The American Society of Civil Engineers, a professional organization representing more than 146,000 civil engineers, celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2002. When the twelve Founders gathered at the Croton Aqueduct on November 5, 1852, and agreed to incorporate the American Society of Civil Engineers and Architects, one can only wonder if they dreamed the profound significance and long-lasting impact ASCE would have on the overall development of society. They laid a foundation for what proves to be one of the most prominent engineering societies in the world.

Today ASCE is a worldwide leader for excellence in civil engineering. With a mission to advance professional knowledge and improve the practice of civil engineering, ASCE is a focal point for the development and transfer of research results, and technical policy and managerial information. Through strategic emphasis in key areas, including infrastructure renewal and development, policy leadership and professional development, ASCE delivers the highest quality publications, programs and services to its worldwide membership, demonstrating a daily commitment to sustaining the profession.

As civil engineering enters a new millennium, the American Society of Civil Engineers not only reflects on the profession's rich heritage, but equipped with this knowledge, ASCE continues to develop flexible, forward-thinking plans for the future of the society and the civil engineering profession.

Today's civil engineer uses every advantage to meet the demands of their profession. That's why ASCE pioneers new programs, policies, educational activities, and professional resources to help them successfully compete in their business. That's why today's civil engineer has a home at ASCE.

ASCE's Sections and Branches allow civil engineers who live and/or work in the same community to network, exchange ideas, build leadership skills and create lifelong professional connections. Sections and Branches are continually looking for motivated volunteers. If you are not yet an active member of your local Section or Branch, please contact your local officers.

ASCE Links and Programs

Update You ASCE Member Profile

This is a one stop update of the national ASCE database that is also used by the Section and the branches to correspond with you by USPS mail and email. Be sure when you are reviewing your profile that your home, business and email addresses are correct so that all of your ASCE correspondence reaches you.

Join the ASCE

If you are not a member of ASCE, please consider joining this great organization. See here for the benifits of national membership. When you join ASCE and pay membership due, a portion of the dues is allocated to the Louisiana Section (or your respective section) and New Orleans Branch (or your respective branch). These funds allow us to provide our local program to area Civil Engineers and support the local community. The additional section dues (including voluntary contributions) benifits our Louisiana Section and New Orleans Branch dollar-for-dollar.

Key Contact Program

You are strongly encouraged to consider participating in the ASCE Key Contact Program so that you can keep abreast of the legislation and political issues in Washington and state capitols important to civil engineers through a weekly e-newsletter. Further, the ASCE regularly sends Key Alerts to those in the program when grassroots action is requested of ASCE members to support its political agenda.

Report Card for America's Infrastructure

The Report Card is an assessment by professional engineers of the nation's status in 15 categories of infrastructure. In 2009, all signs point to an infrastructure that is poorly maintained, unable to meet current and future demands, and in some cases, unsafe. Since the last Report Card in 2005, the grades have not improved. ASCE estimates the nation still stands at a D average. Deteriorating conditions and inflation have added hundreds of billions to the total cost of repairs and needed upgrades. ASCE's current estimate is $2.2 trillion, up from $1.6 trillion in 2005.

ASCEville

ASCEville is a site for kids to learn about civil engineering using interactive and fun guides and games. The site compliments ASCE's national and our branches local outreach agenda. Please encourage young students with an interest in math and sciences to investigate this site. Or if you have a few minutes, check the site out yourself and reminisce on what got you into ASCE back in the beginning.

ASCE Gulf Coast Hurricane Response / Latest Assessments and Reviews of Hurricane Recovery

As a leader in the civil engineering community on disaster response and recovery, ASCE is monitoring the impact of Hurricane Rita on the Gulf region. On behalf of the more than 139,000 members worldwide, ASCE extends its condolences to victims of the Hurricane Katrina. We join with the nation in sorrow over the magnitude of the loss and suffering, and are working to assist in restoring the well-being of the affected states.

To read the latest reviews, reports and analysis on ASCE's Hurricane Katrina External Review Panel and their findings regarding Hurricane Katrina and New Orleans' Hurricane Protection System, click here.

Following a 13-month investigation, the ASCE Committee on Professional Conduct (CPC) has concluded its inquiry into allegations of ethical misconduct stemming from ASCE's role in an assessment of the performance of the New Orleans Hurricane Protection System following Hurricane Katrina. The CPC dismissed all charges of ethical misconduct. The committee did find that a news release issued by the Society contained two technical errors. Read the full CPC report here.

Survive and Thrive in a Challenging Economy

These days, you can't escape the news of our turbulent financial times. Its impact is in the headlines, in your inbox, and most importantly, in your pockets. But that doesn't mean you can't continue succeeding and moving forward in your professional and personal life. That’s why it's never been a better time to be an ASCE member. ASCE compiled the following resources and programs to ensure that you and your company get the help you need to not only survive, but thrive in this challenging economy.

Are there any other ASCE national programs you would like to see listed here, please let us know at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it