Michael M. McHugh, M.ASCE

I look forward to continuing the efforts of ASCE's Lower Hudson Valley Branch to provide a forum for civil engineers who live or work in the region to participate in quality programs locally.

There are several large projects in the region that have very complex engineering components to them; ranging from the DEP Ultra Violet Facility, Ridge Hill Development in Yonkers to the reconstruction of Route 9 in Peekskill. We look forward to covering the engineering aspects of these projects in our monthly talks offering continuing education (PDH) credits. I encourage you to participate in these talks and the other programs we offer as participating provides an excellent opportunity for networking.

This year we are looking to expand our efforts to coordinate and collaborate with other engineering societies namely NYSSPE. By hosting some events together we will be able to provide better quality programs and attract a larger and more diverse group.

We will continue to encourage high school students to pursue civil engineering as a career by providing our scholarship program and by supporting and participating in the Lower Hudson Valley Engineering Expo. This year we will also be reaching out to ASCE student chapters in our area and will look to hold some of our monthly talks at the colleges.

Although we have recently experienced some rough economic times there is optimism that the economic stimulus package will provide opportunities to our industry and we will be one of the first sectors to recover.

I look forward to serving the branch and encourage you to get involved.

Michael M. McHugh
Moretrench American Corporation
President, Lower Hudson Valley Branch