www.wgkengineers.com		WGK
		Engineers & Surveyors “Engineering Solutions for Now and the Future.” Volume 1, Issue 11, June 1, 2009
What’s the State of “YOUR” Unions?
I remember the fateful morning of June 28, 1983 like it was yesterday. I was a kid growing up in Connecticut and sometime during the previous night a section of the Mianus River Bridge had collapsed. The morning radio broadcast reported how two cars and a tractor-trailer plunged into the open section, taillights disappearing into the abyss, killing all three drivers. I remember trying to imagine what it would be like to be driving along in the dark and suddenly the road opens up underneath me without any warning. National outrage followed the accident as attention was focused on delinquent bridge inspections and overdue maintenance. Flash forward to August 1, 2007. During the morning commute, a heavily trafficked section of I-35W plunges into the Mississippi River in Minneapolis killing thirteen. Again, attention is focused on our crumbling infrastructure. Bridge collapses are visible, frightening reminders that our nation’s infrastructure requires maintenance and is designed with a certain inherent longevity. However, this is true of all the components of our infrastructure – both the obviously visible (like roads and bridges) and the not so apparent (like our water and wastewater systems). In fact, it is the systems we cannot see that in the end may pose the most serious threat to our quality of life. The causes for our crumbling water and wastewater systems are rooted in the history of the environmental movement and the unusual split personality of the private citizen as both owner and customer. Many can remember the television commercial with the crying Indian over the garbage dump and the birth of modern environmentalism. Beginning in the 1970’s, vast sums of federal monies were granted for the cleanup of waterways, closing of landfills, and construction of treatment facilities. Among these was the EPA Construction Grants Program which provided more than $60 billion for the construction of wastewater treatment projects. Grants such as these were phased out in the early 1990’s and morphed into the State Revolving Fund programs (see Figure 1 below). By this point, however, folks had grown accustomed to this “free money,” weakening the price structures that may have paid for these improvements in the absence of such grants. In the rush to improve the environment, allowances for operations, maintenance, and depreciation were typically absent. Water and sewer rates were set low and citizens grew accustomed to them staying low. Over time, water and sewer infrastructure (like all infrastructures) will degrade in the absence of periodic inspections, maintenance, and replacement. The age of water and sewer infrastructure in the US is often 50 to 100 years old. A 2007 Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey estimated that $334.8 billion will be required for drinking water improvements alone for the twenty-year period ending in December 2026. The EPA further estimates there will be a $540 billion gap between what the nation currently spends on water infrastructure and the actual investment needed for maintaining and renewing the infrastructure over the next 20 years. In spite of the recent round of stimulus funding, the expense of replacing water infrastructure will be met mostly through higher water rates that better reflect the full cost of service. An American Water Works Association survey estimates that by 2030 the average utility will be spending 3 ½ times as much on pipe replacement as today. Households served by small water systems will be impacted 2 – 3 times greater than larger systems due to fewer customers available to absorb the capital costs. So, what is small-town America supposed to do in light of this? First, each municipality should have a firm grasp on their current water and wastewater assets and what condition they are in. How many miles of water pipe are there? Sewer pipe? What condition are they in? When were they first installed? Baselining the current system through a plan of comprehensive asset management will provide a community with the information required to make sound future financial decisions. Next, develop plans for financing the improvements and maintenance. Insure your system is as financially efficient as possible. Citizens will not take kindly to rate increases if there is obvious waste. Also, insure services are being accurately metered and billed. Next, begin assessing your rate structure in light of the improvements required. Small, annual adjustments are easier for most customers to stomach. Incremental increases further demonstrate that the leadership is closely tracking costs. Keep in mind during this process that the provision of water and sewer services is a monopoly – folks do not have a choice of providers so care must be taken in adjusting rates. Normally, people are willing to pay a fair price for something they value. Format rate structures such that low-income customers are not disproportionally penalized during rate hikes. It is normally more efficient to provide direct assistance for those in need than to have sliding-scale rate systems based upon income. A key to instituting any rate changes is public education. Leaders need to help