Florida is on the leading edge of the curve when it comes to studying the impacts of sea level rise and upgrading our coastal infrastructure. This presentation will focus on how rising tides have necessitated adaptation plans and upgrades in infrastructure, including a detailed discussion of analysis tools and constructed projects. Based on engineering analysis, hundreds of municipal and State agencies have begun planning for and constructing new infrastructure including large pump stations and elevated roadways. In addition, new land development policies and funding programs have been implemented to increase resiliency and accommodate continued growth and development opportunities. All of this effort is occurring while trying to maintain the careful balance between the natural and built environment that represents Florida’s brand as a destination for outdoor recreation and enjoyment.

About the presenter: Brent Whitfield is the Director of Water Resources for Chen Moore and Associates. With 19 years of professional experience, Mr. Whitfield has worked for a variety of public sector clients in Florida at the City, County and State level. Some of his most significant projects have included regional master plans and large-scale design efforts. Two highlights of his experience to date are the hydraulic design of a 4,500-acre expansion of Stormwater Treatment Area 1W as part of the Everglades Restoration project, and the Flood Protection Level of Service Study of the impacts of sea level rise on a 200-square mile portion of Miami-Dade County. Based on this experience, his current focus with Chen Moore includes examining how the future of infrastructure planning and design needs to include resilience and adaptation.

As a life-long resident of Palm Beach County, Florida, Mr. Whitfield has maintained a commitment to serving the community both professionally and personally. He is a Past-President of the Palm Beach Branch of ASCE, an alumnus of Leadership Palm Beach County, an alumnus of Leadership Florida, and a past board member for the Community Redevelopment Agency for the City of Lake Worth Beach. He enjoys working with young engineers and with K-12 outreach programs. Mr. Whitfield holds Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Civil Engineering from the University of Florida.

The number of electric vehicles is on the rise and so is the focus to reduce emissions. The implications are far-reaching, from challenges to the power grid and having enough charging stations to the economic impacts of long wait times at convenient store charging stations and a dwindling gas tax. Despite the advances in technology, electric vehicles continue to be more expensive than gas engine vehicles. This presentation will address several questions, including: