January/February 2017

GEORGIA’S ECONOMIC POLITICAL OUTLOOK

GPTQ DESIGN AWARDS PAT WILSON GEORGIA’S NEW COMMISSIONER OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

january/february 2017 1 2 ENGINEERING GEORGIA TABLE OF CONTENTS

26 COVER STORY: ADVANCING THE ECONOMY From Film to Factories, Georgia’s Economic Development Efforts Hinge Upon a Skilled Workforce and Industry Partnerships 34 GEORGIA’S ECONOMIC OUTLOOK Viewpoints on the State’s Economic Vitality, Market Trends and Top Issues 42 TRANSFORMATIVE TRANSPORTATION DESIGN A Look Back at the 2016 GPTQ 26 Preconstruction Design Awards

6 THE PULSE News Coverage from In and Around the Engineering Community 50 PROJECT SPOTLIGHT A Whole New Ballgame: Inside the Underground Detention System at SunTrust Park 55 ASSOCIATION NEWS Updates from Georgia Engineering Associations 66 ENGINEERS BEYOND THEIR CAREERS 34 42 Pursuing Passions Outside of the Industry CHECK OUT OUR NEW LOOK ONLINE! ON THE COVER View Engineering Georgia’s new website at EngineeringGa.com for Pat Wilson, the new Commissioner of the Georgia behind-the-scenes photos, exclusive online-only articles and more Department of Economic Development, shot exclusively for Engineering Georgia by about the official magazine of Georgia’s engineering industry. Matt Druin – Matt Druin + Co. Photography.

january/february 2017 3 Publisher: Michael “Sully” Sullivan

Editor-in-Chief: EDITORIAL Sasha Ugi BOARD Managing Editor: Nikki Welch ANITA ATKINSON P.E., Patterson & Dewar Engineers, Inc./ASCE Georgia Creative Director | Designer: Sabrina Tongren CHAD BECKER Kimley-Horn www.in8-design.com JEFF CORBIN Parsons STEPHANIE DAMMEN-MORRELL Hussey Gay Bell Contributing Editors: MICHELLE ERSTE Wolverton & Associates, Inc./SMPS Kasie Bolling Allison Floyd ERIK M. GRANDOWSKI CPSM, Pond André Gallant BETH HARRIS CPSM, United Consulting/SAME Atlanta Post JENNIFER HEAD ACEC Georgia Contributing Photographer: JENNY C. JENKINS P.E., McGee Partners, Inc./ASHE Georgia Matt Druin - Matthew Druin + Co. Photography PAMELA LITTLE P.E., Pond/SAME Atlanta Post Accounting & Advertising Services Manager: BRIAN O'CONNOR P.E., T.Y. Lin International/ASHE Georgia Brittney Love JOHN PIERSON Georgia Tech Research Institute/ASCE Georgia MICHAEL PLANER P.E., PES Structural Engineers/SEAOG Advertising Sales: ACEC Georgia BILL RUHSAM P.E., PTOE, Michael Baker International/ITE Georgia 233 JACK SEIBERT P.E., GEF Suite 700 THOMAS TRUE P.E., L.S., Rochester & Associates, Inc. Atlanta, Georgia 30303 DOUG WEAVER P.E., Comcast/GSPE (404) 521-2324 www.acecga.org BILL WELLS ITS Georgia MALIKA REED WILKINS Ph.D., Atlanta Regional Commission/WTS Atlanta Send change of address to: LISA S. WOODS P.E., HNTB Corporation ACEC Georgia 233 Peachtree Street, Suite 700, Atlanta, GA 30303 PATTI ZACHARY Heath & Lineback Engineers, Inc. or email [email protected]

Facebook.com/EngineeringGA www.EngineeringGA.com

Engineering Georgia 2016 is published bi-monthly by the American Council of Engineering Companies of Georgia (ACEC Georgia) and its partner associations ASCE, ASHE, GEF, GSPE, ITE, ITS, SAME, SEAOG and WTS. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is prohibited.

In8 Design, ACEC Georgia, and its partner associations ASCE, ASHE, GEF, GSPE, ITE, ITS, SAME, SEAOG and WTS, as well as their representatives, employees and agents, are held harmless from any claim, demand, liability or action on account of, or in any way arising out of, the client’s advertising, products and services, Atlanta Post or its participation in Engineering Georgia.

4 ENGINEERING GEORGIA Publisher’s | LETTER

or many people, the A lot of work goes into creating an award- But, there’s one person whose vision, beginning of a new year is winning magazine (hey, that has a nice ring to dedication and passion for this magazine a time for reflecting on the it!) – from the behind-the-scenes accounting are what makes the “award winning” milestones of the previous work, to the professional photographers and difference: our Editor-in-Chief, Sasha Ugi. Fyear and contemplating changes to improve writers who create the words and pictures I may have the title of “Publisher” and my ourselves and our businesses. So, it’s no on every page, to the members of our own page on which I bloviate bi-monthly, coincidence that we kick off the year with Editorial Board who provide the feedback but I, and everyone else who works on this our annual Economic Outlook issue, with and direction that contribute so much to the magazine, really work for Sasha. She’s the the aim of providing informative articles on quality of our magazine. But, a few people one who herds the cats, keeps everyone on the state of Georgia’s economy and future deserve extra special credit for our “award task and manages the hundreds of details growth. winning” achievement. that go into creating every issue. She is more than just the boss, she’s also the brains and This time of year also marks the anniversary First, we have a world-class Creative Director heart of this magazine. That’s what has of Engineering Georgia, now entering its and Designer, Sabrina Tongren, who takes made her an “award winning” leader and I third year of publication. When we set out the raw materials of words and images and know that with her in charge, we are going to create this magazine, one of our goals combines them with her own boundless to need to make a lot more room for all the was for each issue to be better than the creativity to make every layout design “pop” awards that will be coming our way. previous one. I may be a little biased, but off the page. Our MarCom Award for Design looking back on the past eleven issues, I is just a small testament to her huge talent. think we’ve largely accomplished that goal. Second, our Managing Editor, Nikki Welch, whose multitude of talents touch every But, you don’t have to take my word for aspect of the magazine. One day she’s writing it… just check out the hardware in the articles, the next day shooting photographs picture on this page. Those are the five Gold – and every day contributing great ideas that Michael L. “Sully” Sullivan MarCom Awards that Engineering Georgia make the magazine better. President and CEO, ACEC Georgia was honored with by the Association Publisher, Engineering Georgia of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP) in the following categories:

• Magazine – Industry/Trade • Magazine – Association • Design (Print) – Magazine • Writing – Magazine • Photography – Magazine

The MarCom Awards recognize outstanding achievements in marketing and communications materials and the competition was stiff – the MarCom judges evaluated nearly 6,000 entries from individuals, publishers, media conglomerates and Fortune 500 companies across 300 different categories.

january/february 2017 5 The Pulse | NEWS BRIEFS

ASCE-SPONSORED ENGINEERING IMAX HNTB RELOCATES ATLANTA OPERATION FILM TO SHOW AT FERNBANK HNTB has moved to a new office space, now located in the heart of Dream Big: Engineering our World, a movie produced in partnership downtown’s business district at 191 Peachtree Tower. Continued growth, with the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), premiered at the both with the city’s infrastructure needs and within the firm itself, ASCE Annual Conference in October 2016 and is making its public demanded a larger location. “This location will better connect HNTB release during Engineers Week 2017. The film, produced by the Academy with our clients and the Atlanta business community,” Jeff Parker, HNTB Award-nominated Producers of Everest and Living Sea, is set to run at Atlanta Office Leader and Vice President said in a press release. 191 the IMAX Theater at beginning in February. Peachtree Tower also houses the Metro Atlanta Chamber, who relocated in late 2016, and The Commerce Club. ATLANTA BUSINESS OWNER AND STEM PROMOTER PRESENTED POND SELECTED IN JOINT PROJECT FOR PORSCHE DRIVING FORCE AWARD AIR FORCE ONE AIRPORT HANGAR Stephanie Espy was awarded Pond, a full-service architecture, engineering, planning and construction the 2016 Porsche Driving firm based in Peachtree Corners, Ga., has been selected in ajoint- Force award on December venture with Frankfurt Short Bruza to design the new hangar planned to 6, 2016 at the Center for house the future aircraft intended for use by the President of the United Civil and Human Rights. States. The project will be the first new hangar to be designed in more Espy is the Founder of Math than 30 years configured to accommodate the Air Force One aircraft and Strategies and Problem- will be designed for Joint Base Andrews in Prince George’s County, Md. solving (MathSP) and author of the book STEM Gems, THREE GEORGIA EMPLOYEES ANNOUNCED AS ENR which spotlights 44 innovative and inspiring SOUTHEAST’S “TOP YOUNG PROFESSIONALS” FOR 2017 women who work in the science, technology, Annie Blissit, Water Resources Engineer-in-Training at Gresham, Smith engineering and math (STEM) fields. The awards ceremony was part of and Partners, Angela Fannéy, Project Manager at Kimley-Horn and Women’s Empowerment Day and highlighted women who apply their Tommy Linstroth, CEO of Green Badger, LLC, were all selected by innovation in the fields of STEM. ENR Southeast as part of the 2017 Top 20 Under 40. The 20 selected class members come from across the southeast region, which includes GDOT AWARDS 18 CONTRACTS TOTALING Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee MORE THAN $44.5 MILLION and Puerto Rico. The emerging leaders represent “the ‘Best-of-the-Best’ The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) awarded 18 project in their construction and design careers by giving back to their industry contracts across the state in early December for transportation projects. and communities,” according to ENR Southeast. Since the 2017 fiscal year began on July 1, GDOT has invested $175.8 million in resurfacing interstate and state roads. The Department continues to focus on the preservation of existing infrastructure. Of the $44.5 million awarded, 62 percent will go towards resurfacing and maintenance and 26 percent will address bridge conditions.

GEORGIA HOUSE SPEAKER PROPOSES NEW STATE TRANSIT COMMISSION During the Georgia Chamber of Commerce’s annual Eggs and Issues event, House Speaker David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge) said he plans to introduce legislation during the session to create the Georgia Commission on Transit Governance and Funding. The state commission would study whether Georgia should devote taxpayer dollars to improving mass transit and the needs for bus systems, commuter trains and freight trains HUSSEY GAY BELL ANNOUNCES PROMINENT HONORS statewide, ultimately delivering recommendations to lawmakers. The Hussey Gay Bell recently announced two honors: CEO G. Holmes Bell, Republican Speaker also announced the creation of a new panel charged IV, P.E. has been named a 2017 Notable Georgian by Georgia Trend with studying transportation and ways to pay for it, including transit, for the second year in a row. Bell is one of 50 named Notables in the before the start of the 2017 legislative session in early January. state being recognized for their impact and influence across the state. Additionally, Principal and Vice President, Jennifer Oetgen, P.E., has been named to the Leadership Georgia Class of 2017, a training program designed for young business, civic and community leaders with the Want to learn more about the transportation desire and potential to work together for a better Georgia. Oetgen is infrastructure projects happening across the state one of 63 selected participants. and their progress? Visit www.GAroads.org

6 ENGINEERING GEORGIA january/february 2017 7 8 ENGINEERING GEORGIA The Pulse | ON THE MOVE

CDH PARTNERS hired Georgia Tech graduate, Vince Lord, as Electrical designs, traffic impact studies, signal Engineer for the firm. warrant studies and traffic calming projects. He holds a Master’s degree and a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Georgia Tech and is a licensed EBERLY & ASSOCIATES promoted Jeremiah Phillips, P.E., an P.E. in the State of Georgia. A native of employee of the firm for 12 years, to Associate. The company also Statesboro, Ga. Rollins is a graduate of celebrated the 20-year work anniversary of Mike Wright, an Associate Georgia Southern University and holds a who is currently the Technical Operations Manager and Civil Engineering Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Project Manager for the K-12 education projects. Haydon Rollins degree. Prior to his graduation, Rollins completed three internships with local civil engineering firms. GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT welcomed a new Chief Operating Officer in January. Governor Nathan Deal announced the appointment of Bert Brantley, who has served as Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Driver Services since 2016, to one of the leading positions at the state’s economic development Bert Brantley agency. Brantley is no stranger to state government: he served as Director of Communications and Press Secretary for Governor Sonny Perdue, as well in leadership and communication Larry Gregory Erick J. Fry roles for the State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA) and GDOT. KCI TECHNOLOGIES INC., a multi-disciplined engineering firm with offices throughout the U.S., announced the promotion of Georgia GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (GDOT) announced Construction Engineering and Inspection Practice Leader, Larry K. the promotion of Floyd Williams to Acquisition Support Manager. Gregory, to Vice President. Additionally, the firm welcomed Erick J. Williams graduated from Georgia State University in 2003 and has been Fry, P.E. as Transportation Practice Leader. with GDOT in its Chamblee office since 2004. In this new role, he will manage the Funding and Certification Unit, Plans and Engineering Unit, Condemnation Preparation Unit and the ROW Accounting Unit. NEWCOMB & BOYD announced the promotions of two of its employees: Adam Bare to Partner and Shane Lawlor to Associate Partner. Bare has 20 years of experience in mechanical engineering design and project GRESHAM, SMITH AND PARTNERS (GS&P) welcomed Kimberly management on more than 150 projects, with an emphasis on healthcare Harden to the firm’s transportation market as Project Manager. GS&P and academic campuses. Lawlor has 13 years of mechanical engineering also hired Angela Atehortua as Administrative Assistant, Gabrielle design and project management experience. Since joining the firm, he has Salazar as Database Administrator and Project Management Assistant, and held mechanical engineering responsibilities on more than 50 projects in Premiah Gwinn and Andrew Bryant as Project Management Assistants. the academic, healthcare, museum and laboratory spaces.

NOVA ENGINEERING AND HNTB CORPORATION announced the hire of Leslie Wade as Communications Director. Wade will serve as HNTB’s contact with the ENVIRONMENTAL hired Steven Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Innovative Delivery and Schultz as Construction Materials will support HNTB’s work with Georgia Commute Options. Testing Business Unit Manager. Schultz has four years of materials testing, construction inspection, project management and operations HUSSEY GAY BELL welcomed two management experience spanning a new engineers to the team: Senior broad range of market sectors. Transportation Engineer, Richard Steven Schultz Mielke, P.E., in Atlanta and Project Engineer, Haydon Rollins, in Savannah. Mielke has 20 years of experience in both the public and private sectors, specializing in road improvement projects, traffic signal Richard Mielke

january/february 2017 9 The Pulse | ON THE MOVE

SUGARLOAF COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (CID), which was established in May 2016, hired its first-ever Executive Director: Alyssa Davis. Prior to accepting the role, she worked with the nearby Gwinnett Village CID as an urban planner for seven years.