customers value these vital services. A variety of tactics could be pursued: · Link growth and economic development to water & wastewater services. A 2008 study by the U.S. Conference of Mayors showed that for every dollar invested in public water and sewer infrastructure and services, approximately $8.97 is added to the national economy. A $10 billion investment in water infrastructure projects would almost immediately create 400,000 jobs (AWWA). · Use the local media to get the word out (newspaper, radio, and TV). Get the local cable access station to play the documentary “Liquid Assets” from Penn State Public Broadcasting. · Open the treatment facilities for tours to show citizens the investment it takes to provide clean water and wastewater treatment. · Be prepared to speak at public forums to get out the message. Show typical photos of systems in need of repair or replacement. Communicate in an honest, friendly and helpful way; point out that it is good for the individual and the community. Emphasize that only tap water delivers public health protection, fire protection, support for the economy, and the overall quality of life we enjoy. Continuously show the public how the rate increases are being spent by showing progress on any capital improvements. In short, a broken water main may not have the same dramatic impact as a bridge falling into a river. However, most Americans have grown to expect reliable, safe drinking water and sewer services. While elected officials may worry about their longevity if they raise rates to maintain these vital services, any denial of these services due to negligence would almost certainly be detrimental to one’s re-election hopes. Through comprehensive planning, efficient services, gradual rate increases, and an open dialogue with customers, community leaders can insure reliable drinking water and wastewater services, for both today and for future generations. With a good portion of stimulus funding directed toward fixing our nation’s crumbling infrastructure, now is the ideal time to address water and wastewater problems. WGK is prepared to help. We have a unique process to help communities prioritize concerns, identify funding and put solutions in place. We’re currently working with Brookhaven and other Mississippi cities to repair and update their water and wastewater systems. Call Mike McKenzie today to discuss WGK’s process and the benefits it can provide your community. You can reach him at 601-925-4444. Article by: Brian Standley, WGK			When God Seems Far Away TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1 by Os Hillman "Why, O Lord, do You stand far off? Why do You hide Yourself in times of trouble?" – Psalm 10:1 One of the great mysteries of God is His ways. Some of His ways almost appear to bring us into the most difficult places, as if He were indifferent to our circumstances. It would appear that He is turning His head from our sorrows. These events in our lives have a particular objective to perform for us. That objective is to bring us to the end of ourselves that we might discover the treasure of darkness. "Yet when I hoped for good, evil came; when I looked for light, then came darkness" (Job 30:26). When we are taken into these dark periods, we begin to see light that we never knew existed. Our sensitivities become heightened and our ability to see through spiritual eyes is illuminated. Unless we are taken into these times, our souls never develop any depth of character. We do not gain wisdom, only knowledge. Knowledge is gained through understanding; wisdom is gained through the experience of darkness. After we go through these periods, we discover that God was, in fact, with us throughout the entire time. It does not feel or appear that He is there when we are in the midst of the dark periods. However, He is there walking with us. He has told us countless times that He will never leave us. However, when we are in those dark periods, it does not feel like He is there because He does not rescue us from the circumstances. He does this for our benefit in order that we might become more like Jesus. Jesus learned obedience from the things He suffered (see Heb. 5:8). What does that say about how you and I will learn obedience? Embrace the dark times and gain the wisdom that God intends for you from these times.
					To sign up for a free devotional please click here
			Derecho? - What is a Derecho? Many of you probably read about the windstorm that swept across several states in May of this year. What you may not have known is that the storm was a Derecho with tornadoes that occurred simultaneously. A Derecho is a widespread and long-lived, violent convectively induced straight-line windstorm that is associated with a fast-moving band of severe thunderstorms in the form of a squall line usually taking the form of a bow echo. Derechos blow in the direction of movement of their associated storms, similar to a gust front, except that the wind is sustained and generally increases in strength behind the "gust" front. A warm weather phenomenon, derechos occur mostly in summer, especially June and July in the northern hemisphere. They can occur at any time of the year and occur as frequently at night as in the daylight hours. Although the peak season for derechos is July, they can occur at most any time of year.
