PENC Legislative Update

PENC recently joined with the American Council of Engineering Companies of NC, the American Society of Civil Engineers, NC Section, the American Society of Highway Engineers of NC, the NC Section of Institute of Transportation Engineers and the North Carolina Chapter of the Women’s Transportation Seminar to create the “Coalition of Engineers for Transportation”.  The purpose of the coalition is to voice our concern regarding the present condition of our transportation infrastructure and to advocate for stronger investment in our transportation system.  This action was prompted by lack of attention given to transportation during the recent legislative session and the compromised safety and efficiency of our current transportation system.

There is a strong possibility that a Special Commission may be appointed in the near future by legislative leaders and the Governor to study transportation funding and delivery issues.  The Coalition has written a letter to these elected officials as well as other decision-makers in the NC House and Senate asking that the engineering profession be represented on the commission to provide a fact-based, unbiased perspective of the current condition of our transportation system and propose solutions that ensure the integrity of our infrastructure and the safety of the public.  Although the structure and make-up of this commission is still being considered, we are very hopeful that appointments will be made in the next few weeks and that the Coalition’s recommendations will be considered.  In the meantime, we have plans to follow-up our written request by meeting with key legislators and the Governor’s office to reinforce our recommendation that the engineering profession be represented on this Commission.

At this time, there appears to be little chance of a Special Legislative Session on transportation given the fact that a Special Session on tax incentives for certain businesses has already occured.  Next year is a short session and an election year, making it highly unlikely that any substantive legislation would be considered in 2008.  Therefore, our hope is to have some influence, through an appointment on the special commission, that will result in legislation in 2009 that will address our critical transportation issues. 

Our coalition will also continue to seek opportunities through the media and other outlets, to advocate for stronger investment in our state’s infrastructure and to let the public know that the engineering profession is dedicated to protecting the public above all else. 

Please click here for a copy of the Coalition letter.