John O'Brien Chad Boyea Alyssa Davis

PES STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS announced the promotion of several TRANSYSTEMS CORPORATION announced the promotion of Richard employees: Chad Forester, P.E. and Erik Swerdlow, P.E. were Markwith, Jr., P.E. of the firm’s Atlanta office to Principal. Markwith has promoted to Senior Associates and new Owners of the firm, while held a number of leadership positions since first joining TranSystems in 2013. John O’Brien, P.E. and Chad Boyea, P.E. have been promoted to Associates. VANDERWEIL ENGINEERS recently brought on Scott Bull as Senior Account Executive at its Atlanta office. With more than 20 years of experience in the industry, Bull has been involved in the design and POND recently welcomed Stephanie Hannum as Communications construction of multiple projects throughout the United States. Manager and John Lathram as Program Manager. Pond also promoted Gary Arnold, Bill Carpenter, Todd Eldridge, Chris Patterson, Theron Stancil, Mark Susa and Dave Yensan to Senior Associate; Marcus Anderson, Jim Davis, Will Haynes, Ron Hipp, Jorge VHB welcomed four new members to the company’s growing team: Fin Mendez, Aimeé Miners, Sam Smith, Andrew Swift, Kenn Ussery Bonset as Manager of Airport Planning; Genesis Rios as Stormwater and Kate Woods to Associate; and Bryan Evans, Mark Levine and Specialist; Rachel Meiser as Civil Designer and Michael Wielenga as Kevin Skinner to Principal. In addition, Roseana Richards, P.E., a Environmental Scientist. Senior Vice President with the firm, has announced her retirement from Georgia’s engineering industry.

ROSSER INTERNATIONAL, INC., headquartered in Atlanta, promoted three architects within the firm to Associates: Amanda Hodgins, AIA; Steven Jackson, AIA; and Michael Kahn, AIA. Additionally, the firm appointed three new Board members at its December Board of Directors meeting: Floyd Keels, Director of Engineering; Larry Latimer, Director of Systems Engineering; and Mark Van Allen, Vice President. James E. Curry, IV was also appointed to Director of Sports Architecture.

STEVENS & WILKINSON Principal Janice Wittschiebe was appointed to the firm’s Board of Directors in late 2016. Wittschiebe, the second woman to be appointed to the board since its inception in 1969, is an active member of the firm’s management team, and a registered architect, interior designer and LEED-accredited professional, Janice Wittschiebe and is principal-in-charge of numerous Education, Corporate and Recreation sector projects. Wittschiebe’s new board role will involve contributing to leadership decisions regarding strategic planning, finances and personnel for both of the firm’s offices.

10 ENGINEERING GEORGIA january/february 2017 11 The Pulse | OUT & ABOUT

2017 ACEC GEORGIA PAC LEADERSHIP CIRCLE RECEPTION: John Heath of Heath & Lineback Engineers, Joe Macrina of Wolverton & Associates, Tommy Crochet of McGee Partners, Georgia Representative and Charles Ezelle of Thomas & Hutton.

2017 ACEC GEORGIA PAC LEADERSHIP CIRCLE RECEPTION: 2017 ACEC GEORGIA PAC LEADERSHIP CIRCLE RECEPTION: Michael Planer of PES Structural Engineers, Georgia House Representative with Jay Georgia Senator Frank Ginn, Jim Willmer of Willmer Engineering, Darrell Rochester of Rochester & Associates Wolverton of Wolverton & Associates. and Rick Toole of W.R. Toole Engineers.

2016 BEST OF ITS AWARDS: Mark Demidovich (center), presents the 2016 Outstanding Public 2016 BEST OF ITS AWARDS: Mark Demidovich presents Mike Clance Member Agency Award to Alan Davis (left) and Matt Glasser (right) of the Georgia Department of Intelight, Inc. with the 2016 Outstanding Private Member Award. of Transportation Office of Traffic Operations.

2016 BEST OF ITS AWARDS: Winter Horbel of Temple, Inc., Tom Sever of Gwinnett GEORGIA ENGINEERING FOUNDATION AWARDS BANQUET: County Department of Transportation and Bryan Mulligan of Applied Information accept Volunteers Patricia Seibert and Carlen Remich aided in checking in all the 2016 ITS Georgia Best of ITS Innovation Award. 45 scholarship recipients, family members and event guests. GEORGIA SECTION ITE/ITS GEORGIA SOCIAL: Members of ITE Georgia and ITS Georgia came together in late 2016 to network and encourage camaraderie within the engineering community at a joint social event.

2017 ACEC GEORGIA PAC LEADERSHIP CIRCLE GEORGIA SECTION ITE NOVEMBER MEETING: ITE Georgia President Marco Friend, Angie Laurie of the Atlanta RECEPTION: Georgia Representative Downtown Improvement District/Central Atlanta Progress, ITE Georgia Past-President Sean Coleman, Meredith with ACEC Georgia President and CEO, Michael Sullivan. Emory of Kimley-Horn and Kyle Huffman of Jacobs.

2016 GEORGIA SECTION ITE AWARDS: Outstanding Young Member Award recipient, Kate GEORGIA SECTION ITE OCTOBER MEETING: Sean Coleman of D’Ambrosio, P.E. of the Georgia Department of Transportation, with Marsha Anderson Bomar of Kimley-Horn along with Faye DiMassimo of the City of Atlanta and the Gwinnett Village Community Improvement District. Marco Friend of Jacobs.

GEORGIA ENGINEERING FOUNDATION AWARDS BANQUET: GEF’S GEORGIA ENGINEERING FOUNDATION AWARDS BANQUET: University of Georgia outgoing President, Raymond Wilke with the City of Atlanta’s Department student, Ciara Chesser (right), with her parents, Shirley and Michael Chesser, prior to of Watershed Management, along with Thong Nguyen, scholarship the program’s start. Chesser received IEEE’s Atlanta Section scholarship. recipient Tu Nguyen, and Georgia Wilke of GeoRay, Inc. The Pulse | OUT & ABOUT

Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) Commissioner Russell McMurry delivers a special award to Daveitta Jenkins Knight with CH2M and Treasury Young with GDOT for their outstanding work as Co-Chairs of the GPTQ Procurement subcommittee. 2 016 GEORGIA TRANSPORTATION SUMMIT

Rudolph Frampton with Marietta-based Heath & Lineback Engineers and Matt Bennett with GDOT.

Scott Jordan with Southeastern Engineering and Tracy Rathbone with Town Center Community Improvement District at the 22nd annual Georgia Transportation Summit.

Kimberly Hudgins of HNTB and Kevin Perry of Georgia Beverage Presenting sponsor Vinay Uchil with Jacobs alongside Matthew McDow with Arcadis. Association network during a break in the program. 14 ENGINEERING GEORGIA John Heath (center) of Heath & Lineback Engineers receives an award from ACEC Georgia President and CEO, Shelley Lamar with JAT Consulting Services and Bobby Michael Sullivan (left) and GDOT Commissioner Russell McMurry (right), honoring him for his long-time service Hilliard with GDOT. as a volunteer with the Georgia Partnership for Transportation Quality (GPTQ).

Patrick Pecot with CDM Smith and Aruna Sastry of Sastry and Associates, Inc. during the event, which took place in Athens, Ga.

Beth Ann Schwartz of Michael Baker International and John Funny of Grice Consulting Laura Boyette with Willmer Engineering networks at the company’s Group. Both Michael Baker International and Grice Consulting Group were among the exhibit booth during an afternoon break. sponsors for this year’s event. january/february 2017 15 The Pulse | EVENTS CALENDAR

SEAOG GENERAL MEMBERSHIP FEB MEETING: BRICK SUPPORT, SHEAR 8 DOWEL SYSTEMS, TENSION RODS 2017 6:00p.m. – 7:45p.m. Hudson Grille – Brookhaven 4046 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30319

2017 The Structural Engineers Association of Georgia (SEAOG) will host its February General Membership Meeting, featuring a presentation by Glenn Gable of Halfen U.S.A, who will provide insight into engineered structural connections.

Cost: $30 – SEAOG Members; $40 – Non-Members; EVENTS $20 – Full-time Students Register at www.seaog.org

GEORGIA TECH “ALL MAJORS CAREER FAIR” 2017 DAN R. BROWN ACI AWARDS FEB FEB 9:30a.m. – 4:00p.m. 5:30p.m. – 7:15p.m. McCamish Pavilion 2 Crowne Plaza Ravinia Hotel 965 Fowler Street, Atlanta, GA 30332 16 2017 2017 4355 Ashford Dunwoody Road Atlanta, GA 30346 Registration is now open for the inaugural "All Majors Career Fair" at Georgia Tech. This event has replaced the The Dan R. Brown Awards Program is an opportunity for the Georgia former "Internship & Co-op" fair, and the Institute is expecting over Chapter of the American Concrete Institute (ACI) to recognize and 100 employers in attendance looking to recruit interns, full-time and encourage innovative design, construction, maintenance and repair cooperative education jobs. of concrete structures. Join the Georgia Chapter of ACI for this event applauding the advances and achievements of Georgia industry Learn more at www.career.gatech.edu/spring-all-majors-career-fair professionals.

BUILDING GEORGIA LEGISLATIVE DAY Cost: $75 – Individual FEB 7:30a.m. – 11:00a.m. Register at www.aci-ga.org 8 James H. “Sloppy” Floyd Building 2017 Floyd Room, 20th Floor, West Tower 2017 ASCE GEORGIA TOOTHPICK 200 Piedmont Avenue SE, Atlanta, GA 30334 FEB BRIDGE COMPETITION Hosted by ACEC Georgia and the Associated General Contractors of Georgia, the event will feature Keynote Speaker Chris Carr, the newly 18 1:00p.m. appointed Georgia Attorney General. Following this breakfast program, 2017 Fernbank Science Center head over to the State Capitol for a tour, legislative update and one-on- 156 Heaton Park Drive, Atlanta, GA 30307 one meetings with legislators. Participants in the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Cost: $50 – ACEC Georgia Members; $130 – Non-Members Toothpick Bridge Competition build their bridges in advance to bring to this annual event where they are tested to failure to measure their load Register at www.acecga.org carrying ability. Entrants may build a bridge in either of two categories – the traditional Toothpick Category or the Open-Materials Category. Students also have an opportunity to tour the museum, as well as talk to practicing engineers about careers in engineering and educational opportunities.

Learn more at www.ascega.org/toothpick-bridge-event

16 ENGINEERING GEORGIA 2017 GWINNETT SCIENCE, GEORGIA TSA STATE LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE FEB ENGINEERING + INNOVATION FAIR MAR The Classic Center 24 Infinite Energy Center 9 300 North Thomas Street, Athens, GA 30601 2017 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth, GA 30097 2017 Dedicated exclusively to students enrolled in The Gwinnett County Regional Science, MAR engineering and technology education pathway Engineering + Innovation Fair is an annual tradition that has been programs, Georgia’s Technology Student in place for nearly 40 years. This year’s theme – “Ask WHY” – gives Association (TSA) chapters prepare students to be 11 successful inventors, designers, creative problem students an opportunity to explore their curiosities and encourages the 2017 next generation workforce to continuously look for answers. Students solvers, responsible citizens and leaders in a who are awarded first place in their local school science fair are eligible technological society. to participate. Industry professionals are encouraged to participate in the event in a number of ways, including volunteering, judging and sponsoring. Approximately 2,200 high school and middle school students from across Georgia will attend the 2017 Conference and participate in more than 70 Learn more at www.gwinnettsciencefair.com different STEM-related competitive events. Industry professionals are encouraged to participate as judges for these events -- nearly 250 are needed! 2017 GEORGIA ENGINEERING AWARDS FEB Cost: $85 – Student/Advisor; $35 – Chaperone/Guest 6:00p.m. Learn more at www.gatsa.org 25 Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339 2017 ASCE GEORGIA CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT Register today for this new black-tie event, which APR celebrates standard-setting project achievements and outstanding 11:30a.m. Shotgun Start engineers in the industry! Brian Moote, Co-host of Q100’s “The Bert 20 The Golf Club at Bradshaw Farms Show”, will act as Master of Ceremonies for the evening. Winners of 2017 3030 Bradshaw Club Drive both the 2017 ACEC Georgia Engineering Excellence Awards and GSPE Woodstock, GA 30188 Engineer of the Year Awards will be honored during the evening’s program. This annual golf tournament raises funds to help support the ASCE Georgia Nicaragua missions. ASCE Georgia’s 2016 Charity Golf Cost: $125 – Individual; $1,125 – Table (10 Tickets); Tournament helped fund a team of ASCE Georgia members in designing $85 – Government/Retired Engineer and constructing a 90-foot pedestrian bridge that provides safe crossing for children and other villagers to their local school and church in Kansas Register at www.acecga.org City, Nicaragua. This year’s fundraising dollars will go toward improving access to decontaminated drinking water. ASCE Georgia is looking to partner with Rotary as part of its Global Grant program to raise money to 2017 ITE/ASHE TRANSPORTATION provide a solar-powered advanced filtration unit for the villages. FEB WINTER WORKSHOP Learn more at www.ascega.org/golf-tournament 26 Columbus Convention and Trade Center 2017 801 Front Avenue, Columbus, GA 31901 ACEC GEORGIA PAC GOLF TOURNAMENT APR FEB The Transportation Winter Workshop is a day-and- a-half-long event packed full of opportunities to 7:30a.m. – 2:30p.m. gain technical knowledge and to network with 28 Bear’s Best Golf Club 27 2017 5342 Aldenburgh Drive, Suwanee, GA 30024 2017 other transportation professionals. The event, now in its seventh year, is hosted by ITE Georgia Join ACEC Georgia for its second annual PAC Golf and ASHE Georgia. Tournament, an event to raise money for the association’s Political Action Committee (PAC). The day begins with a grab-and-go breakfast followed Cost: $195 – ITE/ASHE Members (Private Sector); by a shotgun start and golfing alongside invited Georgia Representatives $135 – ITE/ASHE Members (Public Sector); $230 – Non-Member and Senators, as well as industry leaders from across the state. The day concludes with lunch, prizes and networking after the tournament. Register at www.gaite.org/winter-workshop Cost: $175 - ACEC Georgia Members; $275 - Non-Members

Register at www.acecga.org

january/february 2017 17 18 ENGINEERING GEORGIA The Pulse | BY THE NUMBERS GEORGIA BY THE NUMBERS: Interesting Information, Useful Facts and Catchy Conversation Starters By Nikki Welch

