Engineering Inc. - March/April 2008 - 31

Panel to combat frivolous lawsuits against engineering firms after years of attempts to pass a Certificate of Merit bill. acec/idaho Worked with the Idaho Department of Transportation on language for potential design-build legislation for federally funded projects. Also advocated for enhanced use of GARVEE bonds to increase transportation funding. acec/illinois Testified at a U.S. House Subcommittee on Highways and Transit hearing on transportation issues for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games, which Chicago seeks to host. acec/indiana Coordinated awareness campaign for state legislators on funding needs for water/wastewater infrastructure. Held focus group with “private-client” firms to explore special membership needs and concerns about current Council programs and services. acec/iowa Initiated partnering program with state Department of Natural Resources resulting in streamlining of water and wastewater permitting process and review of procurement and contract procedures. acec/Kansas Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher signing Continuing Education Bill—standing from left: ACEC/KY President Paul West; ACEC/KY member Steve Gardner; ACEC/KY Past President Randy Gnau; ACEC/KY member Stephen Scott; ACEC/KY Executive Director George Binder; Rep. Tommy Thompson (bill sponsor); Dennis Smith, chairman, Board of Licensure; ACEC/KY National Director Randall Russell; David Cox, executive director, Board of Licensure; and ACEC/KY member Richard Sutherland. acec/maine acec/metro Washington Led coalition advocacy of new statewide Comprehensive Transportation Plan, and taught a class for the Master of Public Administration program at the University of Kansas on project management and procurement of design services. acec/Kentucky Engineers from member firms provided valuable industry experience to Maine public school students as part of a program to encourage students to pursue careers in engineering. acec/maryland Sponsored networking luncheons with county, state and federal agency leaders in transportation, water/wastewater infrastructure and the environment; and met with county officials to address concerns with fee proposals. acec/michigan Played a major role in guiding a continuing education bill through the Kentucky General Assembly that would require engineers to obtain 30 hours of continuing education in the two years prior to license renewal. acec/louisiana Celebrated 50th anniversary by defeating legislation that would have expanded the state’s sales tax to include engineering services. Assisted in delivering more than $400 million annually in new transportation funding. acec/massachusetts Developed the Michigan Design and Construction Coalition to encourage young people to consider careers in engineering and construction. Hosted an exhibit during the annual Michigan Youth Engineering and Science Expo that attracted more than 15,000 high school students. acec/minnesota Held second successful “Outlook to Rebuild Louisiana” conference featuring leaders of key government agencies. Also advised state agencies on QBS, engineering selection criteria, and plan review process. Introduced bills in the legislature to: (1) create a state water infrastructure finance commission to address the growing need for funding water and wastewater projects; (2) clarify the role of the Board of Registration of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors; (3) create a QBS law for horizontal projects conducted by state agencies. Led coalition to secure voter-passage of an amendment to the state constitution mandating motor vehicle sales taxes be 100 percent dedicated to roads and transit by 2011. Launched effort to develop professional skills of young members and to proMaRCh / apRIl 2008 ENGINEERING INC. 31

Engineering Inc. - March/April 2008

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