DeSign of the Times is an online newsletter for members of the American Council of Engineering Companies of Pennsylvania.

THE PRESIDENT'S SAY

News from ACEC/PA President Chester L. Allen, PE.

With spring just around the corner (I hope), I am sure all of us are looking forward to warmer temperatures, and the added work that we will have from the recently passed economic stimulus package.

Now that we have the $787.2 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Gov. Ed Rendell says Pennsylvania could receive $16 billion from the Obama stimulus bill--roughly $8 billion for individuals, and $8 billion for state and local governments. The latest figures indicate that PennDOT will receive more than $1 billion for transportation infrastructure needs. For our water/wastewater needs, the amount of monies to be received is far less; however, we as consultants know that this is not a “cure all” for our nation’s infrastructure needs. Rather, it is the start of investment that needs to occur within our aging systems and increased population.

On February 5, we had a wonderful Diamond Awards Banquet. I extend congratulations to Awards Committee Chair Judy Hricak, and Executive Vice President Andy Hilt and his staff for making this event so memorable; The EADS Group for submitting the Lewistown Narrows project, which received the Grand Conceptor Award and Best Panel Award; and all firms that received Honor Awards and participation plaques. I was impressed by the quality of all the panels and the wonderful projects that they represent. The Grand Conceptor project is truly a wonderful piece of engineering, and its construction twill benefit many Pennsylvanians who travel to Penn State during football season!

At the Government Affairs Breakfast on February 11, we were fortunate to hear Sen. Rob Wonderling, the newly elected chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee. Sen. Wonderling delivered a great speech that reinforced the need to enact legislation to carry us beyond the current stimulus package. I was impressed with his multi-faceted approach to help provide the necessary funds for long-term transportation improvements. Kudos goes to Government Affairs Chair Jill Thompson for inviting Sen. Wonderling to our meeting.

Regarding membership recruitment, Tom Reister and his Membership Committee did a yoeman’s job. Thanks to their efforts, the following firms have become members in the new year: A&A Consultants, Inc., Pittsburgh, and Reinaman Engineering Group, Mechanicsburg. We welcome these new firms into our membership ranks, and hope to get to know them better at upcoming chapter meetings.

I close by inviting you to our Annual Meeting at the beautiful Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa in Bonita Springs, Fla. Visit www.acecpa.org to register as early as possible so that we can get an accurate attendance count. Though we are still finalizing the speakers for the event, I promise to deliver an outstanding agenda for you during the sessions. Of course, one of the highlights is the networking time we have together where we do not need to rush back to our offices.

Until next time--

Chester L. Allen, P.E.
President, ACEC/PA

THE BUZZ

Stimulus for Schools Infrastructure Letter (view)

Congratulations to our Diamond Award Winners! (view projects)

• Grand Conceptor and Best Panel Awards
  The Lewistown Narrows
  Firm: The EADS Group
  Owner: PennDOT District 2-0
  
  
• Distinguished Award of Merit
  Robert M. Rodgers, PE, PP, PTOE
  Firm: Orth-Rodgers & Associates, Inc.
  
  
• Client of Distinction Award
  Firm: Exelon

Help ACEC/PA Celebrate 50 Years: Share your photos, stories, and projects

In celebration of ACEC/PA’s 50th anniversary, the Public Relations Committee is planning to publish a booklet chronicling milestones of the association’s history.

If your firm has anecdotes, photographs, noteworthy projects, engineering events, or you know a founding member whom we could interview, please contact Kate Sherman: ksherman@acecpa.org or 717-540-6811.

Spring 2009 is our targeted publication time frame, so please notify us immediately if you would like to participate in this special recognition piece. Thank you very much for helping to make ACEC/PA’s 50th anniversary a memorable occasion!

New Leadership Development Workshop
Offered by ACEC/PA and The Pennsylvania State University as part of the Business of Engineering for New & Emerging Engineering Principles Program.

ACEC and ARTBA Pledge to Work with FHWA and AASHTO to Address Disputed IG Audit

Feature Article: Municipal Road Maintenance Guide by Anton K. Kuhner, P.E., PTOE, Senior Project Manager

Scholarship Recipients

Environmental Committee Report

PR Committee Report

Municipal Services Committee Report

Welcome New Members!

• A&A Consultants, Inc., Pittsburgh
• Reinaman Engineering Group, Mechanicsburg

SAVE THE DATE

April 15-19: Register today! ACEC/PA Annual Membership Meeting
Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa

ACEC/PA Events Calendar

ACEC NATIONAL

Check out the latest in national engineering news with online issues of Engineering Inc. magazine.

April 26-29: ACEC 100th Annual Anniversary Convention & Legislative Summit, Washington, DC. Details & registration.

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ACEC/PA
2040 Linglestown Road
Suite 200
Harrisburg, PA 17110
P: 717.540-6811

We welcome submissions to DeSign of the Times! Please forward your information to ksherman@acecpa.org by the 15th of each month.