Concrete Products covers the issues that attract producers of ready mixed and manufactured concrete focusing on equipment and material technology, market development and management topics.
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12 • March 2017 www.concreteproducts.com GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS AGENCIES DC Water and the Water Environment Fed- eration (WEF) named the first group of individuals completing the National Green Infrastructure Certification Program exam. The NGICP is designed to verify that the 62 certified individuals have successfully demonstrated competency in the founda- tional knowledge, concepts, and terminology required to perform tasks related to green infrastructure (GI) construction, inspection and maintenance. "We are preparing a workforce for the jobs we know are coming to support green infrastructure projects here in the District of Columbia and across the nation," says DC Water CEO George Hawkins, whose agency is responsible for water supply and waste- water infrastructure serving the nation's capital. "Armed with the training and skills this program provides, this first group will blaze a trail that many more will follow." As a part of the program pilot phase, the inaugural NGICP exam was admin- istered in Washington, D.C.; Baltimore and Rockville, Md.; Harrisburg and Pitts- burgh, Pa.; Fairfax, Va.; and, Milwaukee. Over the past year, DC Water, WEF, and a group of NGICP Partnering Organizations from across the nation have been working to develop the program structure, compo- nents, and requirements on an expedited schedule. Designed to meet international best practice standards, the certification will promote a skilled green workforce; help streamline the process of connect- ing qualified talent to in-demand jobs; support community-based job creation in U.S. cities; and, establish national standards for professionals seeking to work on GI projects. Offered through the NGICP Partnering Organizations, the exam tests certification candidates' knowledge of GI fundamentals, construction methods, and maintenance procedures. Additional pilot NGICP training sessions are expected in the spring and fall of 2017 with exam dates anticipated in June and November. Administrators are using the results of an operational, 141-question pre- test to create a 100-question, standardized exam form used for a national program roll- out in 2018. "The overwhelmingly positive response and interest in the NGICP credential has confirmed the need for this certification program and industry support of this valuable and growing segment of the water sector," says WEF Executive Direc- tor Eileen O'Neill. "Through the NGICP we have a tremendous opportunity to reach new groups of people, and to promote the implementation of green infrastructure projects and a skilled green workforce for the betterment of our communities, econ- omy, and environment." Agency, federation name inaugural Green Infrastructure certifications Introducing Air Link ® GEN 3 Tandem Drive Suspension, our latest advancement in suspension design. It's unique combination of air spring and walking beam technology is proven to lower maintenance costs, reduce damage to chassis and mounted equipment, and lengthen tire life. linkmfg.com | 800.222.6283 #B-7827 GEN