MoreLeading design and construction industry groups, including the Management Association of Private Photogrammetric Surveyors, and several federal agencies have agreed to collaborate on issues related to the security of the nation's structures and other types of man-made infrastructure in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
The Infrastructure Security Partnership (TISP) decided to work collectively to assist the nation's war on terrorism. It has formed a steering committee to guide the collaborative efforts. Over 40 organizations have already joined TISP.
In its charter, the group's key objective is using the collective technical expertise of professionals in the design and construction industry and government, as well as the group's research and development capability. Members will engage in regular forums to share information and build professional relationships, working cooperatively to protect America's citizens. The partnership plans to hold quarterly discussion forums on key issues, as well as a yearly conference.
Along with MAPPS, TISP also includes the American Institute of Architects, the Society of American Military Engineers, the American Society of Civil Engineers, the American Council of Engineering Companies, the Associated General Contractors of America, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Federal Facilities Council, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the Naval Facilities Engineering Command.
The partnership has the strong support of Lt. Gen. Robert B. Flowers, commander of the Army Corps of Engineers, who visited the World Trade Center's ground zero in the days following the attack. "If architects and engineers can work together to prevent another disaster like this one, we should not hesitate," he said.
MAPPS Executive Director John Palatiello said, "On behalf of the more than 160 member firms of MAPPS and our 10,000+ employees, we are honored to work on this important project. Mapping and geographic information can play an important role in the security of our nation's infrastructure and we hope to make a significant contribution to this effort."
A formal signing ceremony involving all the participating organizations will be held Monday, March 11, 2002 at 5:00 PM at the Hyatt Grand Hotel, Washington, DC. MAPPS President G. Michael Ritchie, PE, LS, CP, (Photo Science, Inc., Lexington, KY) will sign the agreement on behalf of MAPPS.
