The Met Section has proposed to work with other ASCE sections in our region to institute a Legislative Fellowship Program (the “Program”) with the main objective of providing technical assistance to the New York State Legislature. The Program, which is modeled after the highly successful Congressional Fellowship Program and Legislative Fellowship Program of the Boston Society of Engineers, is a means for members of the New York State Assembly and Senate to gain high level technical assistance in addressing the complex issues involved in maintaining and investing in New York State’s infrastructure.

Moreover, the Program would provide substantial benefits to ASCE and its members in numerous respects as the Fellow’s interaction with the legislature will provide direct access to State policymakers which would serve to elevate the profile and stature of the engineering profession. In addition, the Fellow will provide an avenue through which the ASCE can provide sound input to policy and legislation affecting both State infrastructure and the engineering profession. Most importantly, the residents of New York State would benefit by the Program as the daily participation of a skilled engineer with in-depth knowledge and comprehension of infrastructure issues will enhance the initiatives, legislation and direction State policymakers take with respect to these critical issues.

With recent local events, such as the steam pipe explosion in midtown Manhattan and severe flooding problems in the subway system, as well as national events, including the recent bridge collapse in Minneapolis, it is critical that the Program be implemented to address the wide range of infrastructure issues present today. In conjunction with the exposure of the instability of certain components of the State’s infrastructure, it is also a time when new infrastructure and transportation initiatives are being developed and constructed, all of which could greatly benefit from the knowledge and expertise skilled engineers can bring to the table. In fact, the legislature itself had recognized this need, as evidenced by recent legislation spearheaded by Assemblyman Michael N. Gianaris and Senator Martin J. Golden, which proposes the creation of an independent commission to monitor the State’s roads, bridges, subways and utility networks.

In order to provide a better understanding as to just how beneficial the legislative Program could be, it is important to understand the position itself. The Program would provide an opportunity for an ASCE member to work for approximately one year on the staff of a state legislator or committee. The Fellow would work seamlessly as an adjunct to the staff serving whomever and wherever assigned in a non-political, non-partisan manner. During his/ her term, the Fellow may serve on the staff of one or more legislators or committees, depending upon the leadership’s need for technical advice and research. The Fellow would become directly involved in crafting State legislation and advising policymakers. The New York State sections of ASCE would serve as a resource to the Fellow should their technical support be required. The Fellow would be accountable to the New York State Section Council and would receive a stipend to cover travel and living and other expenses. However, the individual would not be an employee of ASCE. The Fellow would make verbal presentations to the Council and the Region I Board of Governors, and provide a monthly update of activities via an e-newsletter that will be distributed to ASCE New York State members.

A subcommittee formed under the auspices of the Section’s Legislative Committee, which has been working on the development of the Fellowship program for approximately one year. During that time, proposed candidate qualifications and the various aspects of the proposed role of the Fellow have been developed. The committee comprises individuals from the engineering and legal professions, and includes the current ASCE Congressional Fellow. During the coming year, the committee will partner with the New York State Section Council to finish development of the program criteria, establish the technical support network for the Fellow, reach out to the Legislature to confirm the workability of the program and make adjustments as required. We also expect to begin to seek and qualify potential candidates.

Anyone wishing to participate or who may have additional questions regarding the program may contact Steven Kaufman at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .