June 2025 Branch Meeting
The upcoming branch meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 10th, 2025, at the Alabama Department of Transportation Central Office in Conference Rooms 5 & 6 at 1409 Coliseum Boulevard. We will serve lunch at 11:30 a.m., and then, the meeting will begin at 12:00 p.m. and adjourn at approximately 1:00 p.m. We are excited to have Sonny Brasfield who is the Executive Director of the Association of County Commissions of Alabama (ACCA) join us this month and speak about the ACCA and the ACEA (Association of County Engineers of Alabama) role in government and support for local infrastructure.
The Association of County Commissions speaks with ONE Voice for county government in Alabama and is a consistent advocate for the programs and people who manage and deliver services to Alabama’s citizens, which includes policies and laws that could potentially affect local infrastructure and County Engineers. Sonny has been employed with the Association since 1988; has been an active and influential part of public policy in Alabama for more than four decades’; and remains one of a select few association directors to be recognized in a listing of the 50 Most Powerful and Influential People in Alabama.
This month’s lunch will be from Scott Street Deli and will consist of a sandwich, chips, cookie, and a drink. The cost of lunch will be $12 per person. If you plan to eat, please contact James Boyer at [email protected] no later than Monday, June 9th, 2025.
March 2025 Branch Meeting / Tour
On Wednesday, March 12, 2025, the Montgomery Branch of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) organized an insightful tour of the Vulcan Materials Company Quarry, situated in the town of Loachapoka, Alabama. This engaging tour provided participants with an in-depth understanding of the intricate processes involved in the extraction and production of aggregates. Attendees had the opportunity to observe firsthand the state-of-the-art machinery and techniques employed in the quarry, gaining valuable knowledge about how these essential materials are transformed into the construction aggregates used in various civil engineering applications, from roadways to infrastructure projects.
We would like to express our gratitude to Vulcan Materials Company for their warm hospitality and for allowing our branch the privilege of visiting their facility. Their commitment to excellence in materials production was evident, and we left the tour with a deeper appreciation for the vital role aggregates play in our industry.
2025 Alabama Section Summer Meeting
Important Updates
• REGISTRATION: Registration is now open with early bird pricing ending on Friday, June 6th! We have moved registration to a new platform called Eventify, which also has an app available on iPhone and Android for a new user experience this year.
• SPONSORS AND EXHIBITORS: We have revised some of our sponsor and exhibitor options to help your company get the most out of the conference.
• AGENDA: The 3-day agenda is filling up with two separate tracks for a variety of great topics! The Call for Speakers will remain open for another week or two for interested speakers to submit their proposals.
• CONFERENCE ACTIVITIES: The Opening Reception will be held on Thursday, July 17, in the Exhibit Hall. The “Port Royal Boil” Dinner Gathering is planned for Friday, July 18, at the Orange Beach Event Center. These events have grown over the last couple years to include entertainment for both adults and kids. Let us know how many people you are coming with so we can prepare.
• The ASCE Mobile Branch will be hosting another Younger Member Track on the afternoon of Friday, July 18.
• LODGING: The guest room block at the Spring Hill Suites at the Wharf still has rooms available from 7/17-7/20, but rooms for 7/16 have sold out. Reservations must be made by June 16 to receive the group rates.
• ADDITIONAL LODGING: An overflow hotel room block is now available at the Hampton Inn & Suites Orange Beach from 7/16-7/20. Reservations must be made by June 16 to receive the group rates.
Click here for conference page for more information and register today!
8th Annual Civil Engineer Legislative Day
We are thrilled to share the highlights from the successful 8th Annual Alabama Civil Engineering Legislative Day Drive-In, which took place on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, in Montgomery, Alabama. Hosted jointly by the Alabama Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the American Council of Engineer Companies (ACEC) of Alabama, the event brought together civil engineers, legislators, and stakeholders for a day focused on legislative issues impacting our profession.
