Dear ASCE Inland Empire Section Members,

We hope that this message finds you and your loved ones doing well. 

Each year, a deserving member from our section is selected as the Engineer of Merit. Since the success of our section depends on the countless contributions of so many dedicated individuals, we’re asking for your help with this year’s nomination process.

The Engineer of Merit Award is bestowed on a civil engineer who meets most, if not all of these criteria:

1. A distinguished career in any branch of civil engineering
2. Distinguished service to the Inland Empire Section
3. Exemplary professional conduct in a specific outstanding instance
4. An established reputation for professional service
5. Objective and lasting achievement in improving conditions under which professional engineers serve in public and private practice
6. Significant contribution toward improvement of employment conditions among civil engineers
7. Significant contributions toward improving the professional aspects of civil engineering education
8. Professional guidance of qualified young persons who would seek civil engineering as a career
9. Other evidence of merit which, in the judgment of the Award Committee, shall have advanced the Society’s professional objectives
10. Who is a current ASCE member in good standing 

Please support the Inland Empire Section by nominating a deserving member for this year’s award. A short paragraph describing the specific contributions of the proposed member is requested.

Send your nomination to Bill Meeks, [email protected]  before Friday, November 14, 2025.

Sincerely,

Bill Meeks, Jeanne Finger and Rebecca Matlack

2026 Engineer of Merit Award Committee 

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Needs Investment – Deferred maintenance is leading to crumbling roads, structurally deficient bridges, and outdated ferry systems.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.