counsel for Congressman Vern Ehlers of Michigan, a senior member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee.