2011 Issue

21 don’t accuse the medical profession of being self-serving. In fact, if they did not do that, the public would find them to be irresponsible. (Civil Engineering Magazine, April 2010, ASCE, p.61). As engineers, we have that same role and responsibility, to warn the public of the condition of these vital systems and the risks associated with letting the infrastructure decline and decay. We need to demonstrate and articulate a strong link between a healthy infrastructure, a strong economy, and an improving qual- ity of life. We need to make that personal connection between essential infrastructure and our individual lives. The challenges we face are great, but so are the opportunities presented with those challenges. Throughout history, engineers have stepped up to great challenges and have succeeded. Individually, and as groups of engineers in public and private practice, we can engage, we can communicate, we can innovate, and we can lead. As stewards of the nation’s vital infrastructure, our role is essential, and our nation’s future depends on us. Mr. Leonard, an alumnus of University of Utah, is currently the Intelligent Transportation Systems ProgramManager with the Utah Department of Transportation, He is actively involved with the activities of the American Society of Civil Engineers, and led the society in 2010 as the President. Meeting the needs of future generations will strain our capabili- ties as engineers. We will have to adapt to changes as they occur, broaden our skills, and expand the training of new engineers. There will be much more to know. And, as stated by President Peter Ruane of the American Road and Transportation Builders Association, it is incumbent on the civil engineering profession to take more of a vocal role in this whole area of infrastructure. (Civil Engineering Magazine, April 2010, ASCE, p.51.) We need to speak up, help the public and policy makers to understand the importance of infrastructure investment, articulate the changing roles of new infrastructure systems, and provide leadership on the issue. Richard Capka, former administrator of the Federal Highway Administration, advised that there is direct impact on the public, but there are very few who really understand the intricacies of infrastructure, and somehow there needs to be leadership providing the basis of public education and public awareness (Civil Engineering Magazine, April 2010, ASCE, p.47.) Educating ourselves, our peers, and the public is increasingly our role. There are those who might claim that if engineers advocate for infrastructure spending and construction, we are simply acting in our own interest, promoting continued funding and employment for ourselves. However, as the experts on infrastructure, and as stewards of those systems, it is our inherent responsibility to speak up. As clearly stated by Dr. Paul Mlakar, a senior research engineer with the Army Corps of Engineers, if the medical pro- fession says, We’ve got a possible epidemic coming up, and everyone ought to do this, this and this for their health,’ people Leonard