February Newsletter – Looking Ahead to the Future of Engineering and Exciting Funding Opportunities

Welcome to the Future – Celebrating Engineers Week

More than a week-long event, Engineers Week is a year-round commitment to making a difference. The only event of its kind—it is a time to:

• Celebrate how engineers make a difference in our world
• Add your voice to the conversation about the need for engineers, technicians, and technologists
• Engage students in engineering

At BETA, we understand that inspiring the next generation of engineers demands sustained effort and involvement throughout the year. That’s why we are proud to be actively engaged in various initiatives aimed at nurturing young talent and fostering a passion for engineering.

Dedicated to inspiring and shaping the engineers of tomorrow, our engineers regularly volunteer their time and expertise to local high school and college students.

BETA engineers at RI State Championship for the FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics Competition where they served as judges alongside other industry professionals.

A local high school student “jobshadowing” one of BETA’s environmental engineers.

Looking at the Future of Engineering

In the spirit of this year’s EWeek theme, “Welcome to the Future,” we asked some of our newest engineers about their engineering journey and thoughts on the future of the industry.

“LIDAR and GPR (ground penetrating radar) are two important new technologies in the civil engineering field. The ability to build accurate surveys at the beginning of a project is crucial to its success.”

Charlie, Staff Engineer

“I think a technology advancement that has helped engineers is drones. They give us a whole new perspective of the job sites that we are working on.”

Addie, Engineering Designer

“The best thing the community can do for the next generation of engineers is to work with them – to share the valuable information that exists within the community and how best to incorporate it into the ever-changing field of engineering.”

Ben, Engineering Designer

Read more of what Charlie, Addie, and Ben had to say here.

Safe Strees and Roads for All: Achieving Vision Zero Together

The Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program, established under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), is a pivotal initiative aimed at enhancing roadway safety across the United States. With a substantial allocation of $5 billion over five years (2022-2026), SS4A focuses on funding regional, local, and Tribal community projects through grants designed to make roads safer for all users. 

With over $3 billion still available for upcoming grant rounds, the SS4A program continues its commitment to foster safer communities. Applications for the next round of funding are expected to open in February 2024. 

BETA is assisting several communities and planning agencies with this program and our experts are available to help answer questions and initiate the process. For more information, visit www.transportation.gov/grants/SS4A or contact Rick Stinson at RStinson@BETA-Inc.com.

Together, we can increase safe, healthy, and equitable mobility for all.

Local Funding Opportunities

Massachusetts Community One Stop for Growth Funding

The FY25 Round of the Community One Stop for Growth recently launched and Expression of Interest submissions will be accepted through April 30, 2024. Visit the updated One Stop website for information on the upcoming round.

BETA has assisted several communities with their application and resulting projects. In the past, some of the project types that have been eligible for support include:

• Consultant Services for Downtown Revitalization 
• Community Visioning for Future Placemaking
• Community Planning
• Site Planning
• Brownfields Remediation
• Roadway/Streetscape Safety Improvements for All Users
• Bridge/Culvert Repair or Replacement
• Water/Sewer Infrastructure Improvements

For more information, click here.

Main Street RI Streetscape Fund

Rhode Island Commerce is now accepting applications for the new round of the Main Street Rhode Island Streetscape Improvement Fund. Funding is available for two categories: (1) streetscape physical improvements, including signage, lighting, façade, and sidewalk enhancements, and (2) municipal technical assistance, such as project planning, engineering, design, and environmental assessment. Applications are being accepted until April 19, 2024.

For more information on the program and eligibility criteria, click here.

Connecticut DEEP Recreational Trails Grants

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is now accepting proposals for the State’s Recreational Trails Program Grants. This request for applications is the largest funding round in the history of the Recreational Trails Grant program since it was established in 1997. It will make $10 million available to improve Connecticut’s trail infrastructure, which has seen significant usage increases since the onset of the pandemic. Applications will be accepted through March 11, 2024. 

Click here for more information.

NHDES 2024 Water Infrastructure Funding Workshop

Virtual Webinar Series – April 8-12, 2024

This workshop will include a series of sessions focusing on updates regarding funding programs administered by NHDES. Topics include program updates, disbursements, lead and copper rule, PFAS, emerging contaminants, asset management, sustainability, and more!

The intended audience includes current/future loan recipients, community/financial decision makers, public works directors, city/town managers, commissioners, selectmen, municipal and regional planners, consultants/engineers, operators, and others interested in NHDES-administered funding programs.

For more information, click here.

Our experts are ready and available to answer questions and help you begin the application and planning process. Reach out to Rick Stinson at RStinson@BETA-Inc.com to get started.

Coming to a Career Fair Near You…

Ready to take on the future of engineering with us?

We are currently looking for talented staff across many of our disciplines in offices throughout New England. BETA will challenge you with interesting work and offers the potential for growth and advancement. Browse our current job openings.

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