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ACEC of Maine held its annual Fall Forum on November 14, 2024 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Freeport. ACEC of Maine President, Theresa Patten, started off the program with an introduction of the Board, and a recap of what they have been working on over the past year.
Dan Diffin, ACEC of Maine National Director and PAC Champion, then provided a report on the National Fall Conference and offered insights into the potential fallout for engineering companies as a result of the election. He also reported on the ACEC/PAC and Maine's progress to date in reaching its fundraising goal.
We were then joined by our liaison to National, Peter Moore, who provided an update on key strategic priorities and projects, major advocacy priorities, and key takeaways from the recent election. He also provided updates from the committees on Energy, Technology, Market Intelligence, and Workforce.
A PFAS panel of experts was assembled to present information and answer questions about PFAS in Maine. The discussion ranged from testing and remediation to risk to crops and livestock. Brian Havens of WSP moderated the panel that was comprised of Jacalyn Gorczynski, LG/PG - Haley Ward, Madison Dinsmore - WSP, Dr. Scott Grieco, PhD, P.E. - National PFAS Leader, Kleinfelder, and Eric Drugotch - Revive Environmental.
MDOT Commissioner Bruce Van Note provided a Work Plan update. Following the Commissioner, Jack Rayers, Account Executive at Systems Engineering presented
Engineering the Future: AI Opportunities, Risks, and Governance in which he discussed AI opportunities and risks as well as the need for diligent oversight and governance.
Sam Hamilton of Eaton Peabody then provided an election update and overview of the composition of the 132nd Maine Legislature. Presentations were wrapped up by Patricia Quinn, Executive Director of the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA) who shared information about the Amtrak Downeaster including maintenance and capital improvements and highlighted plans for upgrades and expansions.
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