2025 Annual Banquet – Keynote Speaker: Roger Millar

Growing pains: It's time to invest in a resilient transportation system

On January 9, 2025, Washington State Secretary of Transportation Roger Millar delivered an important message: our state’s infrastructure is at a breaking point, and action is needed.

With record economic and population growth, WA roads, bridges, and transit systems are under increasing strain. Decades of underfunding have led to a maintenance backlog, rising safety risks, and aging infrastructure that threaten transportation reliability.

Key Takeaways from the Presentation:

• Aging Infrastructure Needs Investment – Deferred maintenance is leading to crumbling roads, structurally deficient bridges, and outdated ferry systems.
• Safety Concerns Are Growing – 810 roadway fatalities in 2023 mark the highest level in decades. Urgent investment is needed for rural roads, work zones, and urban streets.
• Sustainability Matters – Hybrid-electric ferries, public transit expansion, and active transportation (walking/biking) must be prioritized to reduce environmental impact and improve mobility.
• A New Approach is Required – Expanding roadways alone won’t solve congestion. Smarter investments in preservation, safety, and modern transportation solutions are critical for long-term success.

What’s Next?

·        WA must shift priorities toward fully funding maintenance, enhancing safety, and investing in a resilient, multimodal transportation system. If action is delayed, the cost of inaction will be far greater in the years to come.

·         Let’s work together to advocate for smarter, long-term transportation solutions that will keep WA moving forward.

The ASCE Inland Empire Section appreciates Mr. Millar sharing his time and experience with us and invites members to attend our future events!

A copy of the presentation is available in the "Newsletter" section of the website.

The following is a link to the recording of the Webinar at  How to Join an ASCE Committee Webinar 2-5-2025.mp4 which has also been posted to the Leader Training Committee website at http://regions.asce.org/leader-training-committee [regions.asce.org] under the Resources Tab.

We are seeking dedicated professionals to become Practitioner Advisors (PAs) and make a meaningful impact on the future of civil engineering! Advisory positions are available for ASCE student chapters at Gonzaga University, the University of Idaho, and Washington State University. By mentoring and guiding student chapters, you’ll have the opportunity to shape the future of the profession while giving back to your local ASCE community. As a PA, you'll inspire students, help them set goals, and encourage their growth both academically and professionally. Your expertise and leadership will provide invaluable support, fostering a strong, active connection between students and the broader ASCE network. Take on this rewarding role and help cultivate the next wave of engineers committed to excellence, leadership, and service!

Practitioner Advisors (PAs) are non-faculty members appointed to student chapters, typically two per chapter, by the ASCE section. Their primary role is to motivate, guide, and mentor students while serving as examples of high-caliber professional performance. PAs should reside near their respective university chapters. In collaboration with the Faculty Advisor, PAs mentor students, attend student chapter conferences, and assist chapter officers in setting goals for the year. They help identify potential speakers and subjects for student-led events but refrain from doing the students' work. PAs are also responsible for reporting on local Section/Branch activities, encouraging student participation, and organizing joint meetings with the Section/Branch. They advocate for students to join ASCE as members, participate in the annual Workshop for Student Chapter Leaders, and attend the ASCE Student Conference. Furthermore, PAs educate students on the benefits of ASCE membership and facilitate connections with Younger Member groups.

If you're passionate about shaping the future of engineering and want to give back to your local ASCE chapter, we encourage you to get involved. For more information or to express your interest, please reach out to us at [email protected]. Additionally, if you have questions about what the position entails, please reach out to Bob Turner at [email protected]  who has been a PA at Gonzaga University for over 15 years.

We look forward to hearing from you!