A Publication by the ASCE Committee on Critical Infrastructure (CCI)
Eva Lerner-Lam, M.ASCE, Editor-In-Chief

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

What Truly Makes Critical Infrastructure Work? It’s us, ALL of us…
As we mark the sixth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the United States—and indeed, as we are still recovering from last month’s catastrophic collapse of the I-35W bridge in Minneapolis, MN and yes, also from the long-term recovery effects from Hurricane Katrina two years ago—most public and private owners and operators of critical infrastructure now understand that there are interdependencies between various infrastructure sectors. Underlying those interdependencies are the “people-to-people” interactions necessary to get their systems to work during and after a disaster. The emergency responders interviewed in the Critical Infrastructure Protection video produced by the EMR-ISAC (see article featured in August 2007 CRIB Sheet National Update) certainly understand the importance of interdependencies…they emphasize over and over the importance of the PEOPLE who deliver our critical infrastructure services. As civil engineers and planners, we each have an obligation not only to know and understand our own individual disciplines, but also to see how we depend on others and how others depend on us. So, if you operate a rail system, reach out and know the people who provide you with the electricity to run your system. If you are planning a large residential tower, reach out and talk with the folks who will supply the structure with fresh drinking water—and, equally important, those who run the wastewater systems that remove it once it’s used. If you run the electric power plant or the reservoir system, make sure you reach out and tell your customers what your contingency plans are in the event of a disaster. In preparing for potential disasters, true “critical infrastructure resilience” is in the eyes of the professional who sees how each and every critical system depends on, and impacts, other critical systems.
-Eva Lerner-Lam, M.ASCE
elernerlam@palisadesgroup.com

National Update

President Declares Major Disaster for North Dakota
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced on September 7th that federal disaster aid has been made available for North Dakota to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms and tornadoes during July 2007. FEMA Administrator David Paulison said federal funding is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations, on a cost-sharing basis, for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms and tornadoes in Cass and Steele counties. Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for all counties and tribes within the state. http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=39894

TOPOFF 4: Exercising National Preparedness
Top Officials 4 (TOPOFF 4) is the nation’s premier terrorism preparedness exercise, involving top officials at every level of government, as well as representatives from the international community and private sector. Scheduled for October 15-24, 2007, the TOPOFF 4 Full-Scale Exercise (T4 FSE) will feature thousands of Federal, state, territorial, and local officials who will engage in various activities as part of a robust, full-scale simulated response to a multi-faceted threat. The exercise will address policy and strategic issues that mobilize prevention and response systems, require participants to make difficult decisions, carry out essential functions, and challenge their ability to maintain a common operating picture during an incident of national significance. http://www.dhs.gov/xprepresp/training/gc_1179350946764.shtm

TSA’s SPOT Program Gaining Momentum
The Screening Passengers by Observation Techniques (SPOT) Program is a key part of the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) multi-layered approach to security. SPOT pushes security measures to all areas of transportation systems and tries to identify people who may have harmful intent before they get to secure areas. Launched in June 2003, SPOT—which focuses on behavior and not physical characteristics—is expected to be deployed to dozens of the nation's busiest airports. http://www.tsa.gov/press/happenings/bwi_story.shtm

Water Infrastructure Security Enhancements Webcast Series

ASCE, the Water Environment Federation (WEF), and the American Water Works Association (AWWA) have joined efforts to support the improvement of water and wastewater security. The organizations have jointly developed a series of voluntary guidelines, with support from a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. With these guidelines established, ASCE encourages members to take part in the complimentary Water Infrastructure Security Enhancements (WISE) Webcast Series being sponsored by WEF. The series will enable participants to: learn more about the security guidance documents for drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater utilities; and receive tips on how to implement and improve security measures in new and existing facilities of all sizes based on managerial, design and construction, and operational perspectives. Remaining sessions are scheduled at 1:00 PM ET on:

September 12, 2007: Design Considerations and Features to Improve Security at Water & Wastewater Facilities

September 26, 2007: Operational & Maintenance Charges to Enhance Security at Water & Wastewater Facilities

Details and online registration are available at: http://www.wef.org/ConferencesTraining/TrainingProfessionalDevelopment/Webcasts

Trends in Public Spending on Transportation and Water Infrastructure
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) paper released in August 2007 describes the trends in public spending for transportation and water infrastructure from 1956 to 2004. CBO focuses on spending for highways and roads, mass transit, rail, aviation, water transportation, water resources such as the construction and maintenance of dams and levees, and water supply and wastewater treatment.

http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/85xx/doc8517/08-08-Infrastructure.pdf

Establishing the Next Generation of Surface Transportation Security
Presentations and videos shown at the August 2007 meeting of the AASHTO Special Committee on Transportation Security and the National Cooperative Highway Research Program, Project Panel 20-59, Surface Transportation Security Research, in Irvine, CA are available at: http://www.transportation.org/?siteid=65&pageid=2285

CIPAC Activities Available on DHS Website
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has posted information on its website regarding the Critical Infrastructure Partnership Advisory Council (CIPAC). The purpose of the Council is to facilitate effective coordination between Federal infrastructure protection programs and the infrastructure protection activities of the private sector and of state, local, territorial, and tribal governments. CIPAC represents a partnership between government and critical infrastructure/key resource (CI/KR) owners and operators and provides a forum in which they can engage in a broad spectrum of activities to support and coordinate critical infrastructure protection. The complete list of CIPAC members is available at: http://www.dhs.gov/xprevprot/committees/editorial_0848.shtm

Engineers Sought for Expert Advice on Public Engineering and Infrastructure

American Public Media/Minnesota Public Radio is seeking qualified engineers to provide expert opinions and advice on public engineering and infrastructure. "We're still grappling with the implications of the collapse of I-35W here in the Twin Cities," says Lea Coon of Public Insight Radio at APM/MPR. "However, our on-going coverage of the collapse is looking at the state of public infrastructure nation wide. We're hoping that CCI would be willing to help us find public sources with expertise in public engineering and infrastructure to advise our reporting of this serious issue." To volunteer your time, experience, and insights, complete the online application form.

