2008 Maine ASCE Infrastructure Report Card

Introduction:
The Maine Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) represents over 750 civil engineering professionals who live and work in the State of Maine and its immediate surroundings. We realize the importance of the State's infrastructure to our citizens, the State economy, our relationship with Canada, and to the nation in whole. The maintenance and improvement of the State's infrastructure is vital to our economy, health, and environment. As a civil service to the residents of our State, the Maine Section is in the process of assembling an Infrastructure Report Card by reviewing available records and data in order to assess the condition of the critical components of the State's infrastructure.

It is our intent that this Infrastructure Report Card will be used to raise public awareness of the impact deteriorating infrastructure is having on our daily lives, and the many issues and decisions that face our State as we strive to maintain and improve our infrastructure. We believe discussion of the issues detailed in this report will lead to a greater understanding of the current and future needs of our State, prompting decision makers in our communities and in the legislature to formulate policies and provide the necessary funding to address our infrastructure needs.

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Report Card Committee Reports:

August 13, 2008 Update- from Peter Merfeld , PE, M.ASCE; Chair, Maine Section ASCE Report Card Committee:

As the summer winds down, the work on the Report Card for Maine’s Infrastructure is gearing up. Many of the focus areas have done their homework and submitted first and second drafts for review (getting all that information into a 3-5 page summary is proving to be a difficult task!). Small committees have formed around each area, with major stakeholders providing data and information. Several areas have completed their task (Aviation to name one) and are waiting for the next step, the PEER review process. This process will begin in early September and will take the Area Champion’s recommendation for a grade and cross check that assigned grade with the information in the 3-5 page report provided. We will review all the area’s methodology to assure consistency where possible. ASCE National will also play a role in the review.

In late September the planning committee will meet again and review the final report card, grades and finalize the drafts of materials needed for the December 10th release. By mid-October we need material to go to the printer so on October 16th we intend on presenting the findings of the report card to the ASCE Maine Section Board for their approval. The grades will not be released until the official unveiling at the December 10th press/legislative ‘breakfast’ event at the Senator Inn in Augusta.

The schedule for the ASCE Report card for Maine’s Infrastructure has been updated, and is based on notes taken during the committee meeting last week.  The schedule areas that are critical path are highlighted in red, as Sept 19th is the deadline for submissions in order to stay on schedule.  Please provide any comments or updates to Peter.  PEER review needs at least 2 weeks to review and finalize grades. We would ask that area Champions do everything possible to get drafts/final drafts in as soon as possible!