President's Message
A Note from Prasad Chittaluru, PhD, PE, BCEE, MASCE

Welcome to the February 2010 ASCE East Central branch Newsletter! Infrastructure news have been in the front and center since the beginning of the new year. In the State of the Union address on January 27, President Obama spoke about how investments in infrastructure are investments in nation building. He articulated the importance of investing in our infrastructure not only for creating jobs but also for ensuring that we continue to have a competitive edge in the new world economy. As civil engineers, it is our responsibility to put our knowledge and experience to work in enhancing our infrastructure. ASCE has welcomed the President’s statements. ASCE President Blaine Leonard stated that "The President’s leadership on infrastructure is essential for our future prosperity. We need a bipartisan commitment to create a long-term plan for our infrastructure; one that includes sufficient funding levels and dedicated revenue sources. Without that, anything we do now will be nothing more than a band-aid". Please contact our senators and urge them to support infrastructure investment in the proposed job creation legislation. You can find more information on this issue and how to contact our senators at http://capwiz.com/asce/issues/alert/?alertid=14612226.

On January 12, 2010, a devastating earthquake stuck Haiti. The tremendous losses of life and infrastructure are unfathomable. ASCE Member and my friend Lee Strickland, P.E., was in Haiti at the time the earthquake struck and he is still missing. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. ASCE is supporting the relief efforts and is working with the American Red Cross to offer the services of ASCE volunteers. The Society is encouraging financial donations at this time as the most immediate means of help to relieve the suffering and loss. Please help in any capacity you can to help the people of Haiti.

You have the opportunity to participate and support various activities in our community this month. The Orange County Science Fair is on February 15th and Seminole County Science Fair is on February 20th. Central Florida Engineers Week Awards Dinner is on February 20th. Please support this event that recognizes the accomplishments of engineers in Central Florida. The West Point Bridge Competition for 2010 has started on February 1st. Please contact our education committee if you are interested in supporting this event.

Thank you for your continued support of ASCE and our community service activities.