ASCE Colorado Section - Government and Public Affairs Committee

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Government and Public Affairs Committee (GPAC)

As civil engineers, we are constantly presented with challenges to improve the nation's infrastructure. Whether it involves roads, airports, tunnels, bridges, building, waste disposal or water supply, civil engineers are called upon to provide solutions to enhance the public's quality of life. In order to protect our profession and the quality of life for our fellow citizens, civil engineers must increase their policy awareness and involvement, influence legislators, and educate the public.

What Is the GPAC?

The GPAC will capitalize on several forces present in Colorado at this time. First, several "hot" issues are developing momentum in the state such as urban sprawl, water shortages, traffic congestion, and uncontrolled growth. While voters recently rejected a growth control measure (Amendment 24), a growing sentiment to address the situation prevails.

Second, the recent airing of the PBS series "Building Big" and ASCE national's Infrastructure Report Card has improved awareness of civil engineering in the general public and legislature alike.

For more information, see ASCE's Public Policy page.

For government affairs, the GPAC promotes civil engineering through member participation with different government and quasi-government subcommittees, working groups, lunches, and discussion groups. In addition, it will partner with the Colorado Engineers Council in funding a lobbyist in the state legislature. The committee is in the process of developing a referral system to spread the word spontaneously. This will be done primarily through phone calls, emails, and having appropriate agencies’ and organizations’ web pages link to ASCE Colorado's web page.

Public Affairs

The GPAC proposes to maintain a presence for students, involve us in business and professional organizations, and reach out to the general public. The committee will continue to help organize and promote science fairs and will also support the local ASCE student chapters at University of Colorado and Colorado School of Mines in participating in the Rocky Mountain Regional Student Conference and supporting the Colorado Department of Transportation's Engineering Week.

You can make a difference.

Contact: Steve Fisher, Telephone: (303) 312-8849

Colorado Section Email: staff@coloradoasce.org