Orange County Engineering Council

September, 2007

2007 Leaders Night - A Big Success!

The 2007 Orange County Engineering Council (OCEC) Leaders Night was held at the Old Ranch Country Club in Seal Beach on August 30. The event drew 51 participants from local corporations, professional societies and nearby universities and colleges. A networking session of these company executives, society officers and key educators was followed by an outstanding dinner in the country club salon.

The evening program began with an overview of OCEC Objectives and Opportunities, presented by Dr. Peter Kurzhals, OCEC President. Subsequent discussion and feedback strongly supported the Leaders Night concept and potential participation in future OCEC activities.

Dr. C. T. Bathala, OCEC VP for Professional Societies, next introduced our keynote speaker Mr. Art Leahy, CEO of the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), who gave an inspiring address on Improving Transportation in Orange County – the Renewed Measure M.

Mr. Leahy emphasized that the transportation improvement projects throughout Orange County will get a jump start with the Renewed Measure M Early Action Plan. During the next five years, OCTA is committing to early delivery of more than $1.6 billion worth of highway, road, transit and environmental improvements from the total $12 billion approved by the voters last November.

Although revenues from Renewed Measure M won't begin flowing until 2011, the Early Action Plan utilizes state and federal matching funds, and internal borrowing and debt financing avenues to advance the projects. Among the improvements to be completed early will be widening of the Orange Freeway (SR 57) from near Anaheim Stadium to Lambert Road; widening of the Riverside Freeway (SR 91) from the Costa Mesa Freeway (SR 55) to the Riverside County line; signal synchronization on major roads; and grade crossing safety and quiet zone improvements along the Metrolink rail line.

The audience welcomed these improvements which were further explored through a spirited question and answer session before Leaders Night was adjourned.