G.E.C., Inc.

Remembering and honoring our fallen heroes this Memorial Day weekend.

GEC's offices will be closed in observance of the holiday as we pause to remember those who sacrificed for our country.

🌟 Our staff has had a busy week! Below, we’re sharing more exciting conference highlights from Sherri LeBas’s trip to the ACEC Annual Convention and Legislative Summit in Washington D.C.! 🌟

"As the Chair of ACEC Louisiana, I had the privilege of attending this year's conference and representing our engineering community on Capitol Hill. It was an impactful experience to advocate and drive the critical priorities that make a difference in our field, ensuring our voices are heard in the ongoing conversation and efforts that shape the future of infrastructure.

Our team focused on three major topics during our visit to Capitol Hill: Surface Transportation Reauthorization, Water Infrastructure Investment, and Project Permitting Reform. These critical issues not only impact our nation's infrastructure but also directly affect the future growth and resilience of our home state of Louisiana. It was a great opportunity to connect with representatives from the offices of Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, Representative Julia Letlow, and Representative Troy Carter.

The first day kicked off with the Southeast Leadership Breakfast, where we delved into the pressing issues facing our profession. I participated in the ACEC Board of Directors meeting, presided over by Linda Bauer Darr, President and CEO, where we outlined our strategic priorities and planned our advocacy efforts for Capitol Hill.

We were honored to hear from FHWA Administrator Sean McMaster, who shared invaluable insights into the future of transportation. Additionally, historian and writer, Jon Meacham, provided a fascinating historical perspective on the evolution of government processes—truly a highlight!

Throughout the conference, I participated in several breakout sessions, many of which focused on the transformative role of AI in our industry. It was inspiring to see a significant contingent from Louisiana representing our diverse engineering firms. I was proud to share this experience with colleagues, including ACECL President Barker Dirmann, and ACECL Board members: National Director Chad Poche, Chairman-Elect Brett Bayard, Don Arrington, Vice-Chairman and Secretary-Treasurer Robert Delaune.

It was a dynamic conference filled with networking, learning, and advocacy. Together, we aim to emphasize the importance of the business of engineering in driving positive change and innovation."

On May 7th, GEC's Dr. Ashlyn Harmon and Emily Welch, PG presented at the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Louisiana Section 2026 Annual Spring Conference in Lafayette, Louisiana. This conference is a great opportunity for networking and sharing industry insights, news, and research with other industry professionals. Ashlyn and Emily presented "Injection Wells: From Surface Design to Downhole Performance."

GEC joined the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development and other project partners at yesterday’s groundbreaking for the historic I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge Replacement P3 project in Lake Charles. Together with our teaming partners, GEC will provide all Owner Verification (OV) services required for construction of the new bridge, estimated to be operational in 2031.

GEC’s Johnny Bradberry, Sherri LeBas, PE (OV Team Principal-in-Charge), and Brian Buckel, PE (OV Team Lead Project Engineer) were present at the groundbreaking, alongside several state and local officials, including Governor Jeff Landry and LADOTD Secretary Glenn Ledet. We are excited to play a role in this historic project to provide Calcasieu Parish with a state-of-the-art structure which will improve capacity throughout the area.

Read more about the groundbreaking: wwwapps.dotd.la.gov/administration/announcements/Announcement.aspx?key=41385
Learn more at the project’s website and register for updates: www.i10calcasieubridge.com

Special thanks to LBB for providing photos which we shared in our gallery. Pictured are: Governor Jeff Landry, LADOTD Secretary Glenn Ledet, LADOTD Project Manager Paul Vaught, Cary Goss and Tanisha Pena (Industrial Fabrics), Johnny Bradberry, Sherri LeBas, and Brian Buckel (GEC), Gay Knipper, Denise Hanby, Grant McCurdy, and Ben Goodner (HNTB).