A Publication by the ASCE Committee on Critical Infrastructure (CCI)
Mathew Francis, P.E., M.ASCE, Editor-In-Chief
CCI Website: http://ciasce.asce.org
CCI Blog: http://www.ascecriticalinfrastructure.org/
To view all archived issues of the CRIB Sheet, visit: http://ciasce.asce.org/CRIBSheetArchives.html
MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR
After a month to digest CCI’s new years goals developed at the annual meeting discussed in the November CRIB SHEET, two ringing questions remain in my mind - “Do we really understand the impact of infrastructure to the economy or to nation building?” and “Is there a better way to ‘do’ infrastructure?”
Continuing ASCE President Wayne Klotz’ inaugural allegory of infrastructure as modern cathedrals, consider during this holiday season the religious roots of the Declaration of Independence, which broke new ground in building our own nation. Cathedrals and freedom of religion help us attain and reflect the divine within. Infrastructure in a free society enables life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness with greater sociality (to cross the river to grandmothers’ house) and greater distribution of the earths’ resources (‘just in time’ economies of mass wealth). As mankind becomes free from oppression of the ages, his creative and constructive abilities are unleashed, as is the need to balance individual liberty with rights of others and public good. This fundamental premise reflected in our Constitutional standard should govern our laws, society and national security. It is demonstrated plainly in critical infrastructure with both simple engineering questions and those of their social origins:
What kinds of loads should buildings be designed for? How important is a refinery or a highway to a regional economy, both in the positive sense of job creation and potential good derived by its operation, or in the negative sense of consequences if destroyed by calamity? To what extent and timeliness should risks of terrorism and natural hazards should be disclosed to an educated free citizenry? How much of an industrial infrastructure base (i.e. auto and aviation) or emergency services are necessary to maintain our national security, beyond Department of Defense facilities? DoD facilities are the topic of this months DHS infrastructure sector.
The new Obama administration and Congress continue to pledge use of infrastructure renewal as a tool for both economic recovery and improved homeland security, as both the global recession and GWOT remain the forefront national concerns of 2009. It is our duty as citizens and engineering professionals to influence how public debt and federal authority should regulate infrastructure and related ‘boosts’ to a free economy without stifling the genius of liberty and limited government. Have a happy holiday pondering these questions, as will I.
-Mathew Francis, PE, M.ASCE
NATIONAL UPDATE
President-elect Barack Obama lays out Economic Recovery Plan with Infrastructure Renewal.
Brookings Institution says most stimulus should go toward existing water lines, bridges and roads rather than to new projects. CNNMoney.com
Obama’s plans will prompt considering risk and resilience for infrastructure investment decisions.
Project on National Security Reform Releases Its Final Report . Essential reading for all citizens.
Tehcnical Emergency Response Training (TERT) takes toxic approach to teach civilian emergency response safety.
Economic crisis is jeopardizing Emergency Readiness, Says Report by Trust for America's Health.
Health IT infrastructure weighed for economic stimulus package.
FBI unclassified report: Copper thefts threaten U.S. critical infrastructure.
IECLA International EQ Conference proceedings posted, with ShakeOut, the largest US EQ drill.
Transit ridership keeps climbing as gas prices fall.
Severe eathquake could cause $80B in losses in central U.S.
New Virtual Disaster Viewer (VDV) aids Reconnaissance http://128.205.141.22/vdv/.
NASA, Google Maps Track Southern California wildfires.
Regional grid operator approves $1.6B in high voltage line projects.
Gusset Plates' Flaw Led to I-35W Collapse, NTSB Rules. read here.
Presentations from TISP forum on water and wastewater now posted on TISP website.
The ANSI-HSSP Newsletter provides information on homeland security standards and related items pulled from the headlines and submitted by ANSI-HSSP participants. Participants are encouraged to submit information to the ANSI-HSSP Secretary that they feel would be of interest to fellow ANSI-HSSP participants.
