Please indicate your preferred attendance method in the registration form. 

Location: Syracuse Center of Excellence, Room 203, 727 E Washington St., Syracuse, NY 13210 | Free Parking

Description: Join us for an informative training designed specifically for engineers and technical professionals who support communities in planning and implementing water and environmental infrastructure projects. USDA Rural Development offers a range of funding opportunities to support essential drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure for rural communities across New York State. As program requirements evolve, engineers play a key role in helping communities successfully navigate the project development process.

During this session, participants will hear directly from USDA Rural Development staff about recent program and bulletin updates, engineering report and contract document requirements, and environmental review considerations associated with USDA-funded projects. Join us to learn how engineers and communities can successfully partner to deliver safe drinking water, strengthen stormwater management, and maintain reliable sanitary sewer systems through USDA Rural Development programs.

Learning Objectives:

• Navigate USDA Rural Development technical and project application requirements, including RDApply
• Prepare compliant Preliminary Engineering Reports (PERs) under current USDA guidance
• Understand environmental review considerations for funded infrastructure projects
• Effectively use EJCDC engineering agreement, bidding and contract documents in compliance with RUS requirements
• Align project documentation with federal procurement and Build America, Buy America requirements

Sessions will be live-streamed for hybrid viewing. If you would like to attend virtually, please indicate so on the registration form. Please note lunch is not provided.

Speakers:

• Jes Eckerlin, Funding Specialist, Syracuse University Environmental Finance Center
• Brenda Smith, Community Facilities & WEP Program Director, USDA Rural Development
• Kimberly Wildman, Community Program Specialist, USDA Rural Development
• John Helgren, State Engineer and Asst. State Environmental Coordinator, USDA Rural Development
• Jessica DiDomineck, State Engineer, USDA Rural Development
• Thomas Lacko, NYS Environmental Coordinator, USDA Rural Development

Who Should Attend:

Engineers and engineering consultants, municipal and utility staff, local government officials, community leaders, technical assistance providers, and anyone who is interested or involved in infrastructure planning and projects in New York State.

Partners: