Executive Director Update

Kevan Stone, NACE Executive Director

Dear NACE Members,



As you know, advocacy is one of the pillars from which NACE was founded. This has taken a new onus in recent years with the growing importance of relationships with policymakers when it comes to funding and the reintroduction of limited infrastructure earmarks.

With the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) in full swing, and with it an unprecedented amount of funding local governments can apply do directly, NACE is not resting on its laurels. In my travels to many of your State Association Conferences, I have attempted to gain more insight into what is affecting your communities and your ability to do your jobs most effectively. The response has been overwhelming and, in most cases, directed towards one agency……

It is no secret that when natural disasters occur, we find ourselves on the front lines of emergency response and recovery. With these recovery efforts come great expenditures, which many of you have waited (or are still waiting) years to be reimbursed. With budgets tight already, this unforeseen but immense expense can break the backs of county road departments for years. Some counties have resorted to measures that include issuing bonds to simply fill the budget gap, while others are forced to make cuts to future projects and scheduled maintenance. While well intentioned, FEMA has fallen short in the expediency of its reimbursement timeframes to county road departments.

FINAL WEEK TO SUBMIT TOPICS & PRESENTATIONS!

This is the final week to submit topics and presentations for the 2025 NACE Annual Conference. 

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT: Friday, August 30 at 11:59 EDT.

NACE invites county engineers, association partners, and Corporate Members to submit presentation proposals to the NACE Technical Program Committees for consideration for the 2025 Annual Conference in Schaumburg, IL. 

NACE technical sessions provide Professional Development Hours (PDH) for attendees so all proposals should provide educational content instead of a direct sales pitch. All proposals will be sent to the appropriate committee chair after the deadline- August 30th! Preference is given to NACE members. Speakers will receive a $100 discount on conference registration. Speakers are responsible for their own travel and accommodations. 

To submit a presentation for consideration, please use this form https://nationalassociationofcountyengineers.growthzoneapp.com/ap/Form/FillV2/pG0XYSlP?cid={{HCIContactId}}

Alternatively, companies can be guaranteed a 1-hour slot by sponsoring one of the technical tracks. This sponsorship and all the information about exhibiting at the 2025 show will be launched in early September.  

It's budget season! Making plans to attend the NACE show next year? Check out the pricing for exhibit space on the NACE website. Pre-sale for NACE Corporate Members will begin in October. 

General Information:

The 2025 venue is the Schaumburg Convention Center and the adjoining Renaissance Hotel. Delegate Registration will open November 1st. Exhibitor and Sponsorship Registration will open in October. 

For additional conference details, please contact:

Staci Morgan Gunderson

National Association of County Engineers

NACE Conference Director

(202) 255-4379 | staci@countyengineers.org

CORPORATE MEMBER SPOTLIGHT SURVEY

Small-Sized Bridge Structures Maintenance Management Survey Opportunity

Recently, we have observed a growing need for maintenance management solutions tailored to smaller bridge structures (under 20 feet), including culverts and low water crossings. These structures frequently lack formal inspection programs, despite their significant importance.

To better understand and meet the specific requirements of County Engineers, we invite you to participate in a short and valuable SURVEY

Dynamic Infrastructure (DI), a proud NACE Platinum Corporate Member, supports county engineers and public works departments across the country providing groundbreaking civil infrastructure maintenance management solutions.

With our AI technology and innovative tools, county engineers can effectively reduce risks, streamline operations, and save valuable office time. DI system automatically detects, prioritizes, and reports civil infrastructure maintenance concerns for hundreds of assets simultaneously.

WHAT'S NEW IN WASHINGTON

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Kamala Harris leads Donald Trump, boosts Democrats' House, Senate chances (thehill.com)

Aging bridges in 16 states will be improved or replaced | AP News

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Innovator | Issue 102

How to Apply for the SS4A Opportunity | US Department of Transportation

DEADLINE AUGUST 29!

National Bridge Preservation Conference

September 9 - 13, 2024

The Bridge Preservation Partnerships are regional forums of bridge professionals— from state agencies, contractors, suppliers, consultants, academia, plus local and federal government agencies—all working together to take advantage of the synergy to be gained from sharing information and identifying common issues for further investigation.

 This year’s National conference will include all four regional partnerships in one meeting. There will be three concurrent tracks with over 60 technical presentations, outdoor demonstrations of bridge preservation treatments and technology, and countless opportunities to network with bridge preservation practitioners from around the country.

Registration is now open! Click HERE to learn more.