After careful consideration, EWB-USA has made the decision to lift the travel hold for programs in Honduras . We strongly encourage chapters planning travel to Honduras to carefully monitor the situation in Honduras via the International SOS and Department of State websites.

Additionally, we advise chapters to call International SOS before traveling to Honduras for an updated analysis. After speaking with ISOS, we recommend that each chapter does their own travel security and safety analysis. Chapters should also ensure they have adequate and complete travel insurance coverage.

ISOS Phone: 1-215-942-8226
EWB-USA ISOS Member Number: 11BCPA000270

We will continue to monitor the International SOS and Department of State travel and security advice and we will make any future decisions regarding travel holds based on these resources.

If your chapter is planning to travel to Honduras in the next month, please contact me immediately, so that we can process the approval.

Please read the following information from ISOS:

ISOS Travel Advice (as of December 3, 2009)

* Travel can continue; however, be aware that airports and land borders are subject to further closures with little or no notice.
* Exercise heightened caution and consider restricting activity to business and necessary movement only while tensions remain elevated.
* Personnel in major cities should keep abreast of and observe any curfews. When a curfew is in effect, the government changes the exact curfew hours daily.
* The most current information on curfew timings is broadcast on local television and radio stations.
* Avoid the vicinity of buildings that may be the focus of protests. These include the Brazilian embassy in Tegucigalpa, government ministries, the Legislative Palace located on Avenida Juan-Ramon Molina and the new Presidential Palace located north of the intersection of Boulevard Supaya and Boulevard Miraflores, just south of Boulevard John Paul II (this should not be confused with the Old Presidential Palace, which is now a national museum and located about 0.5 miles (0.8km) north of the Legislative Palace).
* Monitor developments closely; register with your embassy and all relevant warden networks and monitor the local and international media.
* Avoid all political gatherings; do not stop to watch or photograph them. In the event of unrest occurring, return to your accommodation immediately and remain there until the situation stabilizes.
* Be aware that localized bouts of unrest with the potential to result in temporary restrictions on local movement are possible. Ensure that you have safely stored adequate supplies of basic goods, including food, water and medicine, for such an eventuality.
* Be aware that in the event of deterioration, temporary power, telecommunication and media blackouts are possible; these should not cause undue concern.
* Personnel (particularly those not very familiar with the country and their local environs) are advised to use a private vehicle and driver during this period of heightened tension.
* We continue to advise personnel against all unaccompanied travel on foot after dark; travelers in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula should restrict travel on foot in daylight hours to central business districts.

ISOS Comment and Analysis (As of December 3, 2009)

Congress on 2 December voted against reinstating ousted president Manuel Zelaya for the remainder of his term, which expires on 27 January. Security was tight for the session; the centre of the capital Tegucigalpa was cordoned off and the police deployed in five concentric circles around the congress building, located on 1A Street, in an effort to maintain order. Several hundred pro-Zelaya activists gathered in front of the building to demand his reinstatement. After a debate lasting almost ten hours, 111 of the 128-member Congress rejected Zelaya’s reinstatement.

The decision does not alter the security situation and widespread unrest remains unlikely. Nevertheless, further protests by pro-Zelaya activists are possible in the coming days, especially in Tegucigalpa, as they continue to demand he be reinstated to serve out the remaining weeks of his term. Pro-Zelaya gatherings are most likely to occur in the vicinity of the US embassy on Avenida La Paz or the Brazilian embassy on Calle Republica del Brasil in the capital, where Zelaya has sought refuge since his return to the country on 21 September. Precedents indicate that the police will not hesitate to use robust measures, such as tear gas, water cannon and batons, against protesters; personnel in the vicinity of such disturbances risk indirect exposure to violence. Meanwhile, heightened security measures implemented prior to the 29 November presidential elections are likely to remain in place over the coming days to mitigate the risk of disturbances associated with the outcome of the polls and the congressional vote. Tight security should be anticipated at key locations, including Toncontín International Airport (TGU), which serves Tegucigalpa , and Ramón Villeda Morales International Airport (SAP) in the north-western city of San Pedro Sula . These measures could cause minor travel delays.

Despite the relatively calm election on 29 November, the situation is expected to remain tense and there is continued potential for politically motivated attacks, similar to those seen in the run-up to the polls. Three separate grenade attacks on 27-28 November targeted a radio station in the capital, a commercial area in San Pedro Sula and a polling station in the western town of Lepaera (Lempira department); the attacks did not cause any casualties, and suspects were subsequently apprehended. Such incidents pose only a limited incidental risk to foreign business visitors.

The decision by Congress effectively eliminates Zelaya’s chances of returning to power. Although several members of the Organization of American States (OAS) said that they would not acknowledge the outcome of the polls unless Zelaya was first restored as president, Congress’ decision and US acceptance of the election results leaves the ousted president increasingly marginalized. The Supreme Electoral Tribunal announced on 29 November that Porfirio ‘Pepe’ Lobo of the opposition National Party had won the presidential elections, securing around 56% of the votes. Elvín Santos of the ruling Liberal Party, Lobo’s closest rival, received 30% of the vote. Lobo is scheduled to take office on 27 January 2010. A good proportion of eligible voters participated in the elections, indicating falling support for Zelaya, as the public tires of the political deadlock. Despite this, the ousted president has threatened to remain in the Brazilian embassy and is likely to attempt to cause difficulties for the current and future administrations.

