CASE Construction Equipment Joins Forces with Texas Good Roads and ASCO Equipment to Bring the Dire States Tour to Texas to Support Proposition 1

Ballot initiative would pump an estimated $1.4 billion annually into the Texas State Highway Fund.

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Jul 07, 2014, 10:56 ET

RACINE, Wis., July 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- CASE Construction Equipment has partnered with the Texas Good Roads and Transportation Association and ASCO Equipment to bring its Dire States initiative to Texas in support of Proposition 1 (the Texas Transportation Funding Amendment). The amendment, which would direct an estimated $1.4 billion annually from oil and gas tax revenues in the state's Rainy Day Fund, will be on the Nov. 4 ballot and support investment in new highway/transportation construction and maintenance.

CASE Construction Equipment Brings Dire States Tour to Texas in Support of Infrastructure Investment (PRNewsFoto/CASE Construction Equipment)

Dire States is a grassroots effort by CASE to raise awareness for the role that state and local governments play in securing infrastructure investment, through legislative initiatives, public-private partnerships (P3s), state revolving funds and other innovative funding methods. The effort kicked off with a nationwide tour in 2013 and 2014 by author and infrastructure expert Dan McNichol. McNichol circumnavigated the country in a 1949 Hudson that is as "old, rusty and energy defunct" as much of America's infrastructure.

"Like much of the country, Texas has underinvested in infrastructure," says Lawrence Olsen, executive vice president, Texas Good Roads. "This amendment will serve as a good first step in providing new methods of investment – but it's just that: a first step. Many state and independent organizations report significant funding gaps for years to come to simply maintain road and bridge maintenance/congestion at 2010 levels. Now is the time to build a better infrastructure for future generations."

ASCO Equipment, a construction equipment dealer with 20 locations throughout Texas, recognizes the need for investment and the effect that it has on jobs and the state economy.

"There is a need for investment, and with that investment will come thousands of skilled jobs and increased investment in everything from manufacturing to aggregate production," says Kirby Carpenter, strategic account manager, ASCO Equipment. "Infrastructure investment is a proven economy builder and this amendment is a much-needed shot in the arm for infrastructure investment in Texas."

The Dire States tour made its first pass through Texas in January, and CASE immediately saw a correlation between the tour's message and challenges facing Texas.

"While we fully support and recognize the need for infrastructure investment at the federal level, states and municipalities must stand up and find new ways to invest to achieve safe and modern infrastructure systems," says Jim Hasler, vice president, CASE Construction Equipment. "This includes everything from roads and bridges to energy transportation/distribution, ports, waste systems and transit. Texas has recognized this need and is taking a great step with this ballot initiative, and CASE and Dire States will be here to support it."

The July tour will feature McNichol and his 1949 Hudson, as well as speakers from Texas Good Roads and other partner associations throughout the state. The initial blitz includes seven events in three days:

Tuesday, July 8

11:00 AM: Texas Good Roads Annual Meeting at the Four Seasons (98 San Jacinto Blvd.) in Austin.
6:00 PM: Fish Fry at The Depot Civic & Cultural Center (600 E. Depot St.) in Brownwood.

Wednesday, July 9

7:30 AM: Breakfast at the Hilton Garden (4449 Ridgemont) in Abilene
12:30 PM: Luncheon at Spirit Ranch (701 Regis St.) in Lubbock

Thursday, July 10

7:30 AM: Breakfast at the Chamber of Commerce (1000 Polk) in Amarillo
12:00 PM: Lunch at the Childress Auditorium (1000 Commerce St.) in Childress
4:00 PM: A reception at the Travel Center (306 Scott St.) in Wichita Falls

For more information on the schedule of events, contact Lawrence Olsen at [email protected]. For more information on Dire States, visit DireStates.com.

CASE Construction Equipment sells and supports a full line of construction equipment around the world, including the No. 1 loader/backhoes, excavators, motor graders, wheel loaders, vibratory compaction rollers, crawler dozers, skid steers, compact track loaders and rough-terrain forklifts. Through CASE dealers, customers have access to a true professional partner with world-class equipment and aftermarket support, industry-leading warranties and flexible financing. More information is available at www.CaseCE.com.

CASE Construction Equipment is a brand of CNH Industrial N.V., a World leader in Capital Goods listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CNHI) and on the Mercato Telematico Azionario of the Borsa Italiana (MI: CNHI). More information about CNH Industrial can be found online at www.cnhind.com.

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SOURCE CASE Construction Equipment