ANTICIPATED NUMBER OF SECONDS BETWEEN PLANE TRAINS AT HARTSFIELD-JACKSON ATLANTA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AFTER THE COMPLETION OF A $307 MILLION PROJECT AIMED TO SHORTEN WAIT TIMES AND ADD CAPACITY. The project would extend the tracks to allow space for the trains to turn back and would allow 11 more cars to be added to the automated people mover (apm), shortening the wait time from 112 seconds to 95 seconds. The Plane Train, which opened to the public in September 1980, is the most heavily traveled airport apm in the world – moving 20,333 200,000 people every day. While the design phase is first to happen, construction for the extensive NUMBER OF LICENSED PROFESSIONAL engineering-feat would begin in spring 2018. ENGINEERS (P.E.) IN GEORGIA. Across the nation there are currently over 820,000 actively 95 licensed P.E.s – more than doubling the 337,298 licenses that existed just fifty years ago in 1967. The Georgia P.E. exam lasts eight hours (16 hours for structural engineers) and is offered twice a year – once in the spring and once in the fall. Registration for the April 2017 P.E. exam $68,000 is currently open, closing on February 23, 2017. MEDIAN SALARY FOR ENTRY LEVEL ENGINEERS IN THE ATLANTA AREA. Compared to the average national salary for entry level engineers - $60,000 - those in metro Atlanta land 14.9 percent higher on the pay scale. High national demand, a healthy economy and Atlanta's increasing population, along with growing infrastructure needs, have created a prime environment for engineering professionals. For those engineers who enter and stay within the field for ten years or longer, the projected mean salary increases nearly two-fold to $112,000. DROUGHT RESPONSE LEVEL2 STILL IN PLACE BY GEORGIA GOVERNOR NATHAN DEAL FOR 52 COUNTIES ACROSS THE STATE. After the second hottest summer in Atlanta’s history and sparse rainfall across the entire southeast, restrictions were put in place at the end of November to preserve water supply and help retain reservoir levels. The restrictions remain despite an increased amount of rainfall in December and early January. Outdoor watering, always limited in Georgia to between 4:00p.m. and 10:00p.m., is now restricted to just two NUMBER OF STEM-CERTIFIED K-12 SCHOOLS IN GEORGIA. This number continues to rise as new days a week – Wednesdays and Saturdays for schools are opening and more schools are adding STEM teachers, aiming40 for certification. In Georgia, STEM even-numbered addresses, and Thursdays and education is defined as an integrated curriculum that is driven by problem solving, discovery, exploratory Sundays for odd-numbered addresses. Under project/problem-based learning and student-centered development of ideas and solutions. As more this response level, ornamental fountains technology is integrated into industries across the board, a solid foundation in STEM curriculum is an are also prohibited and in the metro area, important asset for students pursuing related professions, but also for those interested in other fields. restaurants won’t bring water to customers unless specifically requested.

january/february 2017 19 The Pulse | POLITICAL OUTLOOK POLITICAL OUTLOOK

By Michael “Sully” Sullivan, President and CEO, American Council of Engineering Companies of Georgia (ACEC Georgia)

20 ENGINEERING GEORGIA POLITICAL OUTLOOK f there’s one constant in politics, it’s change – and 2017 should is either unsafe, obsolete or nearing the end of its useful life. It’s difficult see more than its share. for voters to get excited about the politicians who gave them a bunch of underground pipes or new and improved versions of the things they In Washington, we have an unconventional President who were already taking for granted. Icampaigned on shaking up the status quo. In Congress, Republicans have control of both the House and Senate for the first time in more than This is why it was so encouraging in 2016 to have both major political a decade and are looking to make good on promises to undo much of party candidates not merely acknowledging the need to invest in our the Obama administration’s policies, including a repeal of the Affordable nation’s critical infrastructure, but trying to outdo each other in just Care Act (or at least parts of it) and other rules and regulations that they how big they were willing to go towards addressing it. Hillary Clinton believe are hindering economic growth. proposed $500 billion in new investment in infrastructure and now- President Donald Trump doubled that Here in Georgia, we have the same folks in number and promised $1 trillion. charge, but many newly elected legislators “Our society could coming in and established leaders already While there was not a lot of specific detail about looking ahead to possible races for higher not function as where the money would come from during office. In this type of environment, hot button it does without the campaign (other than President Trump’s issues – which can earn their champion this critical references to public-private partnerships), the lots of free media coverage and favor from promise itself continues to be at the top of the certain elements of the Republican primary infrastructure, yet Trump Administration’s list of goals for the base – can suck up a lot of legislative time many people take first 100 days. Despite Trump advisor Steve and attention. This dynamic will most likely it for granted.” Bannon’s suggestion late last year that they become more of a factor the closer we get to should just borrow the money since “interest 2018. rates are so low,” a conservative Republican Congress is going to be looking for ways to FEDERAL OUTLOOK: pay for the investment rather than borrowing. Recent discussions have centered around significant tax code reforms that could provide a source INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING IN THE SPOTLIGHT of at least some of the funding. But, suggestions such as “repatriation” (creating a favorable tax code to incent American companies to bring The importance of infrastructure can hardly be overstated. Roads, profits earned in other countries back home) don’t come close to the bridges, water/wastewater and storm water, airports, dams, rail lines, amount needed. power and other utilities are the circulatory system of almost every part of our economy. Our society could not function as it does without this Though questions about how it will be paid for remain unanswered, critical infrastructure, yet many people take it for granted. We expect infrastructure funding remains the only big issue on the Trump bridges to be safe, water faucets and smartphones to work and the lights administration’s wish list that enjoys strong, bipartisan support – and to come on when we flip the switch. However, much of our nation’s presents a real opportunity for a new President looking for an early, big infrastructure challenges center on replacing existing infrastructure that win on a major campaign promise. b

january/february 2017 21 The Pulse | POLITICAL OUTLOOK

Georgia’s congressional delegation will play an even more important Speaker Ralston stated forcefully that “transit is going to be an role in those discussions, due to its increased clout in transportation and important part of our transportation future here in Georgia. We have infrastructure policy. Representative Rob Woodall (R) was previously to recognize transit is not only a part of congestion mitigation, but it’s Georgia’s only representative on the powerful House Transportation economic development here in the state.” and Infrastructure Committee. But he won’t be alone any longer, as Georgia now has three representatives on this important committee. The House has also created a new Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee that will provide more Newly-elected Congressman Drew Ferguson (R) and veteran lawmaker specific focus on transportation funding issues generally. Hank Johnson (D) have also been appointed to join Woodall for the 115th Congress. In addition, Representative Tom Graves (R) will serve on the 2017 LEADERSHIP Transportation Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee, and will obviously play a major role in any funding discussions. AND RULES CHANGES During the first few days of the 2017 session, which was gaveled into GEORGIA OUTLOOK: TRANSIT’S INCREASING IMPORTANCE order on January 9, new leadership within the General Assembly was announced. With several legislators either leaving the legislature or Turning the focus to transportation moving up the leadership ladder in their infrastructure and funding in Georgia: chamber, a host of new committee chairmen for decades, much of the discussion has “We have to were appointed, including the new chairs centered around roads and bridges. But, as of the Senate Transportation Committee more Fortune 500 companies have relocated recognize transit – Senator Brandon Beech (R-Alpharetta) – to Georgia citing accessibility to a MARTA is not only a part and the House Transportation Committee – station as a top factor in their site selection Representative Kevin Tanner (R-Dawsonville). decision, transit has moved to the forefront of of congestion legislative discussions. Legislators are starting mitigation, but Also early in the session, the Senate amended to understand that a robust transit system is an it’s economic its Rules to provide that Crossover Day (the economic development engine that attracts development here date by which a bill has to have been passed companies such as State Farm, Mercedes and in the state.” by one chamber to be considered by the AthenaHealth who in turn are trying to attract other) will now be Legislative Day 28, instead young, high-wage, white-collar workers. It’s of Day 30. also become a tool for revitalizing areas with high-end Transit Oriented Developments (TOD) built around MARTA stations. STRUCTURAL ENGINEER LICENSURE LEGISLATION

The first sign of transit’s increasing importance in the state wasthe Georgia structural engineers face a competitive disadvantage when $75 million in capital funding for transit appropriated by the General competing for work in other states where structural engineers are Assembly in 2015. In 2016, the General Assembly passed legislation that licensed. A Georgia structural engineer (who only has the “P.E.” allowed residents of the City of Atlanta to vote on a referendum for a professional engineer designation) might have far more structural local transit SPLOST, which will generate approximately $2.5 billion in engineering experience but be passed over in favor of a less experienced direct funding to be used to expand transit within the city limits. There engineer from a state that licenses structural engineers with the are also discussions about legislation in the coming year to expand that professional engineer, structural engineer ("P.E.,S.E.") designation. referendum opportunity to the rest of Fulton and DeKalb Counties, potentially generating an additional $5.5 billion for MARTA expansion. The growing national trend to create the “P.E., S.E.” designation reflects the significant difference in risk to the public health, safety and welfare Transit’s increased clout is also reflected in Speaker of the Georgia House relative to true structural engineering practice. That greater risk to public of Representatives David Ralston’s (R-Blue Ridge) announcement at the safety is why, in 2011, the Georgia Professional Engineers and Land Georgia Chamber’s annual Eggs and Issues Breakfast in early January. Surveyors Licensing Board (PELS Board) began requiring candidates for Speaker Ralston publicized his intention to create a new Georgia the P.E. with background in structures to take the 16-hour structural Commission on Transit Governance and Funding. The Commission engineering exam, rather than one of the eight-hour P.E. exams taken by would include appointees by the Speaker, Lt. Governor and Governor other engineering disciplines. This requirement was in keeping with the who, according to Ralston, “will work to make a roadmap for how we licensure standards recommended by the National Council of Examiners integrate transit as one more tool in our transportation portfolio.” for Engineering and Surveying. b

22 ENGINEERING GEORGIA january/february 2017 23 The Pulse | POLITICAL OUTLOOK

In the 2015 legislative session, House Bill 592 (HB 592) was introduced vetoed by Governor Deal, could come up again. Legislative leadership to create a new "P.E., S.E." license for structural engineers in Georgia. in both chambers have indicated that such legislation may not get very HB 592 also contained a grandfathering provision which would allow any far this time around. currently licensed professional engineer to obtain the "P.E., S.E." license by simply submitting a signed affidavit to the Many also expect a strong effort to pass PELS Board stating that they are a practicing legislation that would allow Georgians to structural engineer. HB 592 was passed by the vote on whether to allow casino gambling in House of Representatives in 2016 and ACEC “Political Advocacy Georgia and a bill to allow medical cannabis Georgia will seek to introduce a similar bill is one of ACEC oil to be manufactured in Georgia. Most during the 2017 legislative session. Georgia's three also expect Governor Deal to propose K-12 primary purposes.” education funding reform legislation, as well OTHER ISSUES as legislation that would allow the state to intervene in chronically failing schools. All There are only so many hours in a day and the of these issues could occupy a significant Georgia General Assembly can only meet for amount of legislative bandwidth. 40 days. Invariably, other issues will come to the forefront and compete for a significant portion of legislative time and attention. Oftentimes, CONCLUSION these are the issues that generate news stories (and media mentions for the legislator sponsoring the bill). Political Advocacy is one of ACEC Georgia’s three primary purposes and we are here to fight for the interests of the business of engineering While it is almost impossible to predict at the beginning what will under the Gold Dome, as well as in Washington D.C. and before state ultimately come out of the session, issues such as the Religious Freedom agencies and local governments here in Georgia. In order to effectively Restoration Act (aka the “RFRA” bill) or a bill allowing guns to be carried represent the interests of the engineering industry, we need to hear on college campuses by those with carry permits (the “campus carry” from you. When an issue comes up that affects Georgia’s engineering bill), both of which were passed by the General Assembly in 2016 but industry, please don’t hesitate to let us know.

Premiering at Fernbank Museum of Natural History on February 17, 2017 for a limited time – tickets available at www.fernbankmuseum.org.

24 ENGINEERING GEORGIA january/february 2017 25 Engineering GA | FEATURE

ADVANCING THE ECONOMY From Film to Factories, Georgia’s Economic Development Efforts Hinge Upon a Skilled Workforce and Industry Partnerships

By André Gallant

s the new year begins, Georgia is poised to add to the economic development triumphs it has already tallied over the past two decades. In recent years, the state has witnessed continued development by well-established companies including Honeywell, NCRA and UPS, seen its film industry become a global player, and secured new factories and distribution centers from global companies such as Amazon and Caterpillar. The state is regularly named No. 1 in the nation for workforce development and, in 2016, Site Selection magazine named Georgia the “Best State in Which to Do Business” for the fourth year in a row. And, leading the way is the new Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), Pat Wilson. b 26 ENGINEERING GEORGIA Pat Wilson, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, photographed for Engineering Georgia at the Department's office at Technology Square in Atlanta. Photography: Matt Druin -- Matt Druin + Co. Photography

january/february 2017 27 Engineering GA | FEATURE

to Commissioner. "The film tax credit is one of the few times that you can point to a policy change that directly and measurably spurred substantial and impactful job growth across a state. Prior to the film incentive being passed, the film industry had an approximately $240 million impact on the state’s economy." In 2016, Georgia-licensed productions, which numbered 245 for the year, generated an economic impact of more than $7 billion.

Despite the increase in production, companies noted that films and shows were forced to import on-set workforces from California. To counter the dearth of trained crew, Governor Deal helped launch the Georgia Film Academy in 2016, which promises to educate, train and find jobs for new entries into the field, as well as industry veterans. Academy students earn a certificate after completing two courses taken at one of Georgia’s eligible schools, which include Clayton State University, Columbus State University, Georgia College "Georgia retooled mightily after the Great and State University, Georgia Piedmont Recession,” says Wilson, who was appointed FILM AND TELEVISION Technical College, Gwinnett Technical to the position by Governor Nathan Deal in College, Kennesaw State University, Savannah November 2016, and he doesn't expect the It's no secret that Georgia has grown into a Technical College, Southern Crescent good business news to stop any time soon. major location for film and TV production. Technical College or the University of West "We weathered the storm well and made some In 2008, the General Assembly increased Georgia. Pinewood Studios, a state-of-the-art pretty amazing changes," Wilson adds. "Unless the state tax credit offered to entertainment production facility in Fayette County, serves we do something to get in our own way, we’re production to 30 percent. Since then, Georgia as a hands-on laboratory for the students. going to experience long-term growth." has become the third busiest state for film and TV production, and is placed in the top five In the next few years, up to 5,000 set With strong business leadership from the locations globally for feature film production, production jobs are expected to be created. Governor's office and smart tax policy from according to Film L.A., a nonprofit that tracks These are good jobs, paying close to six the state legislature, Wilson believes Georgia the industry. figures, and the academy promises to give will continue to grow its global business Georgians a clear path to landing them. But footprint. He points to the city of Dalton and to maintain its bright economic outlook, the the carpet industry as a perfect example of how state realizes it must also invest in workforce government and business can work together. development across all industries.

Decimated after the housing market collapse, WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT and already hobbling from the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Companies emerged from the economic Georgia's flooring industry had to innovate to downturn eager to streamline and focused survive. Governor Deal sat down with industry on advanced development. “Businesses leaders and heard their call for lower energy relocating or opening new facilities in Georgia costs. A tax cut on energy for manufacturing mirror adaptations made by local companies,” encouraged Georgia's flooring businesses to says Wilson. Today's factories have changed: invest in automated factories, allowing them they're smaller, more efficient, technologically to compete with China. proficient workplaces that represent millions in structural investments. In today's factories, This is just one example of increased “Growing Georgia's presence in film "it's not the line workers of our parents' communication and collaboration between and television has been one of the most generations; it's engineers on the line. It's a government and business that has helped fascinating parts of the job,” says Wilson, different skill set," Wilson adds. spur Georgia on its current upward trend. who served as the GDEcD’s Chief Operating Wilson says many industries have benefitted, Officer for six years before his appointment including film and television production.

