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THE DAILY PULSE


President's Message
This fall, Chapter 14 has been energized by both the changing season and the success of our recent gatherings. Our Fall Forum in Annapolis and Annual Crab Feast showcased not only strong participation, but also meaningful connections, collaboration, and a true sense of family within our chapter.
Dec 15, 20252 min read


Chapter 14 Goes for Gold: The Road to Hosting IRWA 2030
Chapter 14 is officially in the running to host the 2030 IRWA International Education Conference, proudly representing the Washington, D.C.–Maryland–Virginia (DMV) region as one of four finalists for this prestigious global event.
Apr 202 min read


AI Revolutionizes State DOTs: From PDF Chaos to Infrastructure Intelligence
Jim Anderson. Photo by AASHTO Jim Anderson , founder and CEO of Beacon , shared a bold vision at the AASHTO 2026 Spring Meeting in Savannah, Georgia : artificial intelligence (AI) will transform how state departments of transportation (DOTs) tackle their biggest challenge—synthesizing massive volumes of unstructured documents faster and more cost-effectively than ever before. 2. The $2.5 Trillion AI Investment Wave With $2.5 trillion pouring into AI development in 2026 al
Apr 202 min read


Nearly $1 Billion on the Table: USDOT's Safe Streets for All Grants Open for 2026 Applications
[ Above photo by AASHTO ] The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has opened applications for nearly $1 billion in Safe Streets for All (SS4A) grants, marking the final major round of funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act . These competitive grants target critical safety upgrades like faster emergency response times, expanded truck parking, modernized rail crossings, and family-friendly neighborhood streets—aimed at preventing roadway fatalities and
Apr 202 min read


Five States, Billions in Motion: DOTs Launch a Massive 2026 Construction Season
Across the country, departments of transportation are kicking off the 2026 construction season with an ambitious slate of infrastructure investments aimed at improving safety, mobility, and long-term system resilience. From the Midwest to the Mountain West and down to Texas, five states are rolling out billions of dollars in projects that will reshape highways, bridges, and multimodal networks.
Apr 202 min read


Governors Look to Highway Rights of Way to Power the Next Generation Grid
Governors and their teams are increasingly eyeing highway and rail corridors as prime real estate for the energy and broadband build‑out the country now needs. On November 4, 2025, the National Governors Association (NGA) brought together state, federal, and industry leaders in Washington, D.C., to dig into how existing transportation rights of way can carry not just vehicles—but also transmission lines, fiber, and other critical linear infrastructure.
Mar 63 min read


Building Safer, Faster Roads: What’s New in FHWA’s Every Day Counts Program
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has rolled out a new wave of transportation innovations through its Every Day Counts (EDC) program, aimed at helping states build projects faster while improving safety for the traveling public.
Mar 53 min read


Betsy Kelly
It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our dear friend and longtime member, Betsy Kelly, who passed away on February 5th. Betsy was a dedicated member of IRWA Chapter 16 for many years before retiring. She earned her SRWA designation in 1993 and served our chapter with great commitment as a Director from 2006 to 2008. From 2006 to 2010, she also contributed her expertise as the Region 4 Representative to the International Electric & Utilities Committee. A reside
Feb 101 min read


Unlock Your IRWA Member Network: Stay Connected with Chapter 14
Becoming an active part of the IRWA Member Network is one of the easiest ways to stay informed, connected, and engaged with everything happening in Chapter 14. Log in using your IRWA email and password to access the latest General Membership Meeting agenda, approved Executive Board minutes, and the Treasurer’s report and statement, as well as upcoming events and a directory of active Chapter members. Whether you’re looking to track chapter business, plug into networking oppor
Feb 11 min read


Gridlock and Ground Stops: How a Massive Winter Storm Froze U.S. Transportation
An enormous winter storm is putting the nation’s transportation network under extraordinary strain, as snow, sleet and ice sweep from the Southern Plains to New England and plunge tens of millions into dangerously cold conditions. From highways and local roads to airports, buses and rail, every mode of travel is feeling the impact as power grids falter, visibility drops and surfaces glaze over with ice. A storm that freezes mobility The system is spreading a wintry mix across
Feb 12 min read


Behind the Leadership
Cyndi Whelpley, SR/WA, R/W - RAC Cyndi Whelpley’s IRWA journey began in 1992 when a Caltrans coworker invited her to her very first Chapter meeting. Starting as a quiet observer, Cyndi soon found herself at the heart of Chapter activities—especially after chairing the Golf Tournament in 2000, an experience she describes as both fun and foundational. That volunteer role sparked her ongoing commitment, leading her to take on increasing leadership responsibilities, ultimately jo
Dec 15, 20252 min read


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