FHWA's Peters Departs After Highway Bill; Receives Appreciation Award From ACEC From left: ACEC President Dave Raymond, FHWA Administrator Mary Peters, ACEC Government Affairs Vice President Steve Hall, and ACEC Director of Transportation T.J. Schulz. During her last day in office last week, following passage of the highway bill, Federal Highway Administrator Mary Peters was presented with a special award of appreciation for her strong advocacy of transportation infrastructure and her long-time friendship with the Council. "Mary Peters has been and forever will remain a great friend of ACEC," said ACEC President Dave Raymond. "Her insight and support on important transportation issues over the years have been invaluable." Peters, who resigned from the FHWA in July, had been head of the Arizona Department of Transportation before being appointed by President Bush as the nation's top highway official in 2001. She was responsible for shepherding the Administration’s six-year highway bill through Congress. She said she intends to return to her home in Phoenix, Arizona, but looks forward to being active in our industry. She and her husband, Terry, have three grown children. Peters was a featured speaker at the ACEC 2003 Fall Conference in Phoenix, and worked with ACEC on a number of issues, including the successful effort against "reverse auctions" for federally-aided highway projects in Minnesota.

Project Delivery Systems Owner's Manual ACEC has just released its newest practice publication: The Project Delivery Systems Owners Manual. It is part of a Project Delivery Systems series which includes Design-Build, Design/Contract-Build, and other works in progress. Developed by former Utah DOT head Tom Warne and ACEC Vice President Jeff Beard in association with ACEC's Management Practices Committee, the manual helps owners and designers sort through the myriad of delivery system options. "This is a unique resource," said Allan Freedman, vice president of the American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA). "This guide looks at delivery systems through the keen eyes of a seasoned owner. The contents are accessible, coherent and written for civil infrastructure, buildings and power/process markets." "The Project Delivery Systems Owner's Manual provides valuable information that will assist owners and providers in their consideration of the best project delivery systems to use given the owner's needs and specific project goals," said Peter King, executive director, American Public Works Association (APWA). Members $99/non-members $139 For more information and to order click here.

Interior Spending Bill A Mixed Bag; ACEC Language On Competition Included The recently-passed F.Y. '06 Interior-Environment Appropriations bill, which has been signed into law, cuts funding for one key water program, boosts funding in other areas, and includes ACEC-backed language to address competition issues with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The Environmental Protection Agency was funded at $7.9 billion, a reduction of $194 million from current spending. While some environmental programs received minor increases in funding, including Superfund and federal funding for state drinking water revolving loan funds, the funding for wastewater was set at $900 million next year, a reduction of $191 million from the F.Y. '05 funding level. House and Senate conferees did include ACEC-backed report language expressing concern over the extent to which the USGS water resources program provides "commercial services to Federal and non-Federal entities in direct competition with the private sector." The language goes on to urge the agency to "use the services of the private sector" wherever feasible and consistent with performing its "governmental functions." ACEC requested action by Congress following reports from its members that the USGS Water Resources Division was unfairly providing commercial services to state and local governments in direct competition with engineering firms. Congressman Ernest Istook (R-OK) engaged in this effort on ACEC's behalf, and played a key role in adding the language in the final spending bill. "This is a step in the right direction, and will help in our efforts to address competition issues within the USGS water resources program," said Joan Freitag of Hanson Professional Services Inc., headquartered in Springfield, Ill.

ACEC/PAC Sponsors Needed Members can support ACEC/PAC by participating in various special events at the Fall Conference in Orlando this year, including a golf tournament, a special reception to view a one-of-a-kind laser light and fireworks display, and a bass fishing tournament. One other important way members can support ACEC's advocacy efforts is by becoming an event sponsor. Sponsorships helps underwrite the cost of ACEC/PAC events, ensuring that every dollar raised goes to pro-business House and Senate candidates. Being a sponsor also will give a firm prominent recognition throughout the Fall Conference. Click here for information on sponsorship packages. ACEC staff can also tailor a sponsorship package to any need. For more information, contact ACEC/PAC Director Corie Simmons at 202-347-7474 or csimmons@acec.org.

CEC Founding Member Bill Collins Dies in Oklahoma William J. Collins, an important member in the founding of ACEC's predecessor—The Consulting Engineers Council of the United States (CEC/US)—-died July 27 in Oklahoma. He was 90. Collins was one of the Oklahoma representatives at the 1956 meeting in Tulsa at which CEC was founded. Two years earlier, he was one of the founding members of the Consulting Engineers Association of Oklahoma. CEC later became ACEC when it merged with the American Institute of Consulting Engineers, and the Oklahoma organization became ACEC/Oklahoma. A mechanical engineer, Collins started his consulting engineering business in 1946. He retired in 1995, and had served in many leadership positions at a variety of national and state organizations. "Bill was one of our most active and cherished members," said Jim Sullins, president of ACEC/Oklahoma. "He was the institutional memory of the organization and was held in the highest esteem by all Oklahoma engineers." He is survived by his wife, Carlen Stecker Collins; five children, and 10 grandchildren.

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