ACEC Announces New Transportation "Vision" With AASHTO, Industry Partners ACEC President Dave Raymond at a national press conference on transportation. ACEC joined with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and other industry partners at a national press conference in Washington, D.C. this week to unveil important recommendations to enhance the nation's transportation system. The recommendations embodied in a report—A New Vision for the 21st Century—were presented on Thursday to the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission. The Commission was created by Congress in 2005 to examine options for improving the nation's transportation network. "We have an infrastructure crisis looming on the horizon," said ACEC President Dave Raymond during the press conference. "Just as President Eisenhower confronted challenges for the 20th century when he launched the Interstate System in the 1950's, our nation's security today depends on building a 21st century transportation system." Raymond emphasized the critical role the engineering industry will play in applying innovation and technology to address America's transportation needs. "The Vision document provides a straightforward road map to achieve a transportation system that's safer, less congested, and one that will enable us to compete in the global marketplace," added Raymond. "It's important now that policy-makers act on these recommendations. The more we wait, the more lives we lose on unsafe roadways, and the more jobs are lost because of infrastructure that cannot support a growing economy. The time to act is now." To see a video of Raymond's comments, which also were featured on the local Washington, D.C. radio station, WTOP, click here.

Spectacular Maui Attractions Await ACEC Fall Conference Attendees Fairmont Beach: One of Maui's many attractions. Whether enjoying snorkeling at some of the world's most impressive coral reefs, or witnessing some of the world's most stunning geological wonders, the upcoming Fall Conference in Maui, September 26-29, offers many unique extracurricular activities. Maui was named "Best Pacific Island" and #2 "Overall Destination in the World" by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine. In Maui, Conference attendees can: Witness a geological spectacle similar to the surface of the moon Snorkel one of the world's most renowned coral reefs Spend a day at the historic Old Lahaina village of landmarks, and visit art galleries, shops and restaurants Enjoy miles of sandy beaches with a "a waterfall around every turn" The Conference itself, of course, features outstanding speakers, over 30 education sessions targeting the latest business trends, a 20th anniversary program for the Council of American Structural Engineers (CASE), and an expanded trade show. Early registrations for the Conference are at an all-time high and the room block at the Grand Wailea is nearly full, but there is still space available at the nearby Fairmont Kea Lani—itself an outstanding facility. Easy Conference registration is available by clicking here. Early Bird registration discount ends on August 25. Further information is available by contacting meetings@acec.org or by calling 202-347-7474.

ACEC Life/Health Trust Transition To UnitedHealthcare: Latest Update The ACEC Life/Health Insurance Trust (L/HIT) has worked diligently with UnitedHealthcare to make sure that members are covered by August 1. Below is an update of the transition as provided by the Trust: Employer and Member Welcome Kits are being mailed and most should be received by August 1. ID cards are being mailed and most should be in-hand by August 1. Members on UnitedHealthcare plans can access a copy of their card by registering and logging onto www.myuhc.com. The ACEC Life/Health Trust transition website: www.uhctoday.com/acec is updated with additional information including an up-to-date ACEC Life/Health Insurance Trust Frequently Asked Questions & Answers document. Brokers and Benefit Administrators can call into the following phone numbers according to group size and state: —If the group size is 51+, please call 414.443.4747. —If the group size is between 1-50 and is located in CT/NJ/or downstate NY, please call 1.888.200.1151, extension 6869. —If the group size is 1-50 and is located in any other state, please call 1.800.573.0415. Members can call into the following phone numbers according to group size and state: —If the group size is 51+, please call 1.800.996.6596. —If the group is located in CT/NJ/or downstate NY and your group size is between 1-50, please call 1.800.444.2413. —If the group is located in any other state (other than #2) and your group size is between 1-50, please call 1.800.996.6596. Additional questions regarding this transition can be directed to Pat Feyen, ACEC Life/Health Insurance Trust President at pat@feyengroup.com or to UnitedHealthcare at rapid_response@uhc.com.

House Boosts F.Y. '08 Transportation Funding The House passed an ACEC-supported $104.4 billion F.Y. '08 Transportation-Housing Appropriations bill late Tuesday that includes SAFETEA LU guaranteed funding levels for highway and transit programs. The bill provides $40.2 billion for highways—a $1.1 billion increase over the F.Y. '07 funding level and $631 million more than the President requested. The bill also includes $9.7 billion for transit programs—a $747 million increase over F.Y. '07 and $288 million more than the President requested. Funding for the Airport Improvement Program is earmarked at $3.6 billion while Amtrak receives $1.4 billion in grants. Similar legislation has been introduced in the Senate but has not yet reached the floor for action. The Senate bill provides an equal level of funding for highway programs, but it falls short of the House-passed levels for transit. ACEC will continue to lobby the Senate for an F.Y. '08 Transportation Appropriations Bill that fully funds SAFETEA LU's highway and transit programs and provides additional increases for the Airport Improvement Program and Amtrak.

ACEC's Forum meetings continue to spread their unique appeal, facilitating education, idea sharing, and peer networking, which continues year-'round. The September 2007 dates and locations are set, agendas are nearing completion, and ACEC's popular Forum gatherings are now open for registration: Finance Forum, Sept. 10-11, Chicago; Information Technology Forum, Sept. 10-11, Chicago; and Professional Sales and Marketing Forum, Sept. 26, Maui.

Meeting content varies by functional areas of interest, but typically updates perennial topics and looks at emerging trends, problem solving and success stories from practitioners.

For information and to register for these valuable Forum events, click on the above titles.