Minnesota Public Works Association
MPWA Fall Workshop
November 19, 2008
MPWA Fall Conference
November 20-21, 2008
Earle Brown Heritage Center, Brooklyn Center
How we deal with outside influences often separates success from failure. The public works industry and the private sector face these challenges together. Today, the public works sector is being asked to maintain a crumbling infrastructure with fewer people, less money, and rising costs for fuel, oil, and equipment. At the same time the public is asking, or even demanding, that we do the correct thing for the environment. These are the realities of the times we live in today.
Charting the course for tomorrow is what will take us through these difficult times. How do we build sustainable budgets, buildings, equipment, and infrastructure, all while keeping the environment and the public we serve in mind?
This conference is designed to network, share our thoughts, successes, and failures so we can all learn from each other. To keep a positive outlook is critical; we can get past these issues we face today by working together. I believe we will all be amazed what will actually come out the other end when we look back five to 10 years from today.
Enjoy the conference!!
Dan Gage
MPWA Vice President and Conference Co-Chair
CONFERENCE PROGRAM ADDITION:
Thursday, November 20, 2008
1:00 p.m. Second Capstone Project
Water Treatment Alternatives for Use in Developing Countries and in Disaster Events
Jennifer Edison, Bonestroo
Description: In the United States, the Clean Water Act controls water quality. Such legislation is effective because of a centralized work and management infrastructure that allows for timely treatment and distribution of water in normal times and during a large-scale disaster to provide potable water.
In the underdeveloped world, however; a distribution system is virtually nonexistent and a vast number of people in these areas depend on water from ponded areas. The critical problem is the water supplies are often contaminated with toxins – often by expended uncontrolled industrial practices, and pathogens which can result in tragic consequences.
The objective of this capstone project is to improve water systems in developing countries and during disasters by understanding toxins and pathogens in the water of developing countries and to identify cost effective treatment alternatives.
Bio: Mrs. Edison has worked as project engineer with Bonestroo in their municipal group for the past four years. Her work includes design, construction management, and general municipal project management. Mrs. Edison is a graduate of the University of Minnesota, where she received a Bachelor of Civil Engineering and a Masters of Infrastructure Systems Engineering.
Future Conference Dates
- May 13-15, 2009 - Spring Conference, Grand View Lodge and Conference Center, Nisswa, Minnesota
- November 18, 2009 - Fall Workshop, Earle Brown Heritage Center, Brooklyn Center, Minnesota
- November 19-20, 2009 - Fall Conference, Earle Brown Heritage Center, Brooklyn Center, Minnesota
Other Training Opportunities and Conferences
Center for Transportation Studies
City Engineers Association of Minnesota
Intelligent Transportation Society of Minnesota (ITS Minnesota)
Minnesota County Engineers Association
For conference information contact:
Clair Daley
University of Minnesota
612-624-3492
cceconf3@umn.edu
For MPWA member information contact:
Kathy Warren
Minnesota Public Works Association
651-351-7432
kwarren@usinternet.com
Sponsored by
American Public Works Association, Minnesota Chapter
Minnesota Street Superintendents Association
Made possible through support and partnership of Minnesota Department of Transportation
Facilitated by the College of Continuing Education, University of Minnesota
