| News for and about the civil engineering community
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- Everglades restoration work awarded to Florida firm
Work will start next month on part of a massive federally funded construction project aimed at restoring the Florida Everglades. The Army Corps of Engineers said the $53 million Picayune Strand project will involve plugging drainage canals, building a pump station and removing roads. Harry Pepper and Associates of Jacksonville, Fla., won the contract for the work. Sun-Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)
(11/4)
    
- Report: MBTA safety issues pose danger to passengers
An independent report commissioned by Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick produced a scathing indictment of the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority. The report classified 51 projects as posing "a danger to life or limb of passengers and/or employees." Critics say the governor should focus on fixing public transit safety issues before launching a $1.4 billion South Coast rail expansion. "I want to assure the traveling public that the system is safe for riders and that the good people of the T will recommit to keeping it so," said Patrick. Google/The Associated Press
(11/4)
, The Boston Globe
(11/5)
, Boston Herald
(11/5)
| Technology and Trends | | |
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- Modeling software helps solve water crisis in India
Modeling software designed by Bentley Systems allowed the Water Supply and Sanitation Department of Maharashtra, India, to solve a severe water supply problem this year. A simulation model allowed engineers to pinpoint negative pressure at some points of the water system and determine which locations were not getting enough water. As a result, the system was re-engineered to decrease the amount of time needed to refill the water network each week. Cadalyst
(11/2009)
- Details boost benefits of BIM, experts say
Entering details about a construction project allows building information modeling technology to live up to its full potential, experts say. Paul Loreto, chairman of the Canada BIM Council, noted that a high level of detail creates cost and quantity surveying advantages. Loreto's company is at work on a new hospital, and he said BIM has helped resolve problems before they reached the construction site. Daily Commercial News
(11/5)
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- At Covidien, innovation comes before earnings
Medical products and services firm Covidien earned a reputation as an industry leader in innovation after being spun off from Tyco International following a scandal. The company's success is largely thanks to CEO Richard Meelia's determination to put R&D investment ahead of earnings and to support creative thinking across the company. In 2008 and 2009, the company has launched 60 new products, and in 2008 the firm racked up $10 billion in sales. BusinessWeek
(11/2)
| Policy Update | | |
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| News from ASCE | | |
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PR University is back!
Are you interested in incorporating public relations into your Section/Branch and professional activities? If so, ASCE's PR University is for you! During this full-day, hands-on training at ASCE Headquarters in Reston, Va., on Monday, Dec. 7, our Communications staff will define techniques for effective communication, with an emphasis on media relations and public outreach. Attendees willing to serve as their Section or Branch PR coordinator may be eligible for a workshop "scholarship." Space is limited, so submit your application early. Get more information and a scholarship application from program coordinator Karen Albers at kalbers@asce.org.
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Association membership remains a great investment
These days, what we choose to invest in matters more than ever. One thing you don't have to sacrifice is your ability to continue growing as a professional. Harry Farchmin, P.E., F.ASCE, chairman of ASCE's Membership Committee, recently published a column for civilengineeringcentral.com about what makes this the best time to be a member of an association. Read Farchmin's column for reminders of the value you gain from ASCE membership. Have you renewed for 2010? Visit ASCE's Survive & Thrive site for additional resources to help you navigate these turbulent economic times.
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