Engineering Inc. - July/August 2007 - 37

Treasurer Thomas G. Ahneman “There is a lack of understanding about the economics of water supply at both the regional and federal levels. The country still is affected by serious water problems, particularly flooding, caused by development 30 or more years ago. Recent population forecasts predict unprecedented growth, particularly in the suburbs, that is likely to tax existing water supply systems and threaten highquality streams and rivers. Steps to identify and prioritize the most pressing issues related to flooding, water quality and water supply must be undertaken.” Vice Chairman David D. Kennedy “A critical engineering need facing the U.S. is rebuilding and improving our infrastructure. This requires recognition on the part of users, the public and policymakers that good infrastructure is a foundation for our society and economy, and that consulting engineering and surveying firms add value to this process. When consulting firms are compensated for the value we provide, then our profession can attract and retain the well-qualified people we need.” Vice Chairman Raymond F. Messer “The most critical need is simply talent and more needs to be done to encourage its development in adequate supply. Public and private marketplace fee structures will have to increase to encourage qualified and highly educated engineers to remain in the workforce. With respect to specific physical facilities, focused attention is required to upgrade the aging building systems that consume energy at a highly inefficient rate, and reverse the deterioration of the infrastructure such as roads, bridges, sewers and water systems.” Vice Chairman David M. Oates “Funding of public infrastructure—whether through taxes, user fees or private investment— continues to fall short of the minimum levels needed for simple maintenance. Financing methods, including many private-public initiatives, often involve borrowing to build new facilities today without consideration of the impact on the future revenue stream. This shortfall at all levels affects all types of infrastructure and has allowed continued deterioration of vital public facilities. Engineers need to articulate the need to adequately fund infrastructure—not as a source of business, but as part of our professional obligation to public safety and welfare.” Vice Chairman Ralph J. Palmer “Inadequate maintenance of our interstate system generates additional traffic congestion and increases vehicle maintenance costs. Funding of the federal transportation system needs a drastic change. For too many years the cost of repair and maintenance to our highways has outgrown the revenue from road usage fees. As Congress addresses the next reauthorization of the federal transportation bill, a significant change must be developed in the funding system. We have postponed addressing this dilemma for too long, which has resulted in traffic congestion and no financial means for the transportation engineer to resolve this problem.” Vice Chairman Gregs G. Thomopulos “A perfect storm of declining university engineering enrollments, shortage of experienced staff, huge market demands from reconstruction of aging and disaster-damaged infrastructure, and surging electric power needs of a robust U.S. economy is straining the ability of the industry to deliver quality projects on schedule. Additionally, the booming economies of China, India and the Middle East and resulting major construction projects have caused rapidly escalating and unpredictable costs of labor, building materials and fuel worldwide, further exacerbating the industry’s ability to deliver projects within budget.” NAECE President Frank Rudd “I think the most critical engineering need facing the U.S. today is coming up with alternative energy sources. The combination of depleted natural resources and their impact on our world today demands that we come up with renewable energy that will not negatively impact our ecosystem. Our ability to create an energy source that does not make the U.S. dependent on other countries is something our engineering community needs to solve as soon as possible.” JULY / AUGUST 2007 ENGINEERING INC. 37
Engineering Inc. - July/August 2007

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