28 ENGINEERING GEORGIA Gretchen Corbin, Commissioner of the and materials are weaved into the curricula Technical College System of Georgia of nearby technical colleges, creating a (TCSG), agrees. “Manufacturing is changing dependable workforce for employers for with technology, so we have to ensure our generations. workforce changes along with it.” When companies research where to locate their TCSG’s High Demand Career Initiative next expansion, infrastructure and incentives provides free tuition to students in are at the top of their list. More important manufacturing, computer science and other than tax breaks or buildings, though, valued fields, and has also recently launched companies want access to talent. Supplying a Registered Apprenticeship program in that workforce is the chief effort of Corbin's partnership with the U.S. Department of department. Georgia leads the nation in Labor. Through eight technical college workforce development by readying 50,000 campuses, students can apprentice in fields graduates annually from its 31 public colleges such as industrial systems, machine tool and universities. or electrical systems technology and earn technician status. Corbin touts the ongoing success of Georgia's Gretchen Corbin, Commissioner, TCSG 50-year-old rapid workforce development Likewise, Wilson’s GDEcD runs six Centers program, Quick Start, as integral to future materials to fit and educate future workers. of Innovation, which are each designed to success in economic development. An When Shire, formerly Baxter International, utilize the cutting-edge potential of Georgia's expanding or relocating company can contact opened a bio-science laboratory in Covington, higher education system to suit the needs one of many Quick Start offices around the Ga., Quick Start helped provide a prepared of industry. The Centers include aerospace, state, where staff will assess the company's workforce for the company beginning on agribusiness, energy technology, information workforce needs and then compose training day one. In addition, Quick Start methods technology, logistics and manufacturing. b

january/february 2017 29 Operated by Georgia Quick Start, a division Engineering GA | FEATURE of the Technical College System of Georgia, the Georgia BioScience Training Center is located in Newton County and represents one of the ways the state is helping to provide the trained workforce critical to the bioscience industry.

By harnessing the expertise and research In addition, county governments and potential of the state's universities and industries can partner to ensure their premium technical colleges, Georgia's businesses sites are certified under the state's Georgia tap into intellectual resources to remain Ready for Accelerated Development (GRAD) competitive on a global scale. “We’re all on program, a compendium of fast-track-ready the same page,” says Corbin of TCSG’s impact sites companies can use to their advantage on economic development in the state. because preliminary zoning, environmental “We’re right behind our quarterback, which is and geotechnical requirements have already the office of economic development.” been met.

COMMUNITY AND INDUSTRY READINESS Wilson hopes to employ the same cross- communication he's seeing between Wilson is impressed with how Georgia's engineers and local governments in his “We need to city and county governments, partnered own office. He wants improved cooperation with their local business and engineering between Georgia's economic development know that the industries, have attracted business in the past, efforts and its engineering community: engineering but believes construction companies and "We need to know that the engineering community in engineering firms can be even more involved community in Georgia is seeing what the next Georgia is seeing in the future. When companies are interested best site is, being forward-thinking about in expanding within or relocating to the state, them and working with communities to do what the next they contact GDEcD with pre-established something about it," Wilson says. best site is, being wants. Wilson notes that many of them are forward-thinking Wilson sees few flaws in current economic already armed with reports compiled by about them and consultants, using available and accessible development programs, and there's little to data provided by local governments. warn him against a slowdown. "When you working with Georgia's communities are already on top of go through the list of industries that have communities to do this, but not across the board. Engineering been booming in Georgia, there isn't an something about it.” firms can work with city and county officials, area where we lack. We're seeing an amazing Wilson says, to ensure a complete list of spec momentum.” b buildings (those built with the anticipation of demand) and potential sites are ready and waiting online.

30 ENGINEERING GEORGIA january/february 2017 31 Engineering GA | FEATURE

MEET PAT WILSON, COMMISSIONER, GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (GDECD)

Although Commissioner Pat Wilson accepted his current role at GDEcD in November 2016, he is no stranger to the work. Wilson first joined the Department in 2010 as Deputy Commissioner for Global Commerce. A year later, he became Chief Operating Officer, managing daily operations and serving as the Department's legislative liaison. A native of Franklin Springs, in Franklin County, Wilson is a graduate of the University of Georgia.

b Looking back over your career in government, when did your interest in economic development begin?

I’ve always been interested in economic development to some extent, but just didn’t know it. Growing up in a small town, you see the direct impact of company closures and job worked to bolster that reputation, which led My hope is that we continue to diversify, losses on a very human level. But economic to being named the No. 1 state in the nation leveraging assets such as Hartsfield-Jackson development as a career path never occurred to do business for the last four years [by Site Atlanta International Airport, the Ports of to me until a conversation with former Selection magazine]. When looking at our Savannah and Brunswick, our interstate Governor Sonny Perdue. We had just finished competitor states, it is striking in the fact that system and unrivaled transportation network, his last legislative session and were discussing Georgia has been so historically consistent. as well as the academic assets produced by my future – and it was he who suggested I our technical colleges and universities, to move into economic development. He talked I believe the most striking changes in the continue job growth across industries. to me about how transformational economic business landscape in Georgia have come development can be for small towns and rural from the post-recession growth — companies I would love to see strengthening job Georgia. That resonated. I had been lobbying focusing on and investing funds into R&D growth in rural Georgia. Governor Deal for public policy for years in both Washington and innovation. This has spurred a rebirth tasked this department with strategically and under the Gold Dome… Governor of advanced manufacturing and advanced and aggressively pursuing opportunities to Perdue thought I would do a great job selling distribution jobs across the state and created grow jobs and investment specifically in that something I love: Georgia. another major growth sector for the state in region of the state; all our divisions have been innovation-related jobs. From the vibrant working to find growth opportunities in rural There has not been a single day I have rebirth of the flooring industry in northwest communities. questioned that career change, and I am Georgia, to the high-tech automotive industry honored that Governor Deal has allowed me in northeast and west Georgia, to innovations Over the years that I have worked in economic the opportunity to continue down this path in food processing and distribution, to the development, we have had some great and – and has been so supportive of growing jobs growth of FinTech (financial technology), impactful wins. That being said, consistency in in Georgia. cyber security and advanced computing- job growth is our goal, and we are committed related jobs — all of these are directly related to pursuing that objective. b What are the most striking ways the to a larger change in the emphasis companies business landscape has changed over place on innovation, being competitive and b When not in the office working to the course of your professional life? positioning themselves for prosperity over strengthen business in the state, how the next 20 to 30 years. do you spend your free time? When you are talking about the business landscape as a long-term, big picture in b Looking forward to the next 10 and Free time? I have a 10-year-old boy and a Georgia, Governors and General Assemblies, 20 years, what is your biggest hope for seven-year-old girl, so I try my best to devote regardless of the party in charge, have a long economic development for Georgia? Is my time outside of this office to my family and history in this state of being pro-business. there an industry or type of business being a dad… baseball, basketball, soccer, Governor Deal and his team have only you'd like to see boom in the state that gymnastics, art lessons… whatever is needed. isn't currently dominant here? If I am in this country, I am committed to not missing a game, practice or performance.

32 ENGINEERING GEORGIA january/february 2017 33 Engineering GA | FEATURE Downtown Columbus

GEORGIA’S ECONOMIC OUTLOOK VIEWPOINTS ON THE STATE’S ECONOMIC VITALITY, MARKET TRENDS AND TOP ISSUES

By Allison Floyd

34 ENGINEERING GEORGIA Port of Savannah Photo by: Georgia Ports Authority/Stephen B. Morton

Georgia cotton farm Tallulah Gorge State Park

Downtown Atlanta

hen Chris Clark looks out the window of However, the turnaround of the housing industry – and his Peachtree Street office in downtown planning for the future of the state’s economic health overall – Atlanta, he sees cranes dotting the skyline as is more complex than targeting a specific industry or charting businesses expand or relocate to the City and a single direction. “The Georgia economy has been through Whousing developers create the homes that those new employees an interesting pattern,” says Roger Tutterow, Director of the will need. But the President and CEO of the Georgia Chamber Econometric Center at Kennesaw State University’s Coles of Commerce sees more than just the beating heart of a vibrant College of Business. capital city. He sees an entire state with the assets that corporate executives want for their businesses. “Typically, we think of Sunbelt economies as growing faster than the national average. But during the 2008-2009 recession, “Obviously, the housing market has rebounded,” Clark says. Georgia’s economy lagged behind the national economy. Part He points out how employers are creating a demand for more of the reason is, our economy – like the economies of Arizona, employees and those workers are clamoring for more housing. Nevada and Florida – has very significant exposure to the “New companies are building out and those employees need a construction industry, particularly housing,” continues Tutterow. place to live,” he adds. b

january/february 2017 35 Engineering GA | FEATURE

“The depth of the housing crisis tugged at Georgia’s economy, causing the state to shed jobs faster than the national average. That trend started to turn in 2011, and Georgia has been among the top 10 fastest growing states again for the past three years.”

The question most asked of economists leading into a new year is whether the economy will grow and Tutterow has reason to be optimistic that the positive momentum of the past few years will continue. The state added just under 100,000 jobs in the 12 months ending November 30, 2016, a 2.3 percent job growth that beat the national rate. “That’s running a little faster than the national clip, and we expect Georgia will continue to outpace the nation in 2017,” Tutterow says. 50% of all metro Atlanta residents think that job opportunities are good or excellent. 100,000 about their communities and the region’s challenges. In 2016, more jobs added in Georgia than 5,400 people across 13 counties – Butts, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Paulding and Rockdale – weighed in on jobs, traffic, schools, crime and more. Their insights help policymakers see whether their work is paying off for constituents, and whether the state is moving in the right direction. 2.3 PERCENT “The first year we asked, ‘What’s the biggest issue facing the region?’ and job growth that beat the national rate we thought the answer would be, ‘Transportation,’” says Mike Alexander, ARC’s Manager of Research and Analytics. “But that was 2013, and we were still coming out of the recession, so the economy was the number one issue. Over time, as the economy has improved, we have watched it fall off as something that people are concerned about.” “From the perspective of engineering and construction, the housing market continues to expand. There are some pockets around the nation The 2016 Metro Atlanta Speaks survey, conducted by the A.L. Burruss where multifamily housing has gotten above its absorption, even some Institute of Public Service and Research at Kennesaw State University, areas of the Southeast, so we are concerned about those areas. But asked 27 questions of the 5,400 participants to capture different Georgia is a bit different. Despite several projects coming online, we opinions from diverse geographic areas within the region. The results haven’t exceeded pre-recession levels for multifamily housing.” are available to the public and are accessible via a data dashboard, which offers an interactive view that can be used to compare results region- GEORGIANS FEELING GROWTH wide, county-to-county and year-to-year.

After a few years of economic doldrums, Georgians who live within Across the region – an area that includes more than half of Georgia’s commuting distance of Atlanta generally say they are happy about their population – only 12 percent of those surveyed rated the economy job prospects and quality of life. as their top concern for the state. “That’s around 1-in-10. Only 1 in 10 people consider the economy their biggest concern,” Alexander This was one of the many findings in the Atlanta Regional Commission explains. “We now are at a place where close to 50 percent of all metro (ARC)’s annual Metro Atlanta Speaks survey. Each year, ARC uses the Atlanta residents think that job opportunities are good or excellent. survey to take a snapshot of sorts to explore what metro Atlantans think That’s a big improvement from where we were in 2013.” b

36 ENGINEERING GEORGIA january/february 2017 37 Engineering GA | FEATURE Year over year, more people are saying the economy Is In most parts of metro Atlanta, the economy BETTER “But we have to remain vigilant as a business ranks third (behind transportation and in metro Atlanta. community to protect what we have built crime) on the list of concerns, but residents’ and ensure that we don’t tarnish the brand concern seems to tick up the further they – Georgia’s brand.” live from the center of the City. And, another trend seems to emerge from the year-to-year For the most part, Georgia has maintained a results: As the economy improves, people worry less about the state’s steady plan and consistent message to draw business, even during the economy, but more about traffic. recent recession, says Jeff Humphreys, Director of the Selig Center for Economic Growth within the Terry College of Business at the University Transportation has certainly garnered money and attention recently, of Georgia. “We have a very strong team out there in the trenches a pattern that should continue as the state follows through on long- landing these wins. The proof is in the list of projects,” he says. term commitment to projects and President Donald Trump elaborates on a campaign promise to invest in the country’s aging infrastructure. The Great Recession disrupted the state’s growth, but as the economy Tutterow expects 2017 will be a strong year for infrastructure-related recovered, economic development picked up, Humphreys adds. “There projects in Georgia. “You can’t talk about economic development in just weren’t a lot of companies expanding or relocating beginning a few Georgia without talking about transportation. As a state, we made a years ago. Certainly, they weren’t in an expansion mode. There was a commitment a few years ago to fund transportation [with the passing drought of projects, and that drought began to break about five years of House Bill 170 – the Transportation Funding Act of 2015] and we are ago.” beginning to see the effects of that,” he says. 2017 AND BEYOND Like the cranes over the city, the Metro Atlanta Speaks survey shows proof that building expansion and job creation is having an impact on the Overall, Georgia’s economy is expected to grow in 2017, driven by lives of people living in metro Atlanta. “Year over year, more people are manufacturing, information technology (IT) and healthcare, according saying the economy is better in metro Atlanta. It absolutely has filtered to an annual economic outlook published by the Selig Center. into people’s perception of this place,” Alexander says. “We really are adding jobs, and adding them as robustly as other metro areas.” Georgia’s productivity is expected to grow more this year than last year – more than the country as a whole and more than the long-term trend. KEY TO SUCCESS The state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is also expected to increase to 3.2 percent in 2017, up from 2.6 percent estimated growth in 2016. Most experts agree that one of the keys to Georgia’s success is the Several factors are behind the growth: Major projects are coming online, state’s focus on economic development and creating a healthy policy the housing recovery continues, small businesses are expanding and environment for business to the state’s manufacturing sector start and grow. While industry is growing even as the country’s leaders cite our interstate contracts slightly. system and ports, workforce and weather when choosing Beginning in 2016 and continuing Georgia, business-focused state into 2017, industry is bringing government makes the list, too, new jobs to the state primarily Clark says. When other states 3.2 PERCENT in headquarters operations, IT, have had a misstep, Georgia’s financial services, healthcare IT, united focus and stability has won GDP expected to increase in 2017 cyber security and manufacturing. out, Clark adds. b

38 ENGINEERING GEORGIA january/february 2017 39 Engineering GA | FEATURE CHANGE IN NON-FARM PAYROLLS

NOV-15 NOV-16 JOBS ADDED % CHANGE

UNITED STATES 142875 145128 2253 1.6 “There are a number of projects in the pipeline,” said Humphreys. “These projects, they get announced and make headlines, but it takes a GEORGIA 4,362.40 4,462.10 99.7 2.3 while for the jobs to show up. All these projects have been announced ALBANY 62.7 63.7 1 1.6 and are in the pipeline, which creates a very strong and reliable tailwind to Georgia’s economic growth in 2017 – and even beyond.” ATHENS-CLARKE 94.2 97.5 3.3 3.5 ATLANTA-SANDY 2,643.70 2,711.90 68.2 2.6 While the state’s fastest job growth will be in construction, those jobs SPRINGS-ROSWELL will be driven by expansion in transactions processing, data processing, AUGUSTA-RICHMOND 228.6 234.2 5.6 2.4 cyber security and development of software and mobile apps. Almost all sectors of the economy are expected to grow, giving Georgia a projected BRUNSWICK 42.7 42.9 0.2 0.5 unemployment rate for 2017 of 4.8 percent, half a point better than the COLUMBUS 122.6 123.9 1.3 1.1 5.3 percent rate estimated for 2016. DALTON 68.4 68.3 -0.1 -0.1 Perhaps the most burgeoning area, in Humphreys’ view, is what he calls GAINESVILLE 86.2 87.7 1.5 1.7 “New IT” – transaction processing, healthcare IT and medical services. HINESVILLE 19.9 19.9 0 0 Georgia is already ranked third in the country (behind New York and MACON 104.3 105.5 1.2 1.2 California) in financial technology, so-called FinTech, according to the ROME 40.7 41.2 0.5 1.2 Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, and some 250,000 people in the region work in transactions processing. SAVANNAH 175.3 182.5 7.2 4.1 VALDOSTA 56.3 56.7 0.4 0.7 Experts expect the aging of the Baby Boomers will also drive growth in WARNER ROBINS 70.9 71 0.1 0.1 healthcare, but the short-term is a bit shaky. “There is some uncertainty in the medical services area, because of the likely repeal of Obamacare, *In 1,000s but the outlook is really quite good,” Humphreys says. **Non-farm payroll generally is considered the best indicator of the health of a local economy. In the year that ended in November 2016, nine of 15 metro Advanced manufacturing, which takes advantage of innovative areas in Georgia grew by more than one percent and only Dalton lost jobs. technology for efficiency or to produce new products, has helped Georgia adapt as some areas of traditional manufacturing waned. In fact, the state has won back approximately 4,500 jobs lost in manufacturing over the last few years, many of them in highly skilled areas that require Economic development officials are not ignoring economic growth a college degree. of areas outside the large and medium-sized cities and facing the real challenges that exist. Sixty-eight of Georgia’s counties are projected to But, continuing to attract advanced manufacturing will require lose population by 2030 and another 18 counties will grow less than one a dedicated focus from state leaders, the Selig outlook advises. percent, a projection based on the assumption that young people will Customized training might become the most important carrot to attract leave those places for more opportunities. And, while healthcare will be new industry and encourage existing businesses to expand within the one of the most important sectors in coming years, Georgia has lost half state, according to the authors. a dozen rural hospitals in recent years.

THERE’S WORK TO DO The Georgia Chamber will also soon announce the results of Georgia 2030, an ambitious project that polled tens of thousands of Georgians As Georgia’s economy continues to grow again, that momentum is not to map out the state’s business priorities for the next decade. Through limited to metro Atlanta. 24 town hall meetings, gatherings on 15 college campuses, dozens of focus groups and two polls of likely voters conducted by the University Cyber Command, the U.S. Army’s cyber security headquarters, is coming of Georgia, the Chamber compiled the data that will map the strategic to the Augusta area and bringing an $180 million investment. The first direction well into the 21st century. phase of construction is expected to be completed in May 2018, and the second phase should be finished by early 2019. As a specific part of its 2030 strategic plan, the Chamber expects to open a regional office in rural Georgia and focus on development outside the Sentury Tire is building an advanced tire manufacturing and R&D major cities, Clark says. “When we talk about economic vitality, we aren’t center in LaGrange that will ultimately employ 1,000 workers. Built by just talking about Augusta and Savannah, but also about Hawkinsville a subsidiary of the Chinese company Sentaida, the project is a feather and Fitzgerald,” he says. “If the rest of the state sees Atlanta as the in the cap of the state’s two strategic economic development offices in driver’s seat, well, the back seat has to get there, too. If all of the state China, the Selig report notes. isn’t working, then the state isn’t working.”

40 ENGINEERING GEORGIA january/february 2017 41 TRANSFORMATIVE TRANSPORTATION DESIGN A Look Back at the 2016 GPTQ Preconstruction Design Awards

By Kasie Bolling

42 ENGINEERING GEORGIA Engineering GA | FEATURE

hile design work in the transportation sector is The project utilized an innovative fixed cost/variable scope design-build often performed without fanfare, the Georgia procurement method – a first for GDOT. This unique procurement Department of Transportation (GDOT), the method permitted GDOT to maximize project potential when the American Council of Engineering Companies funding level is fixed, but the total scope of the project is unknown. In ofW Georgia (ACEC Georgia) and the Georgia Highway Contractors addition to coming in $16 million under budget, the winning bid not only Association (GHCA) have teamed up to change that for a select few each included the base scope of the widening of the stretch of State Route year. More than two decades ago, the trio of organizations united to 400 from McFarland Parkway up to Bald Ridge Marina Road, but it also create the Georgia Partnership for Transportation Quality (GPTQ) to included 10 additional segments up to State Route 369 for a total sum strengthen ties between those responsible for of 13.4 miles in both directions – whatever designing, building, operating and maintaining the $63 million budget would allow. Through Georgia's transportation infrastructure in a “The project utilized this accelerated contract procurement and combined effort to make it the best that it can design process, the design-build team of be. During the 2016 Georgia Transportation an innovative Infrastructure Consulting and Engineering, Summit held in November, the winners of the fixed cost/variable PLLC and C.W. Matthews Contracting could annual GPTQ Preconstruction Design Awards scope design-build begin construction work on the project within were announced and presented by GDOT one year of the bond approval. Commissioner Russell McMurry. procurement method – a first for GDOT.” Successful delivery of this project was a The GPTQ Awards are designed to recognize direct result of the up-front collaboration the exemplary work, innovation and ingenuity between the designer, contractor and GDOT of engineering consultants and firms in transportation and infrastructure to optimize not only the construction quantities, but also the processes projects across the state of Georgia. Not only were these winners during the design phase that led to expedited construction packages. acknowledged for their planning and design expertise, but also for their More importantly, this project serves as proof that the fixed cost/ ability to work cooperatively to deliver a quality transportation program variable scope design-build delivery method can be successfully utilized while improving the long-term performance and durability of Georgia's to optimize project delivery, providing GDOT with a new procurement transportation system. In addition to achieving engineering excellence method to maximize value for the citizens of Georgia. b for individual award categories, submissions were judged for their ability to meet certain general criteria including customer satisfaction, sustainability, constructability, cost effectiveness and environmental protection. Over the next few pages, Engineering Georgia is proud to spotlight the winning 2016 firms and innovative projects… “This award is a great honor for our GRAND PRIZE AWARD firm. As we do with every project we WINNING FIRM: INFRASTRUCTURE undertake, we went out with the intention of doing this job to the best of our CONSULTING AND ENGINEERING, PLLC ability – so it’s a privilege to have that WINNING PROJECT: STATE ROUTE 400 effort recognized. What sets this project WIDENING IN FORSYTH COUNTY apart is the variable scope-fixed budget procurement type and collaboration Recognizing north metro Atlanta’s State Route 400 corridor as a major between the designer, builder and commuter artery, the forward-thinking citizens of Forsyth County passed GDOT – representing a new model for a bond referendum allocating $50 million of local money to support its the future. We are proud to share this widening in 2014. GDOT contributed an additional $13 million – making award with our partners at GDOT and it one of the first major projects to use entirely state and local funding, C.W. Matthews Contracting. We welcome without the need for federal matching. This autonomy allowed GDOT to the opportunity to continue to collaborate accelerate the environmental clearance process and made it possible to with GDOT and will endeavor to deliver award the project prior to Environmental Document approval. honor-worthy work in the future.” - Tyler McIntosh, P.E., Vice President - Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Consulting and Engineering

january/february 2017 43 DESIGN OF AN ALTERNATIVE MODE TRANSPORTATION FACILITY AWARD WINNING FIRM: ARCADIS U.S., INC. WINNING PROJECT: KENNESAW MOUNTAIN TO TRAIL – NORTH/INTOWN IN COBB COUNTY

Meandering through high visibility portions of Cobb County and designed to serve as a safe route of travel for tourists and locals alike, the Kennesaw Mountain to Chattahoochee River Trail is a much-anticipated multi-use trail project that includes a 2.5-mile segment through downtown Marietta. Connecting Kennesaw Mountain to the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area at Paces Mill, the City's portion of the trail passes through the Historic Downtown area along the existing Marietta Walk, crosses over South Marietta Parkway with a new pedestrian bridge and ends at West Atlanta Street and Pearl Street at the southern City limits. Comprising areas of historical significance, such as the Marietta Square and a Confederate cemetery, the pedestrian bridge’s design reflects the historic character of the corridor. Providing a critical link in alternative mode connectivity and accessibility, the project has already spurred a local bike share program. Project completion is expected in early 2017.

INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS TO A DESIGN PROBLEM/ BEST USE OF NEW PRODUCT AWARD WINNING FIRM: GDOT OFFICE OF BRIDGE DESIGN WINNING PROJECT: STATE ROUTE 211 BRIDGE OVER BEECH CREEK IN BARROW COUNTY

Located in Northeast Georgia’s rapidly growing Barrow County, State Route 211 carries approximately 3,500 vehicles a day over Beech Creek. Conventional construction methods to replace the bridge over the waterway would have required the use of an on-site detour with extensive right-of-way over the course of 12 to 24 months for construction. Instead, using emerging technologies and innovative materials, GDOT’s Office of Bridge Design was able to accelerate the bridge construction and provide a durable structure that will last at least a century. Through extensive research, GDOT’s Office of Bridge Design and Engineering GA | FEATURE

Georgia Institute of Technology determined that utilization of full-depth precast deck panels and the placement of pre-stressed concrete Bulb-Tee girders joined with ultra-high performance concrete would provide the best results. Traffic was detoured off-site while the existing bridge was removed and replaced. State Route 211 and its new Beech Creek Bridge was opened to traffic after just 59 days.

NEPA, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, PRESERVATION, RESTORATION AND/ OR ENHANCEMENT AWARD WINNING FIRMS: QK4, INC. AND EDWARDS- PITMAN ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. WINNING PROJECT: BACK RIVER BRIDGE IN CHATHAM COUNTY

Over the past few decades, Savannah’s Back River Bridge had fallen into disrepair, requiring replacement. In addition to updating the structurally deficient, unsafe bridge with a new facility to provide a better experience for travelers between Georgia and South Carolina, the design team had to consider potential impacts to aquatic life, migratory birds, wetlands, marshlands and a historic shipwreck. Qk4, Inc. prepared the concept report, surveys, right-of-way plans, construction plans, erosion control plans, re-vegetation plan and staging plans for the new bridge, along with an interchange reconstruction that included realignment of two ramps onto Hutchinson Island. Meanwhile, Edwards-Pitman Environmental, Inc. provided ecology coordination with GDOT to help meet any unique environmental challenges.

In addition to including two separate erosion control plans (one for each state) and a multi-trophic re-vegetation plan to provide water quality and aquatic habitat buffer protection for the marsh area, the Qk4, Inc. team coordinated with many local, state and federal entities. This attention to detail during the design phase carried forward to construction, which was completed ahead of schedule – resulting in a superior facility for the traveling public in this growing port area with minimal impacts to the environment. b

january/february 2017 45 BRIDGE AND/OR STRUCTURAL DESIGN AWARD CONTEXT SENSITIVE DESIGN WINNING FIRM: ARCADIS U.S., INC. INCLUDING PUBLIC WINNING PROJECT: SKIP SPANN CONNECTOR PARTICIPATION PLAN AWARD BRIDGE IN COBB COUNTY WINNING FIRM: POND WINNING PROJECT: MABLETON TOWN SQUARE IN COBB COUNTY Named for Town Center Community Improvement District (CID) founding member, Thomas E. “Skip” Spann, the Skip Spann Connector As a key element of the South Cobb Town Center Lifelong Community Bridge provides a vital link between the eastern and western sides of Study completed in 2010, the vision for the Mableton Town Square Interstate 75 for vehicular traffic and pedestrians. Supporting Spann’s represents the creation of a new town center in the vibrant Cobb County vision, the 415-foot-long, four-span concrete structure over Interstate city. Involving an active public participation process, cooperation 75 is more than just a bridge – it’s a focal point that embraces the between reviewing and maintenance agencies, and coordinated planning, community’s “identity and the youth of its future.” the project blended the transportation needs of the community and the adjacent Mableton Elementary School to create a gathering place for Through a well-coordinated partnership between Cobb County future community-wide events. The successful realization of the football Department of Transportation, GDOT, Kennesaw State University (KSU) field-sized Square gives Mableton citizens a true “sense of space” by and Town Center CID, the Skip Spann Connector Bridge design strikes a incorporating beautiful landscaping, pedestrian-friendly facilities, delicate balance between a large vehicular structure and the pedestrian old growth trees, sweeping cobblestone walkways, decorative walls, scale, making it inviting for those on foot and bikes while improving lighting, a one-way circulation road around the Square and an extension area traffic congestion. The signature rope lighted railing design, of existing Walker Drive. inspired by the winning design from a competition between students from Chattahoochee Technical College, KSU and Southern Polytechnic State University, makes this the first lighted bridge in Cobb County with its twin peaks visible for several miles along Interstate 75. While the bridge’s superstructure incorporates precast, pre-tensioned concrete girders for sustainability, construction/maintenance economy and the accommodation of long spans over the busy interstate, the finer details include sculptural shade structures, pedestrian lighting, landscape planters and designated pedestrian zones.

46 ENGINEERING GEORGIA Engineering GA | FEATURE

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND/OR INTERSECTION DESIGN AWARD WINNING FIRM: GRESHAM, SMITH AND PARTNERS WINNING PROJECT: ROUNDABOUT – STATE ROUTE 33/US 319 AT FIRST STREET/STATE ROUTE 33 AND SYLVESTER HIGHWAY IN COLQUITT COUNTY

Due to a high crash history of the intersection of State Route 33/US 319 at First Street and Sylvester Highway in Colquitt County’s City of Moultrie, GDOT’s Office of Traffic Operations sought solutions to dramatically reduce the number and severity of any future crashes. Following a rigorous evaluation process that included detailed analysis and traffic simulation, it was determined that a single lane roundabout with an elliptical footprint would prove the best answer. In addition to performing the concept report, design construction plans, traffic analysis with simulation and lighting design, Gresham, Smith and Partners assisted with public involvement that included graphics, an education station and a visual traffic simulation model station. The innovative layout of the elliptical roundabout footprint kept most of the construction outside of the existing traffic pattern, shortened construction time and created a safer work environment for construction workers. b HIGHWAY DESIGN – URBAN AWARD WINNING FIRM: R. K. SHAH & ASSOCIATES, INC. WINNING PROJECT: STATE ROUTE 11/US 41 WIDENING IN HOUSTON COUNTY

A GDOT project that had been shelved due to the economic downturn, Houston County’s US 41 Widening project was eventually awarded to R. K. Shah & Associates. Hired to serve as prime design consultant to prepare the construction and right-of-way plans for the 1.43-mile project, R. K. Shah used the original GDOT plans as a base to build upon. The firm also performed critical value engineering with GDOT District 3 approval so the project would fit within the remaining budget without compromising quality. In addition to coordinating the relocation of major transmission lines and water mains, the firm designed a drainage outfall to reduce flooding issues at a major intersection. The design provided for the maintenance of traffic with no offsite detour during the performance of all construction activities, resulting in the completion of the project within 80 percent of contract time and without a change order.