Warm Regards,

Colleen

——————————–
Colleen O’Holleran
Chapter Relations Manager,
Mountain Region & Nevada

Engineers Without Borders – USA
4665 Nautilus Court, Suite 300
Boulder, CO 80301
Phone: 720-204-3197
Fax: 303-772-2699

We have the presentation from EWB-USA on the Program Process available now.
2009 workshop PM presentation

Event Details
Dates – October 16 – 18, 2009
Location – Flagstaff, AZ
Host chapter – Northern Arizona University

Registration prices
Professional member – $100/$120 after September 13, 2009
Professional non-member – $130/$150 after September 13, 2009
Student member – $65/$75 after September 13, 2009
Student non-member – $75/$85 after September 13, 2009
Volunteer prices – $45

2009 Workshop Agenda —– NEW! —– Updated Information
2009 Speaker and Session Information —– NEW! —– Updated Information

Registration Link
Travel Logistics – Mountain Region Workshop

Hotel Information and how to reserve a room – 20 rooms have been blocked at the Quality Inn, 2000 S. Milton Rd. This hotel is very conveniently located near the workshop site. They will offer workshop participants a 15% discount for Friday, Oct 16th and Saturday, Oct. 17th. Attendees must book their own room. Rates are $76.49/night plus tax for 1-2 adults. All rooms have 2 Queen beds and are non-smoking. Rooms must be booked by October 1st for the discounted rate. To reserve a room, call the hotel at 928-774-8771 and ask for the Engineers Without Borders rate.

Traveling Directions To Flagstaff
Traveling to Flagstaff by car:  Located at the intersection of Interstate-17 and Interstate-40, Flagstaff is 140 miles north of Phoenix, AZ; 250 miles east of Las Vegas, NV; and 325 miles west of Albuquerque, NM.
When approaching from the south (e.g., Phoenix) via I-17, follow the interstate just past the I-40 interchange. Take exit 341 for NAU and McConnell Dr. Turn right on McConnell. Take the next right, Pine Knoll Dr. Follow Pine Knoll for about ¼ mile. At the next stop sign, turn left and park in lot P47, next to the Engineering Building.
When approaching from the east or west via I-40, follow I-40 to its intersection with I-17, exit 195 northbound. Immediately take exit 341 for NAU and McConnell Dr. Turn right on McConnell. Take the next right, Pine Knoll Dr. Follow Pine Knoll to the parking lots for the Engineering Building.
When approaching from the north via U.S. Hwy 89, continue into the city until just past the Flagstaff Mall. Turn left on Country Club Dr. and then take the right hand exit for I-40 westbound. Follow I-40 to its intersection with I-17, exit 195 northbound. Immediately take exit 341 for NAU and McConnell Dr. Turn right on McConnell. Take the next right, Pine Knoll Dr. Follow Pine Knoll to the parking lots for the Engineering Building.
Traveling Directly to Flagstaff by Air: Pulliam Airport (airport code FLG) is located 5 miles south of Flagstaff on Interstate-17. U.S. Airways (www.usairways.com) has 6 daily flights between FLG and Phoenix (PHX). Horizon Air (www.alaskaair.com/) has 2 daily flights between FLG and Los Angeles (LAX). Rental cars are available at the Flagstaff airport, and in the city. Several taxi companies can provide transportation to NAU and to the hotels.
Directions to NAU from Flagstaff Pulliam Airport: Upon leaving the airport, take I-17 north towards Flagstaff and then follow the directions for approaching Flagstaff from the south.
Traveling to Flagstaff via Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport:  Because of limited air service into Flagstaff Pulliam airport, it may be more convenient to fly into Phoenix’s Sky Harbor International Airport (airport code PHX), and then rent a car, take a shuttle, or a bus to Flagstaff. All major airlines provide regular service into Sky Harbor Airport.
Renting a car: Given the extensive, and geographically diverse, opportunities for sight-seeing in Northern Arizona (e.g., the Grand Canyon is 85 miles north of Flagstaff), renting a car in Phoenix and driving to Flagstaff is an ideal choice if you wish to take full advantage of what the area has to offer. All major car rental companies provide service from Sky Harbor Airport.
Shuttle: Open Road Tours (www.openroadtours.com/shuttles/pf.htm) provides shuttle service 5 times per day from Sky Harbor Airport to the Flagstaff Amtrak station (1 mile north of the NAU campus). Advance reservation is required. Flagstaff Express Shuttle Services (http://flagstaffexpress.com/times.html) provides shuttle service 6 times per day from Sky Harbor Airport to NAU and the Flagstaff Amtrak station.
Bus service: Greyhound (www.greyhound.com/home/) operates a bus service 5 times per day from Sky Harbor Airport to their Flagstaff bus station (less than half a mile west of the NAU campus).
By Train: Amtrak (www.Amtrak.com) comes through Flagstaff once daily Westbound and once daily Eastbound on the Southwest Chief.

