Lunch & Learn: Alternative Funding and Delivery Methods for SW Programs

• Join us at TCC-VB Joint-Use Library Rooms L102-L103. Event will start at noon but arrive 15-20 minutes early!
• One (1) continuing education credit (CEC) will be awarded.
• Lunch will be provided!

Abstract:

Water quality and flooding significantly impact communities in every state and the price tag of implementing mitigation measures continues to rise well into the billions of dollars. Jurisdictions are facing dual challenges of upgrading older stormwater infrastructure, while at the same time, needing to install new stormwater infrastructure to address flood control, water quality and quantity issues, and adapt to more frequent and intense storms resulting from climate change. This presentation discusses alternative methods to address funding gaps between projected improvement costs and traditional general funds and/or stormwater fees.

Public-Private-Partnerships Stormwater Programs

WSP has been supporting with technical program oversight on multiple stormwater infrastructure improvement programs under Goldman Sachs’ Urban Investment Group (UIG), which has committed over $9.5 billion to community and economic development projects. In 2016, DC Water issued a “first of its kind” Environmental Impact Bod (EIB) in partnership with Goldman Sachs UIG and the Calvert Foundation that allocated risk to all parties and payments were contingent on performance measurements (i.e. the success or failure of the project). This method and others continue to be utilized to close funding gaps for implementation of resilient stormwater infrastructure in communities with stringent regulations or consent decrees. Project delivery method for this program is design-build.

Unlocking Success with AI in Government Grant Pursuits

WSP has developed an artificial intelligence-based transformative tool to significantly enhance the business processes and management of grant applications. Based on historical data and current trends, the AI tool generates strategies and actionable recommendations, increasing the chances of securing grants. The pilot application has been a game-changer for the Los Angeles Department of Public Works since 2023, offering numerous benefits that enhance efficiency, decision-making, data management, scalability, cost-effectiveness, and user experience.

Presenters:

Melissa Simpson, PE, PMP

Melissa is a Senior Vice President within WSP’s Water Business Line and serves as the Stormwater Strategic Growth Lead for the East Region. Melissa has led the technical program oversight for UGI programs since 2016, currently involved with P3 stormwater infrastructure programs in Milwaukee and Los Angeles.

Sedrick Bouknight

Sedrick is a Vice President within WSP’s Innovation and Technology Business Line and oversees the AI Government Grant Tool program. Sedrick and his team provide a full suite of IT consulting services to projects and clients within the AEC industry including Project Management, Business Analysis, Software Engineering, Systems Integration, Application Web Hosting, Data Center Management, Application Training and Support Systems.

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