			HOW HEALTHY IS YOUR FAMILY TREE
			People spend a lot of time on genealogy and getting family history information like where their great-grandfather was buried or what church their grandmother got married in; but do you know what they died from? Finding out what your great-grandparents died from, although it may not be as charming as finding the old country church where they were married, could help save your life. More and more people, as they track their genealogy, are also compiling a medical family tree, a map that looks like the spreading branches of a regular family tree but also includes information about each relative's age at death, cause of death, and when they developed the disease that killed them. Your family medical history provides insight into the diseases and conditions that are common to” your family. You can record a list of illnesses & medical conditions affecting your family members that includes information for each person about diseases, age of disease onset, causes of death & other relevant health information. You inherit half of your genetic profile from each parent. Along with the genetic information that determined your appearance, you inherited genes that may cause or increase your risk of certain medical conditions. A family medical history can serve as a “substitute” genetic test to help your doctor interpret the history of disease in your family and identify patterns that may be relevant to your own health. Although it can’t predict your future health it can provide information about risk factors. Other factors, such as your diet, weight, exercise routine, other lifestyle habits, and exposure to pollutants or environmental factors will also raise or lower your risk of developing certain diseases. For more information on how to compile your family medical tree please Click Here. To begin your medical family tree just click on the below chart and print.
CLIENT SPOTLIGHT
Introducing Mayor Fred Reeves
Fred Reeves was born and reared in Port Gibson, Mississippi. He is the son of Odessa Martin Reeves and the late Fred D. Reeves, Sr. He is a graduate of Addison High School Class of 1965; he attended and graduated from Jackson State University in 1969 with a B. A. in History and Political Science. After one (1) year of law school at Howard University in Washington, D. C., he was drafted in the U. S. Army in 1970 and served until he was honorably discharged in 1972. He later served in many job capacities in the private, public and entrepreneurial arenas while in the states of Mississippi and Illinois. In 2007, he retired and returned to his hometown of Port Gibson Mississippi, to pursue the office of Mayor of the City and was successful in his bid in the November’s General Election of 2007. Mayor Reeves is married to JoAnn Montgomery Reeves and they have two adult children: Jasmine and Jonathan Reeves.
If something is happening in your town/city that you want to include in this section please send me an e-mail at srand@wgkengineers.com
Gold in the Hills Production July 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, 31 and August 1st Gold in the Hills, the Guinness Book of World Records’ longest continuously-running melodrama. $10 for adults and $5 for children. Parkside Playhouse, 1001 Iowa Ave. Vicksburg, MS Driving Directions www.e-vtg.com For further information please call 601-636-0471.	Jubilee JAM 2009 June 19 & 20^th As the city’s largest outdoor music and arts festival, Jubilee JAM features performances by great local, regional and national artists. Family & children’s activities are planned. Held on the east end of Capitol Street, in downtown Jackson. Weekend passes are $25.00 day passes are $15.00. Downtown Jackson Jackson, MS Driving Directions www.jubileejam.com For further information please contact John Hawkins at 601-969-9692.			First Friday Weekends Through December 4, 2009 Every first Friday evening from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm downtown Natchez sponsors an evening of art, shopping and refreshments. Wherever you see white lights & balloons, a participating merchant will welcome you with refreshments. Event is free. Historic Downtown Natchez Mississippi Natchez, MS Driving Directions www.natchezdowntown.blogspot.com For further information please contact Carrie Lambert at 601-442-2929.
2009 Dairy Festival June 6^th The oldest & largest one-day event in the county includes selection of the Dairy Festival Queen; baby contests; mooing contest, arts & crafts; food, concessions, fireworks, and live music. Admission is free. Holmes Water Park 69 Hwy 198 Tylertown, MS Driving Directions www.walthallchamber.com/dairyfest.html For further information please call 601-876-2680.	Pearl Day June 26 & 27^th This weekend of family fun and games includes singing, golf, softball, fireworks, entertainment, concessions, Pearl Day run and arts and crafts. Admission is free. City Park, Hwy 80 & Mary Ann Drive Pearl, MS Rankin County Driving Directions www.cityofpearl.com For further information please call 601-932-3541			Mississippi Championship Hot Air Balloon Race July 2^nd - 5th Astounding, colorful three day event featuring balloon glows, competition races, food, craft, vendors, music and spectacular fireworks display. Free admission. Canton Multipurpose and Equine Center 501 Soldier Colony Rd. Canton, MS Driving Directions www.visitridgeland.org For further information please contact Alvin Davis at 601-859-4358.
TO UNSUBSCRIBE CLICK HERE