STATE/LOCAL NEWS
California to merge emergency services and homeland security.
960 California agriculture companies expand use of solar power.
Los Angeles city councilwoman criticizes port disaster recovery plan.
Connecticut will not shelve infrastructure plans in fiscal crisis.
Florida officials begin campaign for critical infrastructure regionalism.
Boston electrical manhole explosion knocks out 911 service temporarily.
Corps starts $695M flood-wall project in New Orleans.
Maine Section issues State Infrastructure Report Card. Overall grade: C-.
NYNJ Port Authority prepares to remove ground zero ramp.
Oregon Governor plans $1B transportation infrastructure to boost economy. The Oregonian
Seattle narrows down $2.8B Alaskan Way Viaduct options.
Northwest may blaze U.S. path to green grid. Seattle Times
Texas officials submit $6.2B wish list of road projects.
Utah grears up for $11B of proposed infrastructure stimulus.
Utah dam repairs completed a year ahead of schedule.
D.C. Metrorail extension approved by Federal Transit Administration.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATE
Report: Reconstruction in Iraq, Afghanistan fails to achieve goals
Excellent summaries of Mumbai, India terror attacks compiled by NYPDSHIELD.org.
New UN Report on Trade and Development: Investing in Infrastructure - The Road to Recovery.
$25B high-speed train proposal links Toronto and Montreal. The Toronto Star
China commits $146B to rebuild from Sichuan EQ over next 3 yrs. Seattle Post-Intelligencer
China to put $22B into 1,250 miles of new rail track.
U.S. plans to sign nuclear agreement with United Arab Emirates.
Abu Dhabi invests in new city with Zero-Carbon Zero-Waste.
Poland's infrastructure upgrade should start with roads.
Britain’s $24B cross link transit tunnel expansion announces design framework agreements.
$16B Canadian pipeline faces delay in EIS release until Dec 2009.
Miniature nuclear reactors could provide energy; and target for terrorists. FoxNews.com
Offshore deep-water wind farms face obstacles.
Philippines currently produces one quarter of its electricity with geothermal.
German and Italian researchers develop software that automatically detects bridge safety irregularities. Innovations Report
U.K. launches dedicated network for emergency communication.
COMMITTEE NEWS
Visit CCI's new website! Learn more about upcoming CCI programs and activities, plus this new, dynamic, website features the latest news articles, top story news feeds, videos and blogs dedicated to our nation's infrastructure. Check out the new CCI website now, and add it to your favorites so you'll always get the newest infrastructure news.
CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE ACTIVITY AT ASCE
Participate in the 2009 Report Card Survey - What infrastructure needs are of greatest concern in your area? The survey is your way of telling us what ought to be emphasized in the new Report Card, whether the biggest problems in your community are in roads, transit, the energy grid, wastewater or other areas.
The survey is open to ASCE members only; your personal information will not be shared. Complete the online survey.
2009 Report Card for America's Infrastructure Photo and Video Contest.
The "Bridges" calendar is back! Thirteen new bridges take you around the world throughout the year. View the featured bridges and purchase your copies online. With your company name and logo on it, the calendar makes a great gift! Contact imprintart@asce.org to order (minimum purchase of 100 required).
DHS/FEMA BLURBS
Chertoff remarks on DHS future at Johns Hopkins University.
Chertoff on Mumbai: DHS shapes plan to reduce small craft threat.
DHS announces FY09 grant guidance for over $3B in Preparedness Grant Programs.
In less than 90 days: >$1.2 Billion In Disaster Assistance For Texas damage from Hurricane Ike.
FEMA Hurricane Ike best practices stories chronicle mitigation that works.
President declares emergency disaster for Massachusetts December storm.
South Dakota severe December winter storm with record snow brings disaster declaration.
New Homeland Security TV Show Draws Questions
New FEMA for Kids Video To Reach Classrooms: Teaching serious disasters with entertainment.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Oberstar releases increased $45B House Infrastructure Stimulus Proposal.
