MAPA Enews - May 2026
2026 Legislation Wraps Up
The Minnesota Legislature adjourned sine die on May 17, closing out a session shaped by the tightest possible divided government — a 67-67 tie in the House and a one-seat Senate majority. No omnibus transportation bill passed this year, but road construction fared well in the capital investment (bonding) bill.
The Legislature passed a $1.24 billion bonding bill (HF 719) with strong bipartisan support, including approximately $177 million for transportation and $47 million for the Local Road Improvement Fund.
The bonding bill also included a one-time, one-year tab fee reduction, temporarily reverting vehicle registration tax rates to pre-2023 levels for one year beginning January 1, 2027. The estimated impact to the Highway User Tax Distribution Fund (HUTDF) is $118.96 million in FY2027 and $135.425 million in FY2028. To offset the reduction, the legislation includes a $254 million transfer from the state general fund to the HUTDF in FY2027 — meaning no cuts to existing transportation funding. Tab fee revenue flows directly into the HUTDF, which funds MnDOT and local road and bridge programs.
The Legislature reconvenes January 12, 2027, for a full biennial budget session.
MAPA Annual Golf Outing
We are ready FORE summer and a great golf event! Mark your calendar for July 28th and get your foursome together as you won’t want to miss this year. We'll once again be at The Meadows at Mystic Lake!
This will be a great networking opportunity for all participants. We are hoping for another great turnout and beautiful July weather. Proceeds will go to the MAPA Scholarships and Industry Initiatives.
Members and non-members are welcome to attend.
Registration coming soon! Golf Sponsorship Prospectus coming later this week.
Tuesday, July 28, 2026
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (CDT)
The Meadows at Mystic Lake
2400 Mystic Lake Boulevard
Prior Lake, MN 55372
Women of Asphalt Golf Outing - Joan Donovan Memorial
The Women of Asphalt Annual Joan Donovan Memorial Golf Outing is a fun day on the course bringing together women from across the asphalt industry for networking, camaraderie, and a round of golf. Held each summer at Bunker Hills Golf Course in the Minneapolis area, this 9-hole tournament scramble event honors the memory of Joan Donovan while celebrating the women making an impact in the industry and providing a great opportunity to connect with colleagues and enjoy a day away from the job site.
Registration and check-in starts at 2pm and our shotgun start begins at 3pm. This event is accessible to all levels of players!
Tuesday, June 30, 2026
2:00 PM - 7:00 PM (CDT)
Bunker Hills Golf Course
12800 Bunker Prairie Road NorthwestMinneapolis, MN 55448-1412
Register and Sponsor the Event Here
Women of Asphalt Leadership Conference
Astec in Chattanooga, Tennessee hosted the third Women of Asphalt Leadership Conference, and it sold out. Attendees traveled from across the country, representing the full breadth of the industry: additive representatives, QC specialists, project managers, HR managers, and truck dispatchers, among others.
Over two days, presentations covered leadership development, innovation, communications and morale, and the history of asphalt. Attendees also toured the Astec plant and had the opportunity to meet Jaco Van Der Were, Astec CEO and National Women of Asphalt advisory board member.
MAPA Executive Director Abbey Bryduck was among the featured presenters, sharing her leadership journey, From Grassroots to Asphalt, with an audience of industry peers from around the nation.
Women of Asphalt has grown to more than 5,000 members nationwide. To join the MN/DAK branch and be part of this network, click here!
Stay tuned for details on next year’s event. If you have women in your company who have growth potential, they should be at this event.
Board Member Highlight
Kristen Hanson, AET
Kristen serves as the Consulting Engineer Director on the MAPA Board of Directors.
Q: How did you get started in the asphalt industry?
A: I entered the asphalt industry somewhat unexpectedly while looking for a summer internship in college. I found my way into AET’s bituminous laboratory and quickly realized I enjoyed the work. That experience kept bringing me back, and over time it grew into a full-time career.
Q: What’s one thing you wish more people understood about our industry?
A: It’s far more complex than just mixing “oil and rock.” There’s a significant amount of engineering and planning involved in building roads that perform well and stand the test of time.
Q: What’s your favorite part of the job?
A: The people are my favorite part of the job. I’ve had the opportunity to work with some great mentors over the years who have supported my growth and helped shape my career.
Q: What do you enjoy outside of work?
A: In my free time, I enjoy working out (Crossfit), golfing, and spending quality time with my husband, family, and friends. One of my favorite things is heading up to my family’s cabin in the summer.
Q: What was your first job?
A: My first job was at a screen-printing company where my dad worked. I spent my days folding freshly printed T-shirts straight out of the dryer. Handling those hot shirts all day was great preparation for working with asphalt!
MAPA Hall of Fame Applications Open!
We're excited to announce that MAPA has launched a dedicated Hall of Fame page on our website! Click the button to explore the full history of inductees who have made significant and lasting contributions to the asphalt industry in Minnesota. From pioneering company founders to longtime industry engineers and advocates, the Hall of Fame celebrates the leadership, innovation, and service that have shaped our industry for decades.
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Annual Conference! If you know someone who deserves to be recognized for their dedication and impact on the Minnesota asphalt paving community, we encourage you to submit a nomination. Download the nomination form directly from the Hall of Fame page and help us honor the individuals who inspire the next generation of industry professionals. Nominations are due by Tuesday, September 15th, 2026. Don't miss this opportunity to celebrate the people who have built the foundation of our industry — submit your nomination today!
Why Asphalt is a Smart Choice for
Pickleball Court Construction
Pickleball is booming, and the question is no longer if your community needs courts—it’s how to build them in a way that balances budget, speed and long-term performance. Here’s why asphalt often checks the most boxes. Check out this recent article from Asphalt Institute Magazine!