March 2023 ASCE-NH Newsletter March 2023 | Page 3

PRESIDENT ’ S MESSAGE

I thought we were seeing signs of a late winter last month ; boy was I wrong ! Winter has thoroughly and completely reminded us that it does what it wants , when it wants , and there isn ’ t a thing we can do other than roll with it and keep on keeping on . I want to call attention to the great men and women who plow , salt , shovel , and in general keep our roads safe all year long in all sorts of weather . The last several snow storms have been long , heavy , messy affairs and I am so proud of not only our staff here at Manchester DPW , but all DPWs around the State and including the NHDOT . It is not an easy job , but the hard work and long hours are greatly appreciated !

ASCE-NH has continued to stay busy though through the winter season with ASCE based efforts . At the beginning of March , I traveled to Washington DC along with approximately 250 other engineers from around the country to lobby on behalf of the Civil Engineering profession at a national scale . I spoke with legislative representatives from Senator Hassan ’ s and Shaheen ’ s offices as well as Congressman Pappas ’ s and Congresswoman Kuster ’ s . I had great conversations with them all and expressed the need for renewed funding in aviation , dam inspections and repairs , resilient infrastructure , and continued support of IIJA type funds . I shared my personal perspective on the benefits and challenges with the process overall and made some great connections going forward . Further details are in an article included in this newsletter .

Last month we had a the most well attended Lunch and Learn presentation from yet by Mr . Ken Berry , PE about the USEPA construction general permit requirements and updates to stormwater monitoring . Ken entertained and informed over 120 participants ! This month we will all see a presentation by Hoyle Tanner on a bridge and river project in Peterborough NH . Looking forward to this great presentation by Aaron Lachance PE and Kayla Hampe PE . The presentation will be on March 29 ^th at noon and worth 1.0 PDH . See you all then !

My best to you and yours , Owen Friend-Gray PE ASCE-NH President

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