HIGHWAY DESIGN – RURAL AWARD WINNING FIRM: WOLVERTON & ASSOCIATES, INC. WINNING PROJECT: US 27 AT CUSTER ROAD INTERCHANGE IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT IN MUSCOGEE COUNTY

Identified by the City of Columbus as a top priority project, the US 27 at Custer Road Interchange Improvements project was added to the Transportation Investment Act (TIA) program list for the region. Providing access to a proposed commercial development that is expected to bring economic growth to the City of Columbus and Muscogee County, the reconstruction of the existing interchange will also relieve congestion on local Fort Benning Base roads. The project’s unique interchange combines loop ramps and collector-distributor roads to provide access to US 27, Interstate 185, Custer Road and Cusseta Road while minimizing weave conditions. Designed by Wolverton & Associates, Inc., construction costs for the Custer Road Interchange fell under 70 percent of the project's $20 million budget. In order to meet TIA Band 1 requirements, the project was expedited from concept to final plans in just 23 months. Through exceptional coordination between Wolverton and major stakeholders in the project – which included the TIA Program, GDOT, Fort Benning, City of Columbus and Flournoy Developers – the firm developed a concept alternative that achieved the goals of each entity. 48 ENGINEERING GEORGIA Engineering GA | FEATURE

DESIGN-BUILD AWARD WINNING FIRM: MICHAEL BAKER INTERNATIONAL, INC. WINNING PROJECT: JIMMY DELOACH CONNECTOR IN CHATHAM COUNTY

Situated between the current terminus of Jimmy DeLoach Interstate 95 and Interstate 16 for the more than 8,000 trucks Parkway and State Route 307/Bourne Avenue in Savannah traveling to and from the port each day. and running parallel to State Route 21/Augusta Highway, the Jimmy DeLoach Connector represents a 3.1-mile new In addition to the importance of its role as a key artery for the location, limited access, four-lane highway. Comprising Port, this project marks the first GDOT design-build contract the construction of six new bridges, thirteen walls, new to include right-of-way acquisition, which accelerated the interchanges and 14 acres of wetland mitigation, the completion of the project schedule by two years. Michael Connector is an integral link in the expansion of the Port of Baker International’s innovative bid package resulted in Savannah. Expected to improve travel time from the Port of over $8 million in savings from cost estimates, and the firm’s Savannah to Interstate 95, the Connector will accommodate design flexibility minimized impacts and decreased mitigation and improve freight movement, providing direct access to needs from an original assessment of 66 acres to just 14 acres.

“Transportation is a key factor in economic development and In addition to capturing all of those elements, the Grand enhancing quality of life. Transportation impacts every citizen. Prize Winning State Route 400 Widening project tells a great The GPTQ Awards present the transportation industry with story of community interest and the importance of having a an opportunity to show our appreciation for and recognize champion, while opening the door to another delivery method the collaboration of our peers while celebrating and learn- for useful, impactful and economically efficient projects in ing from each other’s successes. Although the awards selection the future.” committee has a list of prescribed project elements for which – Michael Thomas, Jr., P.E. we examine each submitted project, the overarching idea is to GPTQ Preconstruction Design Awards Committee Co-Chair hail those projects that present innovative ideas and approaches, Civil Engineer – Moffatt & Nichol effectively engage associated agencies and the public, and – most importantly – benefit the public.

january/february 2017 49 A

WHOLE ajor League Baseball Hall of Famer Casey Stengel once said, “There are Mthree things you can do in a baseball NEW game: You can win, or you can lose, or it can rain.” With all eyes turned to the new home of the Atlanta Braves at SunTrust Park, teams of engineers and construction crews are hard at work in BALLGAME preparation for Opening Day in 2017. One of those teams is Oldcastle Precast – Stormwater Division, which has Inside the Underground Detention been tapped to create an underground detention system at the ballfield for the System at SunTrust Park inevitable eventuality of rain at a game. By Kasie Bolling

50 ENGINEERING GEORGIA Profiles |PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

The space involved includes two distinct sites – East Deck Utilizing only two inches of leveling sand under each module, Lower, representing 88,056 cubic feet, and East Deck Upper, the tight fit was only one aspect that made StormCapture the representing 96,992 cubic feet. While those sites may seem perfect solution for a detention system to both help meet expansive, the height of cover, compactness of space and need previous conditions of the site and retain water for 24 hours. for a 40 percent smaller footprint made other conventional It also made the most sense given the time frame, budget and detention systems, such as chamber and metal pipe systems, scope of the project. A proven time-saver, the placement of a impractical. On the other hand, a cast-in-place system would module takes roughly 15 minutes. The East Deck Upper site have added more than six weeks to the timeline. The Oldcastle required placement of 78 modules with six-foot tops and five- Stormwater Solutions team – led by Southeast Territory foot bottoms, and East Deck Lower site required placement Manager, Julie Bertils – believed that Oldcastle’s proprietary of 65 modules with a 12-foot inside height. Installation of StormCapture module system would prove the ideal answer. both sites was completed within five days each – the first in February 2016 and the last in March 2016. Offering up to 1,260 cubic feet of storage per module on this design, StormCapture retains drainage from the site, which “Because StormCapture module systems have only been in is then slowly released into the stormwater system. The use for about five years, we’re still finding uses for them,” StormCapture system will store all the stormwater from the explained Bertils. “They go hand-in-hand with water quality, parking deck, perimeter drives and parking areas. and – given their life cycle cost – are extremely cost-effective. b

january/february 2017 51 Profiles |PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

Made of concrete, they are built to last with a service life of 100 years. They are great for maintenance, with access points at the top – offering the ability to walk around inside.”

Of course, the project was not without its challenges. The largest of which was getting Georgia Power to move one line that powered everything in the stadium. Electricity had to be turned off for 30 minutes to get one of the modules set, meaning everything else happening at the stadium was put on hold – another excellent testament to the speed with which StormCapture modules are set.

Although Oldcastle Precast has been actively designing and constructing below grade detention systems for more than 20 “It was a seamless process years, Bertils credits the relationships the company has built to install the StormCapture over the years with the landing of this project. Project partner, module system at the site. Given Plateau Excavation, initially installed the StormCapture modules the placement of modules in for a cistern under the Braves dugout in 2015. The company then 15-minute increments, this was recommended Oldcastle StormCapture for the East parking area an extremely efficient project. detention system in 2016. In addition to the chance to partner with the team at Oldcastle “To have an edge for higher profile projects, it’s important to Stormwater Solutions, we’ve been already be a resource to other firms,” said Bertils. “Build and granted the opportunity to work maintain strong relationships, and they’ll become advocates with some of the best firms in – even marketers – for your company. It’s also wise to foster Georgia and the United States. connections with manufacturers so you can always stay ahead of Because of the scope, complexity the trends. Looking for innovative solutions and staying abreast and high-profile nature of of what’s out there is a constant process. It all begins with this project, SunTrust Park is seeking ways to save owners time and money, and they’ll become the job of a lifetime for us.” advocates for you, too. We offer modular bioretention, tree box - John Osterland, Senior Project Manager, Plateau Excavation filters, and PermeCapture – which is a unique product blending permeable pavers and our StormCapture modules. At Oldcastle, we are constantly developing new innovative solutions.”

SUNTRUST PARK DETENTION SYSTEM PROJECT PARTNERS: KIMLEY-HORN – LEAD ENGINEER PLATEAU EXCAVATION, INC. – SITE INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTOR OLDCASTLE STORMWATER SOLUTIONS – CIVIL ENGINEER AMERICAN BUILDERS – CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT

52 ENGINEERING GEORGIA january/february 2017 53 54 ENGINEERING GEORGIA Association | NEWS

THE LEADING ENGINEERING COMPANIES IN GEORGIA

PLATINUM CIRCLE ($7,500+) Ron Osterloh Tyler Hewitt Tony Parker Peter Oram WOLVERTON & ASSOCIATES Al Pond Jeffrey Adams Roseana Richards HEATH & LINEBACK Tom Cetti Bill Sloan Warren Dimsdale Jason Dickerson Mark Willey John Heath CHARLES EZELLE Susan Earney W. Allen Krivsky Thomas & Hutton Justin Harbeson S&ME Phillip Ravotti ACEC Georgia Chair Hunter Hyde Bruce Alstaetter Rob Jacquette Allen Chestnut MCGEE PARTNERS [email protected] Eldon Evans Tommy Crochet www.acecga.org Joe Macrina Mario Macrina Forrest Foshee Laury Hodges Carolina Pria Jim Killingsworth Brad Robinson James Littlejohn PES STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS Bobby Shayan Mike Marcus Michael Planer Diwan Singla Randy Martin Angela Snyder Elizabeth Porter UNITED CONSULTING Daniel Taylor Timothy Van Echo Reza Abree Ashley Wolverton Kenneth Warren Santanu Sinharoy Jay Wolverton THOMAS & HUTTON BRONZE CIRCLE ($1,000+) GOLD CIRCLE ($3,000+) Charles Ezelle Charlie George HNTB NOVA ENGINEERING & Jeff Halliburton Robert Lewis ENVIRONMENTAL Doyle Kelley Randall Bagwell Samuel McCachern HOFSTADTER AND Will Cantrell Joseph Mercer ASSOCIATES Nickolaus DeSantos Scott Monson Carl Hofstadter Jason Hill Nick Stanley Ken Houseman KIMLEY-HORN Thank you to the PAC Leadership Circle Thomas Hruby SILVER CIRCLE ($2,000+) Emily Meador firms and employees who contributed Marc Johnston Deborah Wilson to our ACEC National PAC goal in 2016! David Miller CLARK PATTERSON LEE Barry Roziewski Richard Edinger LONG ENGINEERING The ACEC National Political Action Brian Schiessle Larry Genn Ellen Long Committee (PAC) is the engineering Steve Willenborg Adolfo Guzman industry’s most powerful tool for supporting Mark Hanson ROCHESTER & ASSOCIATES federal candidates who promote a pro- POND Kevin McOmber Darrell Rochester business legislative agenda. ACEC Georgia’s Kris Allegood PAC Leadership Circle represents the leading John Cassidy GRESHAM, SMITH W. R. TOOLE ENGINEERS engineering firms in Georgia – firms that Chris Farnie AND PARTNERS W. Rick Toole have set the standard professionally by Erik Grandowski John Barlow contributing at least $1,000 per year in Lorraine Green Kent Black WILLMER ENGINEERING combined individual contributions to the Stan Livingston Randall Booker Doris Willmer ACEC National PAC. Their investments are Mike Magahey Jody Braswell vital in supporting positive and pro-business Shaugn McReynolds Chris Haney legislative efforts for the engineering industry. Jeff Meier Mark Hellerstedt

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january/february 2017 55 Association | NEWS

ASCE Georgia hosted its third Annual Holiday Party at Red Brick Brewing in Atlanta on December 12, 2016

STEM DAY A design challenge and final competition Through direct partnerships, ASCE Georgia judged by practicing engineers from ASCE works with individual schools to establish Georgia, Heath & Lineback Engineers, Inc. school-year activities that support learning, and Cobb County DOT. while reinforcing ASCE technical specialties. SHAUKAT SYED ASCE Georgia is a Partner in Education with CAREER CONNECTION EVENTS Environmental Protection Division, Marietta Center for Advanced Academics For pre-college students, ASCE Georgia Georgia Department of Natural Resources (MCAA), the first Georgia STEM-certified participates in several career connection ASCE Georgia President school. ASCE Georgia has supported a variety events, hosting a booth where volunteers [email protected] of activities at MCAA since first partnering in introduce students to STEM careers by www.ascega.org 2012, including a week-long set of activities engaging them in fun activities. Gumdrop culminating on Georgia’s 2nd STEM Day. and toothpick building structures, paper column tension and compression testing, SPOTLIGHT ON ASCE GEORGIA’S Bridge designers from Heath & Lineback and earth mover remote control machines STEM-RELATED ACTIVITIES Engineers, Inc. and Cobb County Department that push wrapped candy through an obstacle The Georgia Section of the American Society of Transportation (DOT) helped expand the course are favorites. The volunteers also use of Civil Engineers (ASCE Georgia) participates effort to focus on the iterative aspects of the games, such as Plinko, to capture undecided in a variety of outreach activities designed engineering design process. All events were students’ attention. Active volunteers include: to inspire pre-college students towards a designed to improve student proficiency with Luis Babler and Mason Berryman, career in science, technology, engineering the engineering design process. Activities Geo-Hydro Engineers, Inc. and mathematics (STEM). ASCE Georgia focused on: Sujan Bhattacharya, PSI, Inc. also mentors college students on their path Problem-based learning through internet Annie Blissett and Stu Moring, towards working as a civil engineer. John connections with engineers throughout the Gresham, Smith and Partners Pierson, ASCE Georgia's External Director, is exercise Luan Phan, Gwinnett County Water Resources currently coordinating the Schools Program Bobby Sauer and Shaukat Sayed, Georgia EPD and can be reached at john.pierson@gtri. Drawings, digital images and a scaled Steven Sheets and Rebecca Shelton, gatech.edu. model of the real-world problem Gwinnett County Water Resources

ANNUAL COMPETITIONS ASCE Georgia also partners indirectly with schools by providing two different annual competitions. The first challenges middle school students (sixth, seventh and eighth graders) to tell us “What DO Civil Engineers Do?” Entries can be essays, projects, videos or even a piece of related art – it’s up to the student or teams of three or less. Cash prizes for first, second and third place at each grade level are awarded at an ASCE Georgia Spring Luncheon.

The second challenge is the annual Toothpick Bridge Building Event led by Larry Prescott of HNTB Corporation. During this program, participants build their bridges in advance and bring them to be tested to failure (i.e. broken). Students measure their bridge’s load carrying ability and then receive a certificate attesting to performance.

56 ENGINEERING GEORGIA Arcadis employees and their guests enjoy the 2016 ASHE Holiday Social

BRIAN O’CONNOR, P.E. T. Y. Lin International ASHE Georgia President [email protected] www.georgia.ashe.pro

ASHE MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: NIKKI REUTLINGER

Mindy Sanders with Lowe Engineers, Helen Hawkins with Columbia Engineering and Elizabeth Scales with How long have you been in the Infrastructure Consulting and Engineering during the annual event transportation industry in Georgia? 18 years

Where are you currently employed and what do you do? Atkins – I’m a transportation engineer by trade, but my main focus over the last 12 years has been Program Management for several local municipalities which include DeKalb County, Town Center Community Improvement District (CID), North Fulton CID and the City of Alpharetta.

