Editor’s Note May/June 2022
Dear Readers in print and online,
Welcome to the May/June issue of American Infrastructure! It’s hard to believe that we are already almost halfway through the year. With the passing of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) at the end of last year, it seems as though new projects and initiatives are sprouting every day.
This month we’ve compiled a list of the top municipal, city and public works officials from the 500 most populous cities and their updated contact information for your reference throughout the year.
Cybersecurity continues to make headlines as officials warn companies to tighten their security in order to defend from Russian attacks on infrastructure. Cody Bann, director of engineering at WIN-911, kicks off this issue by explaining how a defensive approach will impede a cyber attack and create a system that is resilient by design. Cyberinfrastructure, though just emerging, is proving to be just as critical to the health of the nation as traditional infrastructure.
The modernization of traditional infrastructure across the country is now becoming a high priority. Water infrastructure is a critical resource that affects everyone in the country. In this issue, Aubrey Spear, Director of Water Utilities for the City of Lubbock, Texas, discusses the importance of water conservation, while Radhika Fox, the Assistant Administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Water, explains the lasting effects of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act on water infrastructure, particularly in areas with little to no history of infrastructure investments.
Atlanta, in particular, has put extensive effort in expanding their water reserve in the event that they find the city in a state of emergency. “This project put our City in a position of strength … it has not only transformed our community’s water infrastructure, but also how we view the ultimate success of our utility construction projects.” Abe Abdon, Water Supply Program Director for the city of Atlanta said.
On the flip side, the New Mexico Department of Transportation has focused their efforts on upgrading the I-25 interchange to create safer traffic flows in and around I-25 and University Ave. Not only did this project create a direct link into the NMSU campus, it encouraged more people to walk or bike by linking the existing trails in the area, as well as strengthening protections for pedestrians and bicyclists who use these trails.
We are very excited to share this issue of American Infrastructure, and we hope you enjoy it. As always, if you have any news or projects you’d like us to know about, don’t hesitate to email me at yvonne@builder.media!
Best,
Yvonne Nguyen
Assistant Editor
Yvonne Nguyen is the Assistant Editor of American Infrastructure. She can be reached at yvonne@builder.media.