Committee News

CCI Blog Serves ASCE Following I-35W Bridge Collapse
CCI's recently launched blog became a communications center for ASCE members in the days and weeks following the collapse of the I-35W bridge in Minnesota on August 1, 2007. The blog was recently upgraded including a move to a professional blog server, with a new URL (www.ascecriticalinfrastructure.org). Your patience is appreciated while we work out the kinks, but the expanded capabilities at the new server will greatly enhance the Committee’s ability to provide a near real-time, interactive communications vehicle for our members and the civil engineering community at-large.

CCI Goes International
CCI is participating in the 2007 China International Emergency Assistance Equipment and Technology Exhibition & Forum in Beijing, China on September 12-14, 2007. CCI member, Eva Lerner-Lam will represent CCI during the Introductory Session and co-staff the IAEM/ASCE exhibition booth at the Beijing International Convention Center.

CCI Workshop on Engineers' Involvement with Local Disasters
Scheduled for November 1, 2007 in Orlando, FL, CCI is sponsoring a timely workshop on disaster management programs, local resources, and key recovery and mitigation considerations. The workshop will include case studies incorporating prior disasters and will identify disaster management considerations that need to be addressed by the engineering community. The workshop will also inform participants on how they can get involved locally and utilize their skills and expertise in planning for and responding to future events. http://ciasce.asce.org/OrlandoDescription.html

Public Relations Training for Civil Engineers

Scheduled for November 9, 2007 in Washington, DC, ASCE’s first ‘PR University’ features a free, highly interactive one-day workshop for civil engineers who want to learn more about how to incorporate public relations into their ASCE and professional activities. Attendees will learn techniques for effective communications, including media relations and outreach, through presentations and hands-on PR activities. The workshop will take place at the Keck Center for the National Academies from 8:00 AM-4:30 PM. Space is limited, so submit your application today. All applications must be received by October 1, 2007. To apply, download an application form and fax to 703-295-6491 or e-mail to Katie Gorscak.

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

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

Submitted by James F. Smith Ph.D., P.E., Captain USNR (Ret.), M.ASCE:

"Don’t Forget Airports in Disaster Preparedness Planning!
1. When airports are involved in disaster response, they need to be protected from disruptions to functionality (COB, COOP).
2. NIMS is the front line of protection of U.S. airports in such situations.
3. Airports need to be pre-equipped and organized to participate in NIMS/ICS.
4. New dedicated funding sources are needed for airport enhancements to promote their effectiveness in disasters.
5. National standards for emergency and disaster management are needed, particularly regarding airport involvement.
6. International standards for emergency and disaster management are needed, particularly regarding airport involvement.
7. Non-intentional (natural disasters, accidents, pandemics) and intentional (war, civil war, terrorism, riots) events require different protective measures, but the needs will converge in extremis.

Many thanks to Jim for sharing these important points with our readership! To share your tips for a future issue, please send via email to cci@asce.org with "Monthly Preparedness Tip" in the subject line.

Calendar of Events

September, 2007—National Preparedness Month

ASCE has signed on as a participating organization for the 4th annual National Preparedness Month, sponsored by DHS, to encourage Americans to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses, and communities.

September 13-14, 2007—ASCE New Orleans Branch Louisiana Civil Engineering Conference and Show, Kenner, LA

September 18, 2007—Symposium on Emerging Developments in Multi-Hazard Engineering, New York, NY
September 24-27, 2007—ASIS International 53rd Annual Seminar & Exhibits, Las Vegas, NV
September 26-28, 2007—After the Storm…Engineering Solutions for Tomorrow, ASCE Mississippi Section Fall Meeting, Biloxi, MS. CCI will publish post-conference proceedings on transferable best practices and lessons learned for long-term recovery.

October 5-7, 2007—Advanced CPTED: Designing Security for Safe Infrastructure, Louisville, KY
October 18, 2007—TISP October 2007 Breakfast Speaker Series: Peter F. Verga, US Department of Defense, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense, Washington, DC

November 1-3, 2007—ASCE 137th Annual Conference, Orlando, FL. This conference will cover infrastructure for all generations including the planning, designing, building, and management of our nation's infrastructure. A special session will be offered to discuss the lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina, the Big Dig, and the I-35W bridge collapse related to professionalism, ethics, and leadership.

November 15, 2007—TISP November 2007 Breakfast Speaker Series: Michael Balboni, J.D., New York State Deputy Secretary for Public Safety, New York, NY

April 24-26 2008—First International Symposium on Transportation and Development Best Practices, Beijing, China, sponsored by the Transportation and Development Institute of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the China Academy of Transportation Sciences

July 27-30, 2008—6th National Seismic Conference on Bridges and Highways, Charleston, SC, sponsored by the Transportation Research Board (TRB), South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Multidisciplinary Center for Earthquake Engineering Research (MCEER), and CCI.

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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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Chair: Paul F. Mlakar, Ph.D., P.E., M.ASCE
Staff: Marla Dalton, P.E., CAE, M.ASCE and Catherine Tehan