We have millions of engineers in the USA, not all of them civil engineers. In discussions with societies representing other disciplines, we find that we are facing similar challenges. We disagree on very little. This year, ASCE is reaching out to the leaders of the other societies to see where we can collaborate. We are getting a great reception. Some of the people we meet are so engaging that I wonder why they are not civil engineers!

We are also finding that the major problems facing society require multi-disciplined approaches. Energy, transportation, water, health care, and many other technical challenges will be improved as a many-faceted team takes on the challenge. We are engaging with the other societies to put together coalitions that will bring the technical voice of reason to national policy discussions.

Our leaders cannot be expected to make good decisions if we do not provide them with dependable information. The problems that we face today will not be solved by using the methods and techniques of the past. The future is exciting because I believe that engineers can build us a better civilization. I am looking forward to working with mechanical, electrical, chemical, and other types of engineers to make it happen.

Many of us have found the newfound awareness of infrastructure by the public and the government to be refreshing. However, that awareness has evolved to a point that is a little bit disconcerting.

It began last fall, as the press trumpeted that infrastructure would be a key part of the proposed stimulus plan. Some people even projected infrastructure investments to exceed $500 billion. January brought us the release of our 2009 Infrastucture Report Card grades and the debate on the actual stimulus package. While infrastructure remained the public driver for the bill, the actual authorization came in at around 10 percent of the total bill. The concept of “shovel ready” entered our vocabulary, and the public got their lawn chairs out, ready to watch the dirt fly.

Nothing happened. First, the 10 percent began to sink in to our minds. ASCE took a public position that we were glad for any money as a down payment against our needs. Second, “shovel ready” did not mean instant construction. The public, and the press, began to ask questions. Those questions soon turned to what type of projects would actually be constructed. Some were disappointed to learn that we would not see a repeat of the iconic structures built during the 1930s.

Time and overselling have now pushed infrastructure out of first place in the conversation. Energy has taken its place. Where does this leave us? It leaves us $100 billion ahead of where we started the year! It leaves us knowing that we had 15 minutes of fame, and we have to go back to work. Much remains to be done to convince Congress to fund our aviation, water, and transportation needs at adequate levels this year.

The new buzz in engineering circles is now on energy. With President Obama and Congress committed to carbon management and renewables, all disciplines of engineers are being asked to join the effort to solve these two significant challenges. Recently in Washington, the National Academy of Engineers conducted an energy symposium and carried it over to a briefing in the Sam Rayburn House Office Building.

While civil engineers are best known for our roles in traditional infrastructure, we will play a major part in moving the country forward. Civil engineers have long been an integral part of our electric and petroleum industries. As we move towards renewable energy sources, the demand for civil engineers will expand rapidly. New sources of energy will be located in new places. Civil engineers will execute the siting, access, drainage, and other requirements. We will be called on to handle the major transmission lines that will take the power from the new source to the end users. Many of the new sources will be located in challenging environments like off shore. In short, we will be big players in the electricity business. Energy is key in our future transportation facilities, too. New vehicles will place new demands on our transportation systems.

As civil engineers, we must assist in the development of new sources of funding and on developing new ways to look at transportation of both people and products. While we have always been energetic, civil engineers will soon be viewed as the nation’s energy engineers as well.

Like most other businesses, ASCE is experiencing the effects of the current recession. The Board of Direction received a detailed assessment of our revenues and expenses at our recent meeting in Washington, D.C. I am glad to report that we are weathering the storm pretty well.

We have seen a very small decline in our membership renewals; however, the magnitude is well below what we projected. We have also seen a reduction in many of our other revenue sources including publications, continuing education, and advertising. Fortunately, Executive Director Pat Natale and the staff are staying on top of the expenses. Our operations are staying within our revenues.

The Board agreed to a number of budget adjustments to help us navigate the rest of this fiscal year. We had good discussions related to a balance in adjustments for member programs and staff operations. Pat was asked to prepare a contingency plan in case unexpected disruptions occur in our revenue streams. All in all, I was pleased with our financial position. We do not intend to draw down our reserves to meet our expenses. We intend to finish the year in the black.

ASCE remains fiscally strong. Now, we need to help those of our members who are experiencing the recession personally.