PRess release

BRB President Assesses Damage in Gulf

November 2005

Topeka, Kansas

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita left in their wake considerable damage to water and wastewater systems in the affected areas of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.  In order to assist the stake holders in moving forward, the Water Environment Federation (WEF) and Black & Veatch have assembled a nationally recognized team to develop and present an area-wide assessment of the damage and probable cost to rehabilitate or replace wastewater systems in the Gulf States.

Participants are donating time and expenses and the initial site visit occurred last month.  WEF leadership is providing liaison with member associations and government entities and will publish the final report, while representatives from various private companies, including Mike Welch of BRB Contractors, have provided assessment expertise.  With over thirty years of experience in the construction and repair of water and wastewater treatment facilities, Mr. Welch is the only member of the construction community that was included in this endeavor.

 “WEF and Black & Veatch have assembled a top-notch team and BRB is proud to be a part of the effort.  We welcome this opportunity to use our expertise to assist our neighbors in restoring their critical infrastructure needs and helping to return their lives to normal as quickly as possible,” said BRB President Mike Welch.

The final report is expected to be completed in early 2006.