Alabama Engineer Recognized by NSPE

Janey and Perry Oakes (NRCS image -- click to enlarge) (from left) NRCS Associate Chief Dana York, Janey Oakes, Perry Oakes, and NRCS Deputy Chief for Science and Technology William Puckett (NRCS image -- click to enlarge)

At a recent ceremony in Washington D.C., Alabama NRCS State Conservation Engineer Perry Oakes was recognized by the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) as one of the top ten finalists competing for the Federal Engineer of the Year Award.   Oakes has demonstrated excellence in management providing leadership to NRCS engineering staff in Alabama.  His team’s charges include planning, designing, and overseeing installation of conservation practices State-wide, with 7,100 practices pending installation at construction costs of $14.5 million.  Over the past four years, Oakes has helped develop the Alabama Handbook for Erosion Control, Sediment Control, and Stormwater Management on Construction Sites and Urban Areas, and has helped provide training to over 2,500 engineers and others in its application.  He also serves in many State-wide leadership roles, including serving as chair of the Alabama Interagency Waste Management Team, whose 50 members convene to further innovation in this area; co-authoring the Animal Feeding Operation Rule for the State; and co-authoring draft language for an Alabama Safe Dams Act to improve public safety through regulation of high hazard dams.
Your contact is NRCS public affairs specialist Fred Jacobs at 202-720-4772.