Newswise — Professional development experts at the University of Wisconsin-Madison are available to discuss the impact of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA 2009) on the nation's infrastructure.
The legislation will initially create a significant increase in the number of infrastructure projects in a short time, as well as a need for worker training to manage the estimated 4 million new jobs the proposal may produce.
To achieve the goals of ARRA 2009, infrastructure projects will require fiscal responsibility, efficiency and effectiveness. The agencies and organizations implementing ARRA 2009 will need tools to meet accountability and administrative standards while integrating innovative ideas and technologies needed to achieve the goals and objectives of the plan.
The following experts will be able to address the general topics of accountability, asset management, economic development and innovation as they relate to their specific infrastructure areas.
"¢ Carl Vieth (VEETH), director of corporate education, Department of Engineering Professional Development (EPD). Vieth is a primary spokesman on the topic of infrastructure development and can discuss a variety of aspects of ARRA 2009.
"¢ Philip O'Leary, chair of the EPD department. O'Leary can also provide a broad overview of the infrastructure opportunities and challenges of the legislation.
"¢ Ned Paschke, director of water wastewater and water resources programs, 608-263-4705. Paschke can address some of the water management programs in the legislation.
"¢ Howard Rosen, director of civil engineering and public works programs. Rosen can discuss infrastructure policy at the federal and state level.
"¢ Stephen Pudloski, director of the Transportation Information Center and civil engineering and public works programs. Pudloski is an expert on transportation issues.
"¢ Wayne Pferdehirt (FUR-da-hirt), director of engineering distance degree programs. Pferdehirt has can talk about the project management needs of an initiative of this magnitude.
"¢ Joel Rogers, professor of law, political science, public affairs and sociology, is the director of the Center on Wisconsin Strategy (COWS), the Center for State Innovation, and co-creator of the Mayors Innovation Project. As such, he is closely involved with what states and cities need and hope for in the Obama stimulus package. Rogers has a variety of opinions about what is currently proposed. Reporters wishing to interview Rogers should contact Patty Gelenberg.
"¢ Carolyn Heinrich, director of the university's LaFollette School of Public Affairs, is available to talk about job training and the role of government in maintaining a competitive workforce. Heinrich is a professor of public affairs, an affiliated professor of economics, and associate director of research and training at the university's Institute for Research on Poverty.
"¢ Susan Fischer, director of the Office of Student Financial Aid, can discuss how the stimulus package might benefit UW-Madison students.