When and how did you first get involved with ASHE Georgia? My old boss was one of the founding members of the chapter and drug me along until I finally joined in 1999. Michael Moore with THC, Shawn Fleet with Heath & Lineback Engineers, Ron Pate with Accura Engineering and Consulting and Randy Sanborn with Long Engineering What’s your favorite ASHE activity? I really have two favorites – the golf tournament and the holiday party. What involvement have you had with What else do you do when you aren’t ASHE National? I really got involved with working or volunteering for ASHE? What positions have you held within National once I got on the Regional Board. I’m the mom to a nine- and 10-year-old which the ASHE Georgia organization? I’ve I continued to serve on the Regional Board keeps me busy most of the time, but I also held many positions over the years in ASHE. until I got a spot on the National Board, which love to hike and run. In the Georgia chapter, they include the Social I held from 2011-2014. It has been a great Chair, Scholarship Chair, Golf Chair, Vice experience to get to know so many folks from Tell us one fun fact about yourself. I’ve President and President. I have also served as all over the country. been lucky enough to go to Australia twice in the Regional Representative and Secretary on my lifetime. the Regional Board. On a National level, I’m a What’s the number one reason folks former National Director and serve on several should join ASHE? Networking! ASHE has committees. In addition, I am currently the afforded me the opportunity to meet so many Chair of the National Conference Committee. people I would have never met.

january/february 2017 57 Association | NEWS

JOHN BONEBERG, P.E. O’Brien & Gere (OBG) GEF President [email protected] www.GEFinc.org $81,000 in total scholarships were awarded to 45 students during the 45th annual GEF Scholarship Awards Banquet

On November 10, 2016, the Georgia Students are in- Founded in June 1971, GEF continues its Engineering Foundation (GEF) conducted vited, along with dedicated philanthropic and educational its 45th annual Scholarship Awards Banquet their family mem- endeavors related to engineers and at the Dunwoody Country Club. During bers, honored engineering throughout the State of Georgia. the evening, a total of $81,000 in individual guests and schol- We undertake these efforts in partnership scholarships was awarded to 45 college arship donor, to with our donors to help outstanding Georgia students from Georgia. attend the annual students afford the cost of their education. event to receive Ray Wilke, P.E., GEF’s out-going President, their scholarship We encourage you to become a “friend opened the banquet with remarks and check and be of engineering” and demonstrate your thanked the officers and members of GEF for recognized for commitment to the profession by supporting their outstanding support. He stated that he their outstand- GEF’s endeavors. This can take the form of: was truly honored and humbled to serve as GEF’s new President, ing achievements. the 40th President of the Foundation for the John Boneberg, P.E. Each student is Contributing annually to the general GEF fund past two years. During his tenure as President, of O’Brien & Gere individually in- Wilke noted the steady growth of endowed troduced, their Designating a contribution for a specific investments and sponsored scholarships, bio of academic scholarship or program which included two new annual scholarships and personal achievements noted and then the this year. sponsoring organization presents a scholarship Establishing a named scholarship award check to each student. Visit www.gefinc.org (through an endowment or an annual Wilke also thanked GEF’s new corporate to view photos of the 2016 student scholarship contribution) scholarship donor Greyling Insurance, as well recipients. as its newest givers: Regardless, the engineering students of Students come from all sorts of backgrounds, tomorrow are the beneficiaries. A contribution Rudolph and Anna Bonaparte but must be a resident of Georgia to qualify to GEF is a tax-deductible investment in our Trooper and Jami Smith for the GEF scholarships. Students do future. Over a dozen engineering societies not need to attend a Georgia engineering designate representatives to serve on the The guest speaker for the evening was Jo school, but rather can attend any accredited GEF Board and lead the effort to encourage Ann J. Macrina, P.E., a registered professional engineering school in the United States. the next generation of engineers. GEF has civil engineer, with substantial professional Although most scholarship winners attended invested assets of over $850,000, but needs experience in areas of municipal operations in-state engineering programs, this year’s your help and support in growing these assets in various cities for two decades. Her awardees also included students attending and preserving our world. presentation encouraged students to North Carolina State University, Purdue complete a technical, engineering or other University, Rochester Institute of Technology, STEM-related degree in college as it has the Stanford University and Valparaiso University. potential to open life time doors in many Scholarship winners came mostly from Civil, careers. Electrical and Mechanical disciplines, but also those studying Chemical, Biological, If you have questions or would John Boneberg, P.E., incoming GEF President, Environmental and Industrial engineering. like more information about how led the prestigious scholarship awards cer- to support or get involved with emony. The highpoint of the banquet is the award of the scholarships to each student. GEF, please visit www.gefinc.org.

58 ENGINEERING GEORGIA Georgia's 2016 winners: Betty Jean Jordan, state MATHCOUNTS Coordinator; Lawrence Zhou; Anup Bottu; Johnny Fang; Holden Watson; Sema Duzyol, coach of Fulton Science Academy & Georgia's national team; & Rob MacPherson, GSPE Past-President

JASON A. COOPER, P.E. Geotechnical & Environmental Consultants, Inc. GSPE President [email protected] Mathletes in action during the state Countdown Round Testing at the state MATHCOUNTS competition www.gspe.org

MATHCOUNTS – Go Figure! Rounds, which all are in a written format. The MATH VIDEO CHALLENGE by Betty Jean Jordan, P.E. highest scoring students from these written What about students who fear math? The rounds also participate in the Countdown Math Video Challenge might be just what they Some students love math. It is a love that Round, a fast-paced oral competition with need to overcome their fear. Created in 2011, must be nurtured. Some students fear math. electronic buzzers. The Countdown Round is this program challenges students to develop It is an unnecessary fear – one that must be open to the public. Audience members enjoy their math, communication and technology overcome. following along with the questions, which are skills in a collaborative video project. Teams projected for all to see. The competitors never of four students, formed through school or MATHCOUNTS is a nationwide program cease to amaze, often answering the question non-school groups, create a video to present designed to increase enthusiasm and excellence – correctly! – before the emcee even finishes and solve a MATHCOUNTS problem, showing in mathematics among middle school students. reading it! a real-world application of the math concept MATHCOUNTS targets middle school students used. Each adult leader of a team receives a because research has shown that this is a GSPE welcomes volunteers at any of the free Math Video Challenge Playbook, which critical age during which young people form competitions. Volunteers are needed for provides detailed program information and lifelong attitudes toward math. The National proctoring, scoring and assisting with the tips on how to create a video. The Playbook Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) is Countdown Round. For more information contains 250 MATHCOUNTS problems that a founding sponsor of MATHCOUNTS and about competition dates and locations, please students can use to create their five-minute the Georgia Society of Professional Engineers visit www.mathcounts.org or contact Betty Jean videos. The problems are organized by math (GSPE) hosts MATHCOUNTS competitions at Jordan, the State MATHCOUNTS Coordinator concept so that teachers also can use the Math the chapter and state levels. for Georgia at [email protected]. Video Challenge as a class project.

MATHCOUNTS COMPETITION SERIES Another excellent way to volunteer with The Math Video Challenge might attract Begun in 1983, the MATHCOUNTS Competition MATHCOUNTS is to serve as a coach. Each students who more naturally gravitate toward Series is the original MATHCOUNTS program. middle school needs an adult to champion English, drama or other subjects, allowing It is open to sixth, seventh and eighth graders MATHCOUNTS for its students. Teachers them to succeed in math in a fun and in public, private and homeschools. Free may be unable to fill this role, either because creative way. Students can enter their videos coaching materials are available from the of other responsibilities or they are not into a nationwide contest. The four finalist national MATHCOUNTS organization. These comfortable with math themselves. A volunteer teams, as well as their advisors, receive an materials have fun and challenging problems coach from the engineering community can all-expenses paid trip to the MATHCOUNTS that cover mathematical topics such as algebra, provide invaluable opportunities to students National Competition in May. The mathletes combinations and permutations, coordinate who love math. at the National Competition vote for the and plane geometry, logic, number theory, winning video. The four students who created probability and statistics. Students practice for NATIONAL MATH CLUB the winning video each receive a $1,000 chapter competitions, held in February each MATHCOUNTS began the National Math scholarship. year. Georgia has 14 MATHCOUNTS chapters Club in 2007 to appeal to students who do across the state. Top individuals and teams not want to take part in math competition. GSPE is proud to support MATHCOUNTS advance to the state competition, held in Through this national program, students in our state. As engineers, we hope that all March. The top four individuals from our state can engage in mathematics in a manner that MATHCOUNTS participants – whether in the competition comprise Georgia’s team at the is noncompetitive, fun and different from Competition Series, the National Math Club national competition in May. “textbook math.” Students can participate in or the Math Video Challenge – learn to love the National Math Club through their school problem solving. From there, they can go on The MATHCOUNTS Competition Series fosters or through a non-school group such as Scouts, to rewarding careers in engineering, serving both individual and team problem solving. Boys and Girls Club Chapter or local math others by using math and science to address Each level of competition – chapter, state and circle. The adult leader of each National Math some of the biggest challenges facing our national – includes Sprint, Target and Team Club team receives a Club in a Box kit, which society. includes activity ideas, hands-on materials and student prizes – all for free! january/february 2017 59

Association | NEWS

MARCO FRIEND, P.E. Jacobs ITE Georgia President [email protected] www.gaite.org I’m honored to serve as the President of the Seven scholarships were awarded this year Georgia Section of the Institute of Transportation totaling $23,000! The 2016 student scholarship Engineers (ITE Georgia) for 2017 and am excited recipients from Georgia Tech include: about all the events and activities we have April Gadsby planned for this year. This is a strong volunteer Hanyan (Ann) Li organization with motivated and dedicated Haobing Liu members always striving to improve. Sage Roberts Abhilasha Saroj ANNUAL MEETING AND AWARDS BANQUET William Wollery We celebrated our Annual Meeting and Jack Cebe – John D. Edwards Memorial Awards Banquet at the Maggiano’s Scholarship The seven 2016 student scholarship winners from Georgia Tech in December 2016. It was a full house of 120 members to look back on the success of ITE GEORGIA GOALS FOR 2017 our section in 2016, as well as recognize our 1 Continue to be the go-to society for colleagues' accomplishments. Jay Roberts, technical information. 2017 program offerings Planning Director for the Georgia Department will include a Winter Workshop (Columbus, of Transportation (GDOT) and former State Ga.), Summer Seminar (St. Simons Island, Representative, was the Keynote Speaker and Ga.), Technical Exchange (TBD), Leadership emphasized the importance of “playing the Program (metro Atlanta), Monthly Meetings game” by working within the legislative system. (metro Atlanta) and webinars. The 2017 Board members were also sworn in during the program. 2 Support our ITE Student Chapters at Georgia Tech, Kennesaw State University In addition, ITE Georgia presented awards and and Georgia Southern. Provide industry scholarships to deserving members. Award presenters at these chapter meetings and ITE Georgia’s new President, Marco Friend, P.E. recipients include: guide students towards a career in the Todd Long transportation engineering industry. Transportation Professional of the Year Cumberland Community 3 Continue to grow our membership by Improvement District working with International ITE through Georgia Section Agency Award the use of performance measures and Jody Peace reconnecting with disengaged members. John D. Edwards, Jr. Individual Achievement Award Mark your calendar for the ASHE-GAITE Richard Fangmann Winter Workshop scheduled for February Karl Bevins Distinguished Service Award 26 – 27, 2017! This annual program is a great Kate D’Ambrosio opportunity to learn in a hands-on workshop Marsha Anderson Bomar Outstanding environment. Also, join us for upcoming 2017 ITE Georgia Board Members: Sean Coleman, Immediate Young Member Award Monthly Meetings (held on the second Georgia Department of Past-President; Marco Friend, President; Paul Slone, District Thursday of the month) and social activities Representative to the Southern District; Holly Painter, Transportation Traffic Operations www.gaite.org. Innovation in Transportation Award – learn more at Affiliate Director; Scott Zehngraff, District Representative Chris Rome to the Southern District; France Campbell, Vice President; President’s Award of Special Recognition Complete your first resolution by becoming Jody Peace, Secretary/Treasurer; and Alan Davis, District more involved in ITE Georgia in 2017! Representative to the Southern District (not pictured) 60 ENGINEERING GEORGIA Innovation: Outside the Box Award Outstanding Volunteer Award COBB COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF ALVIN JAMES, JR. TRANSPORTATION (COBB COUNTY Alvin James, Jr. has worked tirelessly behind the scenes as the ITS Georgia Membership DOT) – ITS COMMUNICATION Committee Chair in 2016. He increased UPGRADE PROJECT membership by 28 percent over 2015, all while Cobb County DOT, working with the County’s greatly surpassing ITS Georgia’s membership Information Technology department, future- goal of more than 70 members for 2016. Due proofed its ITS communications network to his hard work and dedication, ITS Georgia through implementation of a path-diverse now has its highest membership to date. fault tolerant communication ring to support the future needs of the County. This project inluded expansion of the County’s fiber network and installation of ethernet MIKE HOLT, P.E., PTOE switches. This new architecture is connected WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff vehicles ready, which will enable the addition ITS Georgia President of technologies needed for vehicle-to- infrastructure communications. [email protected] www.itsga.org Innovation: Outside the Box Award GWINNETT COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION – GLANCE SCHOOL This year marks the 20th anniversary of the ZONE FLASHING BEACON SYSTEM Alvin James, Jr., P.E. with Kimley-Horn is founding of the Intelligent Transportation presented with the 2016 ITS Georgia Best of Gwinnett County modernized its school Society of Georgia (ITS Georgia). Incorporated ITS Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award zone flashing beacon system, resulting in a in 1997, ITS Georgia was created shortly after by Mark Demidovich of GDOT 90 percent reduction in the number of calls the launch of the NaviGAtor Advanced Traffic related to operation of school zone beacons Management System to promote the use of due to improved communication with each intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and beacon. The County connected 270 flashing showcase Georgia as one of the leading states Larry R. Dreihaup Award beacons to their Glance School Zone system, in traffic management technology. During which is web-based and allows for remote MARK DEMIDOVICH the year, we will be celebrating 20 years of programming and status monitoring. The Larry R. Dreihaup Award is intended to ITS Georgia, as we celebrated 20 years of recognize an individual who has provided NaviGAtor and 100 years of the Georgia leadership, professionalism and dedication Department of Transportation in 2016. Outstanding Public Member Agency Award in promoting ITS. Mark Demidovich is the GDOT OFFICE OF TRAFFIC OPERATIONS Assistant State Traffic Engineer for GDOT, Part of our mission is to promote and GDOT’s Office of Traffic Operations has made where he has been responsible for ITS recognize the people, programs and projects great strides in expanding and improving the Planning and TMC Operations for the past that exemplify excellence in the deployment NaviGAtor system through the installation 27 years, including the recent completion of and operation of intelligent transportation of new devices and increased maintenance the TMC renovation and expansion project. systems. We also recognize outstaning of existing devices. They have added 28 new Demidovich has served on the ITS Georgia volunteers and people who continue to make RWIS installations, 32 new CCTV installations Board for many years, and in his current significant contributions to the advancement and 46 new RDS installations, in addition Board Member role, helped organize the TMC of intelligent transportation in Georgia. to replacing 43 legacy slow-scan CCTVs 20th Anniversary Celebration. with modern PTZ CCTV devices and 16 THE 2016 WINNERS ARE: legacy CMS signs with new, full-matrix CMS displays. Traffic Operations has also added Project of Significance Award approximately 350 additional devices under GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF its award-winning ITS maintenance program. TRANSPORTATION (GDOT) – Outstanding Private Member Award STATEWIDE TRAFFIC SIGNAL INTELIGHT INC SOFTWARE UPGRADE PROJECT Through GDOT’s Signal System Software This program is upgrading all 9,500 signals deployment, Intelight went above and beyond throughout the state to new software that the call of duty to help make decisions and will allow GDOT to monitor every signal. This provide technical assistance in improving software and communications will also provide operations at intersections by cleaning up Mark Demidovich, P.E. with GDOT receives the graphical measures of effectiveness that allow existing databases that included errant data. 2016 ITS Georgia Best of ITS Larry R. Dreihaup engineers to make real-time adjustments Inteligen consistently goes out of its way to assist Award for dedication to the advancement of to the signals to optimize performance. operators and local agencies by leveraging the intelligent transportation from Jenny Tassan This program combines fiber and wireless power of their software to develop innovative of Kimley-Horn broadband communications through a large ways to operate the most complicated scale deployment of 4G LTE routers. intersections as efficiently as possible. january/february 2017 61 Association | NEWS