The day commenced at 10:00 a.m. at the historic Alabama Department of Archives & History, where attendees gathered for a Legislative Briefing. Over lunch, generously provided by the ASCE Montgomery Branch, participants engaged in insightful discussions about key bills affecting civil engineering in Alabama. Senator Clyde Chambliss, P.E., and Senate President Pro Tempore Garlan Gudger gave us legislative updates, outlining legislative challenges and support opportunities crucial to our community.
Following the briefing, attendees proceeded to the Alabama State House, where they had the invaluable opportunity to connect directly with legislators. This direct engagement allowed our members to advocate effectively for policies that promote infrastructure development, sustainability, and the advancement of civil engineering practices statewide.
The event marked a pivotal moment for our community, emphasizing the importance of advocacy and collaboration in shaping legislative outcomes that benefit civil engineers and the public alike. We extend our sincere gratitude to all who attended, contributed, and supported this event, making it a resounding success.
Stay tuned for more updates and opportunities to engage with ASCE as we continue our commitment to advancing civil engineering in the great state of Alabama.
2025 Ramsey Ashmore Memorial Scholarship Golf Tournament
9th Annual Industry Leaders Panel Discussion with Auburn University Student Chapter
On November 5, 2024, the Montgomery Branch of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) hosted its 9th Annual Industry Leaders Q&A Panel Discussion in collaboration with Auburn University’s American Society of Civil Engineers. The event attracted over 50 attendees, including students, faculty, staff, and industry professionals. Brad Williams, Region 5 Governor for the Alabama Section, kicked off the session by welcoming students and moderating the panel discussion.
The panel featured the following distinguished professionals:
Wesley Sanders, P.E. – Volkert, Inc.
Chad Friday ,P.E. – Conecuh Bridge & Engineering, Inc.
Matt Leverette, P.E. – Alabama Department of Transportation
Sydney Metzler, P.E. – Alabama Department of Transportation
Kevin Kane, P.E. – Brasfield & Gorrie, LLC
The lively and insightful discussion provided valuable guidance to students on a range of topics, including professional advice, civil engineering coursework, internship opportunities, licensure, interpersonal skills, and career development. Students were encouraged to ask questions in an open, supportive environment, making the panel both engaging and beneficial for all involved.
2024 Golf Tournament
On Monday, September 16, 2024, the Montgomery Branch of ASCE hosted its Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament at the Arrowhead Country Club in Montgomery, AL. This event featured 23 teams and garnered support from multiple sponsors. We would like to recognize our sponsors for their contributions and the support from all the players, students, and volunteers who were responsible for making the 2nd Annual Ramsey Ashmore Memorial Golf Tournament an overwhelming success.
We would especially like to express our heartfelt appreciation towards the Ashmore family for honoring us with their presence and for allowing the Montgomery Branch of ASCE to dedicate this special event to the memory of one of our Past Presidents, Ramsey Ashmore.
The funds that this tournament raises will be used for the annual scholarship fund. These scholarships will be provided by the Montgomery Branch to high school seniors in the River Region (Autauga, Elmore, Lowndes and Montgomery Counties) that are planning on enrolling in Civil Engineering.
Montgomery Branch Awards over $7,500 in Scholarships to Local Students
On Tuesday, April 9, 2024, the Montgomery Branch of ASCE granted over $7,000 in Annual Scholarship Awards in recognition of three exceptional high school students from the River Region. These students not only demonstrated exceptional academic achievements but also a dedication to leadership and community service.
The special recognition took place during the Montgomery Branch’s April monthly meeting, where attendees had the pleasure of hearing from the Auburn University Student Chapter about their experience at the 2024 Gulf Coast Student Symposium. It was a well-attended event with members of the Branch, Board of Directors, Auburn University student chapter, proud parents, and special guests in attendance.
The three scholarship recipients were Mr. Christopher Chin (LAMP), Mr. Thomas Jones (Hooper Academy), and Mr. Michael Dillard (Wetumpka). All recipients will be pursuing Civil Engineering degrees in the upcoming Fall semester.
