WEFTEC Stormwater Congress events outlined

Chicago — The WEFTEC Stormwater Congress, hosted by the Water Environment Federation (WEF), will be held Sept. 26-30 at McCormick Place in Chicago. Now in its third year, the 2015 Stormwater Congress will offer more than 30 stormwater-specific technical sessions and workshops. Speakers will cover a variety of topics from highway research, to policy updates, to municipal stormwater program innovations and funding.

The event also features a sold-out Stormwater Pavilion with more than 6,000 square feet of stormwater-specific exhibitors displaying their products and services. The pavilion includes a theater for short, interactive sessions and an awards screening for the StormTV Project, WEF’s annual stormwater video competition. Additionally, the pavilion will house two evening networking receptions, one sponsored by Michael Baker International LLC.

During a press event at the Stormwater Congress, WEF will officially launch the Stormwater Institute. The institute is a new venture that will leverage WEF’s existing leadership, breadth of membership, and varied partnerships with federal, state, and local entities responsible for stormwater issues. The first action of the institute is the release of a comprehensive report, The State of Stormwater: Rainfall to Results, which details challenges, opportunities, and pathways to achieving sustainable stormwater management.

The Stormwater Congress technical program will kick-off with a luncheon sponsored by ARCADIS and Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd. At the luncheon, Antonio Riley, regional administrator for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), will discuss how HUD’s Neighborhood Stabilization Program supports green infrastructure and collaboration with other federal agencies on resilience and water infrastructure.

During the luncheon, WEF also will recognize the winners and applicants of its inaugural National Municipal Stormwater and Green Infrastructure Awards Program.