Atlanta Post

HOWARD AYERS Kainos International SAME Atlanta Post President [email protected] www.sameatlantapost.org

Sherri Smith, CPSM with GHD received the Regional Vice President’s Medal for Outstanding Service to SAME Atlanta Post in 2016

ANNUAL FEDERAL AGENCY SYMPOSIUM MEDAL FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE RECIPIENT: SHERRI SMITH, CPSM The SAME Atlanta Post is excited to announce the Second Annual Federal Agency Symposium scheduled for April 10 – 11, 2017. The Sherri Smith, CPSM was awarded the Regional Vice President’s Medal for program will kick off with a networking event at Top Golf Alpharetta Outstanding Service to SAME in 2016. Sherri has served as Post Secretary on Monday, April 10 from 3:00p.m. – 7:00p.m., followed by a full-day since 2011 and continues to serve in this role, frequently volunteering of programing with federal agencies at the Dunwoody Country Club for committee work with the Post. We are honored to work with Sherri from 7:30a.m. – 4:00p.m. on Tuesday, April 11. Attending agencies are and congratulate her on this honor! expected to include: VOLUNTEER WITH US! The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• We are looking for a few good volunteers – if you are interested in The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) becoming more involved with the Post, please let us know. Committees ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• looking for assistance include Communications, Programs and Young The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Members. Remember that in SAME, young members include any ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• members in good standing with the society under the age of 40! As The General Services Administration (GSA) a young member, you receive discounted membership, as well as ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• discounted registration for some luncheons and events. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• The United States Postal Service (USPS) ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) SECOND ANNUAL

Sponsorships are still available for this event! Please contact Sherri FEDERAL AGENCY SYMPOSIUM Smith at [email protected] for more information or visit the SAME Atlanta Post website for more information on registration: APRIL 10 – 11, 2017 www.sameatlantapost.org/events.

62 ENGINEERING GEORGIA Rendering of the new Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. Birds-eye view rendering of the new Mercedes Benz Stadium (Credit: HOK, Buro Happold and Sykes Consulting) (Credit: HOK, Buro Happold and Sykes Consulting)

Photo of Whitefield Academy in Smyrna, Ga., designed by Photo of 12 Stone Church, Duncan Creek in Buford, Ga., McVeigh & Mangum Engineering, Inc. designed by McVeigh & Mangum Engineering, Inc.

WILBUR C. BRAGG II, P.E. SEAOG wishes to thank its sponsors for the 2016-2017 membership year for their support: Terracon, Hayward Baker, McVeigh & Mangum Engineering, Inc. NOVA Engineering and Environmental, Sika, Metromont, Geo-Hydro Engineers, Simpson Strong-Tie, Tindall and SteelFab. SEAOG President The Program Committees for both chapters Links to these documents can be found on [email protected] are still planning the topics for the remainder SEAOG’s website and on the websites for the www.seaog.org of the 2017 meetings, as well as the Spring all- Georgia Department of Community Affairs day seminar. Visit SEAOG’s website – (DCA) and the Georgia State Financing and www.seaog.org – for a full events schedule. Investment Commission (GSFIC). This edition of Engineering Georgia is focused on Economic Outlook. Based on STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING EMERGENCY STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING LICENSURE the growth and business of my office and RESPONSE VOLUNTEER SYSTEM There is an effort to adopt structural other design firms, the economy seems to The National Council of Structural engineering (S.E.) licensure in Georgia, be improving. Moreover, economic growth Engineering Associations (NCSEA), SEAOG’s Florida and a few other states. NCSEA, the in Atlanta is apparent by the construction of parent organization, has created a page on its Structural Engineering Institute (SEI) of the both the Falcons and Braves stadiums. The website for the NCSEA Structural Engineering American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), new Braves stadium is 1.25 miles from my Emergency Response (SEER) volunteer the Structural Engineering Certification office, and it is wonderful to observe the system. Board (SECB) and the Council of American construction and to anticipate this future Structural Engineers (CASE) of the American economic engine. "This system is a database of Structural Engineers Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) who have various levels of post-disaster training have formed the Structural Engineering UPCOMING CHAPTER EVENTS and are interested in assisting with post-disaster Licensure Coalition (SELC), which is The Structural Engineers Association of condition assessments of structures... This database “…dedicated to a common position in Georgia (SEAOG) is halfway through its 2016- is a self-reporting system used to track individuals support of structural engineering licensure willing to participate in post-disaster assessments. nationwide. SELC recognizes the vital role 2017 membership year (July 1 - June 30). Contact information contained within this SEAOG is honored to provide networking and that professional licensure plays in protecting database will be shared with local, state and the public, and as such, unanimously affirms educational opportunities for its members federal agencies requesting post-disaster assessment and for Georgia’s engineering industry assistance on an as-requested basis. NCSEA will that the licensure of structural engineers is a overall. also utilize contact information contained within critical aspect of fulfilling this responsibility.” the database to disseminate information relevant SEAOG offers several opportunities to Disaster Response professionals such as event SEAOG has been striving to pass S.E. for earning PDHs for continuing notices, training opportunities and credentialing licensure in Georgia. As a part of these efforts, education: initiatives." SEAOG has worked with other engineering • The Atlanta Chapter’s eight monthly organizations, the Georgia Department of membership meetings are held on the GEORGIA SPECIAL INSPECTIONS Transportation and the Georgia Professional second Wednesday evening of the month at Engineers and Land Surveyors (PELS) GUIDELINES Board to define what a structural engineer 6:30p.m. at the Hudson Grille Brookhaven. SEAOG and the American Council of The January meeting, presented by Cantsink, is and what types of projects (“Designated Engineering Companies of Georgia (ACEC Structures”) will require an S.E. license. This focused on helical piles. Make plans to join Georgia) have worked with state and local us for the February meeting, presented by local information can be found both on the building officials and others to establish the SEAOG website and in the October 2016 issue Halfen, which will focus on brick supports, Georgia Special Inspections Guidelines based shear dowel systems and tension rods. Visit of the PELS newsletter. The NCSEA website on Chapter 17 of the 2012 International has information for nationwide efforts. www.seaog.org to register or learn more. Building Code. The Guidelines Committee • The Savannah Chapter has its own Last year, an S.E. bill was introduced in the was composed of many volunteers who Georgia legislature, but was not brought up schedule, meeting at noon on varying dates at built on the previous work done by other the Coastal Georgia Center in Savannah, Ga. for a full vote; it is anticipated that a bill will organizations. These efforts make significant be introduced again this year. contributions to the improvement of the state's building and structures safety design. january/february 2017 63 Association | NEWS 2 017 EVENTS CALENDAR ERIC KEENS, CPSM SMPS Atlanta President FEBRUARY 16: The Essentials of Crisis www.smpsatl.org Communications (Boot Camp #2)

FEBRUARY 16: Sandy Springs SMPS Atlanta is off to a great start in 2017! We are halfway through our fiscal year, so we’ve City Center Hard Hat Tour been busy with two programs and one education event to-date. SMPS Atlanta offers dozens of events every year, including luncheon programs, educational programs and our Shoot for Success fundraiser every fall. We have events happening every month in 2017, so we MARCH 2: New Member Orientation hope you’ll join us to learn more about business development, marketing and how they help your firm be a stronger player in the market. MARCH 6 – 8: Sunbuilt Conference (Southeastern Conference) Another way to support SMPS Atlanta is through sponsorship. in Amelia Island, Fla. We have amazing sponsors and would love to have you join us. MARCH 14: The Essentials of Teaming Please see www.smpsatl.org/sponsors/become-a-sponsor to learn more. Strategies (Boot Camp #3) Our current sponsors are: APRIL 11: The Essentials of PLATINUM FRIENDS OF SMPS ATLANTA Typography (Boot Camp #4)

Costing Services Group (CSG) Palacio Collaborative APRIL 14: Membership Event PES Structural Engineers Projects in Printa Pond APRIL 18: Nuts & Bolts: The Basics of Skanska GOLD Manufacturing & Industrial Pursuits

SILVER Brilliance Photography Eckardt MAY 9: The Essentials of Associated Builders and Contractors GHD Branding (Boot Camp #5) (Georgia Chapter) HGOR DIRTT Repro Products MAY 16: Clients Talk Back: The Van Winkle Construction Stevens & Wilkinson Basics of Client Intel Terracon Wolverton & Associates MAY 24: Golf Lessons & How to Network on the Golf Course

JUNE 15: The Essentials of Managing Outside Consultants (Boot Camp #6)

JUNE 20: Annual Healthcare Symposium

JULY 20: The Essentials of Writing with Grace (Half-day Writing Workshop)

AUGUST 19 – 21: Build Business National Conference (Indianapolis) August: Year-end Finale We honored the firms that support SMPS Atlanta with a special King of Pops “Happy Hour” in 2016

64 ENGINEERING GEORGIA “2016 was a banner year for WTS Atlanta! I am honored to be President and look forward to our continued efforts to advance women in transportation. We have so much in store for 2017, and we look forward to your participation MALIKA REED WILKINS, PH.D. Atlanta Regional Commission and support.” WTS Atlanta President - Malika Reed Wilkins, Ph.D., WTS Atlanta President [email protected] www.wtsinternational.org/atlanta

WTS ATLANTA IS EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THE NEW BOARD MEMBERS FOR 2017-18:

President MALIKA REED WILKINS, PH.D. Atlanta Regional Commission

Immediate Past-President Vice President of Membership Vice President of Programs REGAN HAMMOND KELI KEMP BRANDI GRIFFIN Arcadis HNTB Corporation State Road & Tollway Authority

Secretary Treasurer Director at Large KRISTIN WINZELER TORI BRINKLEY BRIDGETTE KARRA North Fulton CID T.Y. Lin International Lumenor Consulting

Director at Large Director at Large Director at Large AUDRA ROJEK TONYA SAXON BETH ANN SCHWARTZ WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff MARTA Michael Baker International

If you are working in the transportation field in Atlanta, join WTS Atlanta! Visit us at www.wtsinternational.org/atlanta to learn more.

january/february 2017 65 can get more into.” In addition to his fiancée and friends, O’Brien enters two or three brew ENGINEERS competitions a year to get feedback. “It’s nice What’s the difference? Here’s a to get some outside, objective opinions,” says list of descriptions detailing the O’Brien. On top of the constructive feedback, beers mentioned in this article: O’Brien’s brews have won several awards, BEYOND including a gold medal for his saison, and silver IPA: Characterized by for his rye pale ale at the 2015 Peach State floral, fruity, citrusy or Brew Off – the largest non-professional brewer herbal character, this style competition in Georgia. is all about hop flavor, THEIR aroma and bitterness. HOW DOES HOME BREWING RYE PALE ALE: Beers that fall IMPACT YOUR EVERYDAY LIFE? into this category tend to be CAREERS “Home brewing takes as much time as you want moderately bitter, allowing the to put into it and you don’t have to be rich to By Nikki Welch often spicy and sour-like rye do it. Almost every day I have a conversation or characteristics to pull through. share an email with someone about brewing. THE ENGINEER: JOHN O’BRIEN, P.E. We also have “Growler Fridays” at PES, so I get SAISON: Saisons are Associate and Technical Director, to bring some of my different styles into work traditionally brewed in to share.” PES Structural Engineers the winter to be consumed throughout the summer Hailing from South Florida, John O’Brien, P.E. season. Many brews are very began his engineering ambitions with a move to “My favorite beer I’ve fruity in aroma and flavor, but tend to be semi-dry and have Columbia, S.C. to attend the University of South brewed to date is Carolina. He graduated in 2002 with a Bachelor only a touch of sweetness. of Science in civil engineering and continued on probably a chocolate at the University, obtaining a Master’s degree in cherry stout. It’s a STOUT: Stouts typically range civil engineering two years later. from dark brown to black good seasonal beer.” in color. A common profile Following graduation, Carl Walker, a structural amongst Stouts is the use of engineering firm focused on parking structure roasted barley which lends consulting and design, hired the Gamecock- a dry character to the beer As far as similarities between his life as an as well as a heavy roasted alumni, bringing O’Brien to the Atlanta area. engineer and his hobby as a home-brewer, O’Brien then took a position at PES Structural flavor that can range from O’Brien thinks he gets the best of both burnt to chocolate to coffee. Engineers in 2006 and has now been with the worlds: “There’s a lot of science behind company for just over 11 years. In addition brewing – item processing, number to being a registered P.E. in seven states, tracking, calculating efficiencies – O’Brien is involved with the National Council there’s definitely an engineering of Structural Engineers Association (NCSEA) side to brewing, but it’s a lot more Wind Engineering Code Advisory Committee, like cooking. You have to adjust the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) on the fly sometimes. It’s as much Wind Loads Subcommittee and the Structural art as it is science.” Engineers Association of Georgia (SEAOG). ANY FUTURE THE HOME-BREWER: O’Brien started his home brewing hobby four BREWING AMBITIONS? years ago after the encouragement of several “I recently upgraded friends and a happenstance glance through a all my equipment, book at Whole Foods. “Living in Midtown, I so I’m looking wasn’t sure that brewing beer was feasible in forward to do- my space. I happened to stumble upon a book ing a lot more for New York City apartment brewers one day brewing, mix- and started to think that maybe I could pull ing it up with it off. I began brewing on a very small scale some differ- – starting with one IPA beer.” In the past few ent styles years, O’Brien has fully embraced the hobby, and entering upgrading his equipment and broadening to more compe- several different beer styles. titions in the coming year.” “My fiancée, Erica, isn’t really a beer drinker, but I’ve brewed between 10-15 different styles, so she’s been able to try a few different brews she

66 ENGINEERING GEORGIA january/february 2016 67 68 ENGINEERING GEORGIA