AASHTO report advocates $63B infrastructure stimulus package.
US Conference of Mayors advocates $74B infrastructure stimulus package.
Congressional committee on levee safety urges national inventory and standards.
Apply to become a prestigious ASCE Congressional Fellow. ASCE's Congressional Fellowship Program offers unique opportunities to become directly involved in the process of crafting federal legislation and advising members of Congress. The federal legislature deals with a multitude of technical issues, many of which directly affect how civil engineers conduct their professional practice. ASCE members can become a congressional staffer for a year and be the voice of their profession by applying for this unique opportunity. Learn more and apply.
CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE SECTOR FOCUS:
Defense Industrial Base (DIB)
Lead Government Agency: US Department of Defense (DoD)
Primary Civil Engineering Applications: Facilities, Bases, Transport
DIB sector plan available at DHS online.
GAO to Defense Critical Infrastructure: Adherence to Guidance would improve available DOD critical transportation assets.
Mortar rounds uncovered at Baltimore Armory renovation.
Wing cracks take out half of A-10 attack jet fleet. Ogden Air Logistics Center
Aging RC-135 aircraft carries advanced military electronic equipment. Offutt Air Force Base
U.S. Coast Guard to be one of largest operators of Ocean Sentry maritime surveillance aircraft.
Boeing restarts V-22 Osprey and CH-47 Chinook plant after production incident.
Y-12 nuclear plant security not on IG’s hit list. New Department of Energy Report
Laser fired from nose of 747 for first time. Edwards AFB.
Russia unveils ‘Abrams Killer’ RPG-30 counter-counter measures rocket.
Deep in Taliban territory, a push for electricity. The New York Times
RSS Feeds from DHS:
Department of Homeland Security News
Department of Homeland Security Press Releases
Department of Homeland Security Speeches
Department of Homeland Security Testimony
Department of Homeland Security Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report
RSS Feeds from FirstGov.gov:
All Cyber Alert System Documents
Cyber Security Tips from US-CERT
Non-Technical Cyber Alert System Documents
Security Incidents Currently Being Reported to the US-CERT
Technical Cyber Alert System Documents
PREPAREDNESS TIP OF THE MONTH
Now’s the Time: The Ready Campaign Encourages Americans to Resolve to Be Ready in 2009! Ready.GOV
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
January 5-7, 2009 — EWRI 2nd Developing Nations Conference, Bangkok, Thailand
Jauary 25-28, 2009 — Windstorm Insurance Conference, Orlando, FL.
January 28, 2009 — Civil Contingencies '09, London, UK
February 3-4, 2009 — Emergency Preparedness Initiative (EPI) Workshop: Emergency Preparedness for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, Washington, DC.
Feruary 23, 2009 — The Science of Communications: A Workshop for Risk & Crisis Communicators, Bellevue, WA.
Feruary 23-24, 2009— 8th Annual Emergency Management Conference, Wellington, New Zealand.
March 4-6, 2009 — 3rd National Emergency Management Summit, Washington, DC.
March 6, 2009— TISP Spring Forum on the Role of USNORTHCOM in Critical Infrastructure Security and Disaster Response, Colorado Springs, CO.
March 18-20, 2009 — 3rd Int’l. Conf. on Urban Transportation Systems, Shanghai, China.
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The CRIB Sheet, a monthly eNewsletter sponsored by the ASCE Committee on Critical Infrastructure, features updates on critical infrastructure news as well as related resources. If this eNewsletter was forwarded to you and you wish to receive future editions directly, click below to subscribe or visit http://ciasce.asce.org/MonthlyBulletin.html. If you received this eNewsletter directly from ASCE, you are already subscribed and do not need to take any further action to continue receiving the CRIB Sheet.
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Copyright © 2007 ASCE Committee on Critical Infrastructure
Chair: Karen L. Moran, P.E
Staff: Catherine M. Tehan
