LAUREL, MD – November 14, 2006 – The effective management of water resources is a growing challenge in the United States, and this topic as well as other associated issues were addressed at the American Water Resources Association's (AWRA) National Conference that was held in Baltimore, MD, November 6-9, 2006. Water resources experts from the engineering consulting firm Greenhorne & O'Mara (G&O) joined other professionals for the conference, which focused on the collaborative practices between private entities and agencies regarding the nation's water resources issue and how this process will be essential to future program success.

G&O's water resources experts were involved in conference presentations on their work with the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) on a local demonstration program for reducing phosphorous pollution loads into Lake Okeechobee in the Florida Everglades, and work involving the canals that are integral parts of the SFWMD. G&O also presented a poster on its work with the Maryland State Highway Administration on asset management for stormwater facilities.

G&O Vice President of Water and Environment Vince DiCamillo was a panelist in the session at the conference that addressed the various roles, approaches, and problem-solving methods that support the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) floodplain mapping effort. Mr. DiCamillo said, "The mission of the AWRA is the advancement of water resources research, planning, development, management and education, and this conference was effective in addressing all of those issues. I'm pleased that G&O was represented by 8 of our experts, who shared their knowledge and experiences in several vital areas of water resources management. This collaboration as well as the information and education that is gained through these conferences helps public and private sector professionals in our field make advancements in solving our growing challenges in such areas as the restoration of the Everglades, preservations of our wetlands, stormwater management, and regulation strategies for the protection of our resources."

Greenhorne & O'Mara is a national, full-service engineering consulting firm that has provided solutions in the areas of general civil, transportation, environmental, water resources, and hazard mitigation and security, for more than 55 years. With 16 offices located in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, G&O provides a broad range of services to private industry as well as federal, state, and local government clients.