WASHINGTON, DC, Feb. 21, 2014 -- Many small, underserved communities across the United States today are unable to afford the experts needed to meet basic infrastructure needs. As such, the American Society of Civil Engineers, the American Water Works Association and Engineers Without Borders USA announced today the launch of a new program to help tackle this serious and growing challenge.
The Community Engineering Corps™ will bring volunteer engineering leaders together with these underserved communities in order to address critical needs and improve the quality of life for their citizens. Members of the three organizations will be able to volunteer their time and expertise to assist communities that do not have the resources to access engineering services. The project teams will have access to the systems and resources necessary to ensure the projects are done in a manner that meets all state and federal regulations.
"EWB-USA is excited to expand the scope of our field work to include underserved communities in the United States," said EWB-USA Domestic Program Director Peter Waugh. "Our ability to achieve our vision of building a better world is strengthened and accelerated through our alliance with the other two premier engineering organizations in America."
According to Randall S. Over, P.E., F.ASCE, president of ASCE, current pilot projects include developing a sanitation solution for isolated homes on a Navajo Reservation and helping a community mitigate the effect of flooding on a building. "Working under the guidance of experienced engineers, this initiative will provide young civil engineers unique opportunities to gain valuable hands-on experience in the field, while giving back and making a tangible difference in the lives of those living in underserved communities here in the United States."
AWWA Executive Director David LaFrance added, "The experience and dedication that each of these three organizations bring to the table makes this alliance incredibly powerful and AWWA is honored to have been included. Our vision at AWWA is a better world through better water, and through the Community Engineering Corps, we look forward to bringing that vision to life in each individual home and community that we will serve."
AboutAmerican Society of Civil Engineers
Founded in 1852, theAmerican Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) represents more than 145,000 civil engineers and affiliate members worldwide and is America's oldest national engineering society. For more information, visit www.asce.org.
AboutAmerican Water Works Association
Established in 1881, the American Water Works Association (AWWA) is the largest nonprofit, scientific and educational association dedicated to managing and treating water, the world’s most important resource. With approximately 50,000 members, AWWA provides solutions to improve public health, protect the environment, strengthen the economy and enhance our quality of life. For more information, visit www.awwa.org.
About Engineers without Borders USA
Founded in 2002,Engineers without Borders USA (EWB-USA) supports community-driven development programs worldwide by collaborating with local partners to design and implement sustainable engineering projects, while creating transformative experiences and responsible leaders. Their 13,800 members work with communities to find appropriate solutions for water supply, sanitation, energy, agriculture, civil works, structures and information systems. For more information, visit www.ewb-usa.org.
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