The Board of Directors of the Montgomery Branch would like to extend their sincere gratitude to our members, sponsors, and volunteers for making this event possible. It is our hope that by recognizing and supporting these young engineering prospects, we can continue to inspire and encourage the future generation to pursue the Civil Engineering profession.
Montgomery Branch Sets the Bar High at the 2024 Winter Meeting
The Montgomery Branch of ASCE set the bar high when it hosted the 2024 ASCE Alabama Winter Meeting at the prestigious Tiger Walk Suites at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama. With over 165 attendees from across the State of Alabama, this year’s Winter Meeting was the largest to date and featured an impressive lineup of educational and interactive presentations. Attendees were also treated to a tour of the massive Jumbotron, making it an unforgettable experience. The success of the event was made possible by the generous support of numerous sponsors and exhibitors, without whom it would not have been possible. We look forward to seeing you in Dothan in 2025.
Click here to see photos, presentations, and more…
Tour of Thurlow Dam
On Tuesday, February 13, 2024, the Montgomery Branch of ASCE conducted a tour of the Thurlow Dam and Hydroelectric Generating Plant in Tallassee, Alabama. The Thurlow Dam, owned and operated by Alabama Power Company, is one of the first hydroelectric dams built in the State of Alabama with construction completed in 1930 on the Tallapoosa River. The dam was named in honor of Oscar G. Thurlow, a chief engineer, vice president and director of Alabama Power Company. Here are some cool facts about Thurlow Dam. The dam is 1,846 feet long with a maximum height of 62 feet. The dam is made of over 150,000 cubic yards of concrete. It operates 3 hydraulic turbines that can discharge 1,706,000 gallons per minute per unit.
📷 Credits: Michael Hora
2024 ALABAMA CIVIL ENGINEER LEGISLATIVE DAY AT THE STATE HOUSE
The 7th Annual Alabama Civil Engineering Legislative Day Drive-In was held on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at the Alabama Department of Archives & History and Alabama State House in Montgomery, Alabama. The Alabama Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), the American Council of Engineer Companies (ACEC) of Alabama, the Alabama Section of the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ALSITE) teamed up to host the event! Senator Clyde Chambliss, P.E. and Representative Cynthia Almond spoke to the group about the legislative issues facing the State of Alabama and bills affecting Civil Engineers. At the conclusion of the event, attendees visited with their legislators in order to engage them about infrastructure!
2023 Outstanding Web Award for Small Sections and Branches
The Montgomery Branch of ASCE is excited to announce that the branch website was selected by the ASCE Leader Training Committee to be awarded the 2023 Outstanding Branch Website Award for Small Sections and Branches. The website was voted #1 out of 140 Small Sections and Branches. It is a great team effort by the leadership of the Montgomery Branch to produce such great content! This is the 5th time in 8 years that the branch website has been selected as the best. The award will be official presented on Friday January 26 at the 2024 Regions 1, 2, 4, & 5 Multi Region Leadership Conference in Miami, Florida.
Alabama Section of ASCE Releases Infrastructure Report Card
On Thursday, March 31, the Alabama Section of ASCE unveiled its 2022 Report Card for Alabama’s Infrastructure, the state’s first report card since 2015. The report assigned the state’s systems a cumulative grade of “C-”, which is on par with the national grade of “C-“ and the same grade the state received in its 2015 report. A “C-” grade means the state’s infrastructure is in mediocre condition and requires attention.
The report analyzes 12 categories of infrastructure pertinent to Alabama: aviation (C), bridges (C+), dams (Incomplete), drinking water (C-), energy (B), inland waterways (D), ports (B), rail (B), roads (C-), stormwater (D+), transit (C-) and wastewater (D). Alabama Report Card co-chair Joe Meads, P.E., presented the findings in the report to an in-person audience at the Alabama Department of Archives & History in Montgomery, AL. Alabama Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth and state Senator Clyde Chambliss, who is also an engineer and ASCE member, provided remarks about the state of infrastructure in Alabama.
For more information on the report card, visit https://www.alabama-asce.org/2022-infrastructure-report-card/.
FY2025 Calendar of Events for Montgomery Branch