Suncallo is located 16 kilometers east of the town of Escoma and the eastern edge of Lake Titicaca in the Bolivian Altiplano, a flat region that lies between the eastern and western cordilleras of the vast Andes mountain chain. The community sits in rugged, mountainous terrain at 4000 meters and is spread out about 1.6 kilometers along the hillside.

Travel to the site was delayed by unexpected airline requirements, road blockades, poor road conditions, and steep terrain, but with resourcefulness, teamwork, and community support, the EWB teams finally reached Suncallo.

During the initial meeting between EWB team members and Suncallo community leaders, it was determined that the community’s top priorities were to improve sanitation and to increase the capacity of the present drinking water system in order to provide service to the entire community. There is presently only a small pit latrine inside a small brick building located near the school. The latrine has four stalls with a hole in the concrete floor and two showers. Obviously, this single sanitation facility is inadequate for a community of 55 families.

On the following days, the EWB teams traversed the surrounding slopes, guided by community leaders. The teams walked their proposed route of the new pipeline/aqueduct system, taking GPS coordinate data along the proposed pipeline transect. EWB members carefully examined the three main spring-fed water sources, took water samples, measured intake flow rates at the two springs with existing PVC inflow pipelines, and examined the existing condition of the PVC pipeline and its structural support across wide ravines. Teams also installed a weir and measured stream flows along the valley floor. The water samples indicate that the springs have good water quality, with high mineral content and only slightly elevated pH levels. Agriculture and irrigation techniques were also documented with soil samples collected and analyzed.

Aside from collecting engineering data to help define priorities and community needs, the assessment trip also accomplished another important goal: to establish a respectful relationship with the community. The public festival in honor of the “Ingenieros” also helped build a sense of friendship and fellowship.

A tentative second assessment trip, and possibly a partial implementation trip, is under discussion for the October 2009 timeframe. In the meantime, all of the teams involved in the assessment trip will be reviewing collected data, discussing lessons learned, examining solutions for the community’s drinking water and sanitation needs, and researching and testing improved infrastructure designs.

Geographical Regions have been formed in EWB-USA to facilitate communication, networking and resource-sharing between chapters.  The Region aims to support both new and established chapters with resources, events, fundraising, and other chapter-specific goals.  The West Coast was the first Region to establish in the United States and currently has a Steering Committee that consists of an Executive Committee and State Representatives from each state in the Region.  The East Coast Region and South East Region were not far behind.  Now, the Mountain Region, along with the Mid West Region, Great Lakes Region, and South Central Region, are beginning to establish Executive Committees and State Representatives.  These positions are filled by volunteer members who are committed to taking leadership roles within EWB-USA.

I am happy to introduce to you the Mountain Region Executive Committee:

WHO FORMS THIS COMMITTEE?
The Mountain Region Steering Committee consists of the Executive Committee and State Representatives.
Executive Committee members (and their affiliated chapter) include:
o    President – Nick Labadie (Founder and President of the Phoenix Professionals)
o    Vice President – Nikole Fales (Member of the Phoenix Professionals)
o    Secretary – Matt Grimes (Founder and President of the Colorado Springs Professionals)
o    Treasurer – Hannah Dustin (Board Member of the Montana State University)
o    President Ex-Officio – Chris Fahlin (President of the Denver Professional)
o    Chapter Relations Manager (CRM) – Colleen O’Holleran (EWB-USA National Office)

States in the Mountain Region:
Arizona        Idaho        Wyoming
Colorado        Montana
New Mexico        Utah

It is the role of the State Representatives to communicate with the Professional and Student chapters in the state.  In some Regions, this is done through monthly calls with Chapter Presidents, hosted by the State Rep.  State Reps are generally informed of each chapter’s activities, including current and potential projects as well as fundraising efforts.  State Reps act as liaisons between EWB-USA and members.  In addition to communication, State Reps also help chapters network and link efforts in regard to fundraising and PR.  We currently are looking for State Reps from Colorado, New Mexico, Idaho, and Utah.  If you are interested, please contact me.

WHY DO WE NEED A REGIONAL COMMITTEE?
EWB-USA has more than 12,000 members.  Members taking leadership roles in the Region are committed to increased communication between chapters and National.  They also are participating in efforts to:
Have a “pulse check” on what’s happening with other chapters in the Region
Help coordinate multi-chapter/project fundraising efforts
Increase communication among chapters
Collaborate on projects (for example, linking appropriate professional mentors with student groups)
Plan Regional Workshops and other trainings
Assist developing  chapters
Share resources such as water testing kits and satellite phones

Please let me know if you have any questions about the Mountain Region or EWB-USA Regions in general.  On behalf of the Mountain Region Steering Committee, we look forward to working with you in this new capacity.

Best Regards,

Colleen

Colleen O’Holleran
EWB-USA Chapter Relations Manager, Mountain Region