PRESS

Lovin, USGS Coalition Address Congress on Use of 3DEP for Infrastructure, Disaster Preparedness

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Oct. 10, 2017) — On Tuesday, Oct. 3, members of the USGS Coalition briefed members of Congress on how the high-resolution elevation mapping data of the 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) provides a key planning tool for infrastructure and disaster preparedness.

Coalition members presented on how federal, state and local governments, as well as private businesses, are using this information to gain insight into natural and constructed features to identify flood plains; plan for highways, dams and other infrastructure projects; restore watersheds; and mitigate the impact of natural disasters, including landslides, earthquakes and coastal flooding.

Woolpert is one of the newest members to join the USGS Coalition, which is an alliance of more than 80 organizations committed to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) its ability to provide critical data and services to the nation.

Woolpert Senior Vice President Jeff Lovin said he was surprised and honored to be asked to speak alongside key USGS and FEMA leaders, including FEMA Deputy Associate Administrator for Insurance and Mitigation Roy Wright and USGS Associate Director for Core Science Systems Kevin Gallagher, who moderated the session.

“There was a crowd of more than 100 people—including key Congressional staff, federal and state partners, and new organizations like ACEC (American Council of Engineering Companies)—looking to support the use of this essential mapping data. It was a great day for 3DEP, and I was glad to be a part of it.”

This was the second time in two weeks that Lovin was asked to speak at a Congressional briefing regarding how mapping and collaboration is crucial to disaster preparedness. He discussed the benefits of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Digital Coast Partnership on Sept. 20.

About Woolpert
Woolpert is a national architecture, engineering and geospatial (AEG) firm that delivers value to clients by strategically blending engineering excellence with leading-edge technology and geospatial applications. With a dynamic R&D department, Woolpert works with inventive business partners like Google and Esri; operates a fleet of planes, sensors and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS); and continually pushes industry boundaries by working with advanced water technologies, asset management, Building Information Modeling (BIM) and sustainable design. Woolpert’s mission is to help its clients progress—and become more progressive. For over 100 years and with 25 offices across the United States, Woolpert serves the needs of federal, state and local governments; private and public companies and universities; energy and transportation departments; and the United States Armed Forces. The firm currently is doing business in all 50 states and in six countries. For more information, visit woolpert.com or call 937-531-1258.