L.R. Kimball to Stress the Importance of Planning at Upcoming Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association Conference in Pittsburgh

EBENSBURG, Pa., Sept. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Reinforcing its commitment to advancing water and wastewater infrastructure in Pennsylvania, L.R. Kimball will exhibit and talk to water and wastewater authorities at the 68th Annual Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association Conference being held in Pittsburgh on September 20-21.  The firm will provide guidance to authorities who are challenged by increased urban and stormwater runoff, aging infrastructure, protecting water quality and funding struggles.

The condition of infrastructure in Pennsylvania and across the nation has been in the spotlight as federal stimulus dollars begin to dry up.  The 2010 Report Card recently released by the American Society of Civil Engineers gave Pennsylvania's water and wastewater management systems failing grades.  Local governments are looking to the Commonwealth's H2O funding announcements to help cover a small portion, but it is estimated that more than $25 billion will be required.

"The cost of upgrading water and wastewater management systems often exceeds available funding.  Municipalities need guidance locating funding because today's economic crisis is hampering cash availability for major infrastructure projects," said Tanya McCoy-Caretti, L.R. Kimball Local Government Market Segment Leader.  "There is a tremendous amount of regulatory and fiscal pressure being placed on Pennsylvania municipalities."

L.R. Kimball has helped municipalities across the state submit plans, locate funding and reconstruct and rehabilitate aging potable water systems and sewage collection and treatment systems. The firm's experts also support issues relating to potable water and sanitary sewer systems by accepting appointments to local and regional advisory panels.

In addition to funding, other issues impacting PA's water quality will be in the spotlight at the 2010 PMAA Conference.  For example, an increase in Marcellus Shale drilling efforts and the elimination of P.A. Act 167's stormwater funding from the 2011 budget are also concerns for water authorities.

"The best way to overcome these struggles is to lay the groundwork before funding becomes available.  Municipalities should conduct pre-planning sessions, set priorities, develop design and cost estimates for each project, and then research to find funding," said McCoy-Caretti.

L.R. Kimball encourages PMAA attendees to visit with its water and wastewater experts at booth 68 and 69 on the show floor.

About L.R. Kimball

Established in 1953, L. R. Kimball is among the nation's leading professional service companies offering its clients architectural and structural design services, civil and environmental engineering expertise, consulting and communications technology solutions. With a focus on targeted results, expertly managed, L.R. Kimball is committed to offering its diverse public and private-sector clients a tailored approach designed to meet their needs and budget. Headquartered in Ebensburg, Pa., the company is part of CDI Engineering Solutions, a division of CDI Corp (NYSE: CDI), a leading provider of engineering and information technology outsourcing solutions and professional staffing.  L.R. Kimball employs approximately 550 at 10 locations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Texas and Virginia. Visit us online at www.lrkimball.com.

About CDI Engineering Solutions

With offices throughout North America as well as joint ventures in Kuwait and Mexico, CDI Engineering Solutions provides engineering outsourcing, project management and professional services to clients in the aerospace, government services, infrastructure, life sciences and process & industrial markets.  CDI Engineering Solutions is a division of CDI Corp. (NYSE: CDI), a leading provider of engineering and information technology outsourcing solutions and professional staffing. Visit us online at www.cdicorp.com.

SOURCE L.R. Kimball