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- Sloan-Kettering to build $1B cancer facility in NYC
Plans for a new Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and an upgrade to the City University of New York's Hunter College on the Upper East Side of New York City was announced by Mayor Michael Bloomberg, a deal he described as a "hugely significant development." The $1 billion cancer building will have up to 750,000 square feet of space and be built next to Hunter College's new $400 million Science and Health Professions building. New York Post
(9/11), Real Estate Weekly (New York)
(9/10)     
- Ancient remains could throw Texas' $322M toll project off schedule
Construction of the $322 million Grand Parkway toll project in Harris County, Texas, may be delayed as ancient human artifacts were unearthed for the second time along the project's path. The discovery ignited calls from scientists to conduct a further study of the area before the project proceeds. Such a study could cause lengthy delays in construction of the 15-mile, four-lane highway. Houston Chronicle
(9/11)
| Trends & Technology | | |
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- U.S. slides again in competitiveness ranking
For the fourth consecutive year, the U.S. fell in a competitiveness ranking by the World Economic Forum, reaching seventh place. Switzerland, Singapore and Finland hold the top three spots. "Plotting the scores against [gross domestic product] per person reveals an unsurprising correlation: competitiveness brings wealth, but rich countries can most easily afford to provide the conditions for it," according to The Economist. "They can squander competitiveness too." The Economist
(9/8)
| Sustainable Development | | |
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- Private investment could address water infrastructure funding gap
Three legislative initiatives could spur private investment in public water and wastewater infrastructure, says John Freedman of GE Power & Water. Private activity bonds, tax incentives and an initiative similar to the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act could all help private investors gain benefits when they invest in the water infrastructure that is reaching its limits, he writes. "With the benefit of private financing, the potential exists to help ensure that the future of our nation’s water infrastructure is sound," Freedman notes. Environmental Leader
(9/11)
- Commentary: NYC can do "small things" to mitigate flood risk
Instead of building flood barriers to protect New York City from storm surges, city officials can develop smaller and less costly measures to mitigate the risk, such as expanding wetlands and installing more green roofs, Felix Salmon writes. Protecting the city's road tunnels and subway is crucial, he adds. "Doing lots of small things is all well and good, and I'm not convinced that the huge things are necessarily worthwhile -- or even, in the case of moving people to higher ground, even possible. But the medium-sized things? Those should be a no-brainer right now," Salmon writes. Reuters/Felix Salmon blog
(9/11)
| Election 2012 | | |
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- Boxer: Funding levels agreed to in transportation law must be honored
A continuing resolution on the expired SAFETEA-LU, the current transportation bill, would reduce funding by $500 million in the 2013 fiscal year. Rather than do that, Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., has asked House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, to honor the funding levels agreed to in the recently approved $105 billion transportation bill. "The MAP-21 funding levels should be honored for fiscal year 2013. If the cut were to remain in the continuing resolution, it must be restored before any full-year transportation funding bill proceeds," Boxer said. The Hill/Transportation blog
(9/11)
| Advancing the Profession | | |
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| News from ASCE | | |
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Cash award available to young researchers -- deadline Oct. 1
Young researchers in any civil engineering specialty are eligible for the 2013 Walter L. Huber Civil Engineering Research Prizes. The Huber Prize recognizes members of the Society in any grade for notable achievements in research related to civil engineering. Preference is given to younger members (generally under 40 years of age) of early accomplishment who can be expected to continue fruitful careers in research. Past Huber winners view this prize as an important milestone in their career. Nominations are due to Honors and Awards by Oct. 1. Learn more and get forms at the official award page or contact awards@asce.org.
| Editor's Note | | |
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SmartBrief Excerpt -- "The Honest Truth About Dishonesty"
What happens when well-intentioned people find themselves considering an illegal parking spot, or in the depths of a corporate scandal? ASCE SmartBrief is pleased to share a preview from behavioral economist Dan Ariely's new book, "The Honest Truth About Dishonesty."
In return for updating your SmartBrief profile, we will send you the introduction to Ariely's new book absolutely free. Learn more here.
| SmartQuote | | |
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 | Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up."
--Thomas Edison,
American inventor
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| | Recent ASCE SmartBrief Issues:
- Tuesday, September 11, 2012
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- Friday, September 07, 2012
- Thursday, September 06, 2012
- Wednesday, September 05, 2012
| | | Lead Editor: Jennifer Hicks
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