June 30, 2025

2025 PLATINUM ANNUAL SPONSORS

PRESIDENT & CEO MESSAGE

Federal Issues/Advocacy Update

Legal Challenge to DBE Program Advances: Major Developments Last Week

We are closely monitoring the ongoing legal challenges to the federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program, as well as potential regulatory changes that could follow. A significant development occurred this week in the Mid-America Milling case.

Last Thursday, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the plaintiff contractors filed a joint motion for a consent order to settle the case. You can view the motion here, along with the proposed draft ruling here.

The proposed consent order asserts that the presumption of economic disadvantage based on race or gender is unconstitutional. If approved by the court, the ruling would bar the U.S. DOT and FHWA from approving any federally, state, or locally funded transportation projects with DBE contract goals if any DBE in that jurisdiction was certified based on a race or sex-based presumption.

In effect, this would impose a nationwide injunction on the implementation of the DBE program as currently structured.

It’s important to note that this is only a proposed order at this stage. Two weeks ago, the court granted several groups of minority contractors the right to intervene in the case to defend the constitutionality of the DBE program. The current joint motion does not reflect these intervenors’ positions, and it remains unclear how their involvement may impact the court’s decision or the timing of any potential ruling or appeal.

Nevertheless, this development is noteworthy as it signals the Administration’s legal stance on the constitutionality of the DBE program and could have far-reaching implications if the court grants the order.

At this time, it is unclear that impact this federal case will have on state and local DBE programs using non-federal funding, but we continue to monitor this case and provide updates, including any guidance or directives issued by the U.S. DOT when they are issued.

Senate Releases Revised Budget Reconciliation Bill – Key Wins for ACEC Members

Over the weekend, the Senate released updated text for the budget reconciliation bill, and we’re pleased to report several major wins that align with ACEC’s top federal advocacy priorities—many of which were reinforced during our recent annual convention and through our continued lobbying efforts:

Corporate Tax Rate: Maintained at 21%.
Section 199A Deduction: The 20% passthrough deduction is permanently extended.
SALT Cap Workarounds: Provisions restricting state workarounds to the SALT cap for passthroughs have been removed.
SALT Cap Increase: Raised from $10,000 to $40,000 (with annual inflation adjustments) through 2029. The higher cap phases out for incomes above $500,000.
R&D Deductibility: Permanently restored beginning in 2025. Firms under the $31 million gross receipts threshold (under IRC Section 448(c)) qualify for retroactive relief for 2022–2024. Larger firms can accelerate unused deductions from those years.
Section 127 Education Benefits: Employer-provided assistance for education and student loan repayment is now permanent, with the $5,250 limit indexed to inflation.

On the energy front, the bill largely reflects the House’s position, which was influenced by a narrow majority and the need to identify offsets for other priorities. Notably:

Provisions from the Inflation Reduction Act—particularly for wind and solar—face an accelerated phase-out.
Some extensions remain for nuclear and battery storage, but the outlook is less generous overall.

Importantly, the bill phases out the Section 179D deduction for energy-efficient commercial buildings for projects beginning after June 30, 2026. ACEC will continue to advocate strongly for this and other key energy tax incentives.

So, what's next? The Senate is expected to hold its first procedural vote around midday, followed by a rapid-fire amendment process known as vote-a-rama. While few substantive changes are anticipated, a manager’s amendment remains a possibility.

It is still unclear whether Senate Republicans have the votes needed for final passage. If the bill passes the Senate, the House will be called back into session with 48 hours' notice—potentially setting up a vote as early as tomorrow or Wednesday. The path forward in the House remains uncertain, particularly without further amendments.

We will continue to monitor developments closely and share updates as the situation evolves. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions in the meantime.

ACECL BOARD OF GOVERNORS

The Board of Governors will met on Thursday, July 24, 2025.

Congratulations 2025-2026 Board of Governors

Sherri LeBas, P.E., with GEC, Inc., has been elected Chair of the American Council of Engineering Companies of Louisiana for the 2025–2026 term. Her election comes at a pivotal time for the organization, as ACEC Louisiana prepares to play a key role in the transformation of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LADOTD). Given Sherri’s extensive experience as both a former LADOTD Secretary and longtime department engineer there may be no one better suited to lead our organization through this critical period. Her insight and leadership will be invaluable as we navigate the changes ahead.

Other officers elected include:

Chairman-Elect: Brett P. Bayard, P.E., PLS, Mader Engineering, Inc

Vice-Chairman: Don. R. Arrington, P.E., S.E. Huey Company

Secretary-Treasurer: Robert Delaune, P.E., Digital Engineering & Imaging, Inc.

National Director: Chad Poche, P.E., Gulf South Engineering & Testing, Inc.

Members at Large for 2025 - 2026 include:

Colby J. Guidry, P.E., Huval & Associates, Inc.

Byron Racca, P.E., Meyer & Associates inc.

Nick J. Ferlito, Jr. P.E., PTO, Neel-Schaffer, Inc.

Michael Pugh, P.E., Royal Engineers & Consultants, Ltd.

Dusty Bastion, P.E., HNTB

Brin Ferlito, P.E., PTOE, Vectura Consulting Services, LLC

James Ellingburg, P.E., Lazenby & Associates

Chapter Presidents include:

Jordan M. Pearson, P.E., Forte and Tablada (Shreveport)

David B. Stelly, P.E., Associated Design Group (Lafayette)

Jade L. Rung, P.E. Michael Baker International (New Orleans)

Kimberly McDaniel, P.E., PTOE, Intelligent Transportation Systems (Baton Rouge)

TBD (Lake Charles)

The 2025 - 2026 Board of Governors term will commence on July 1, 2025

Join owners and key principals from premier engineering and service provider firms throughout the Deep Southern states of Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi bayside at the Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, located 9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy West in Miramar Beach, Florida. This year's convention and exhibitor trade show will be held on July 24 - 26, 2025.

Annually, this convention proves to be one of the best events of the year. We have planned insightful programs and seminars, and important networking opportunities, at a fantastic family-friendly venue. Gather with new friends and old ones for this year's social activities planned for everyone to enjoy. This convention is shaping up to be one of the best yet!

Registration: Members must register to participate in the convention and to receive professional development hours (PDHs). Full registration fees include: Thursday evening Welcome Reception and Dinner; Thursday evening Poolside Lawn Party & PAC Cornhole Tournament; Friday morning breakfast and breaks; and Saturday morning breakfast and breaks.

The Deep South Convention Golf Tournament to be held on Friday, July 25th at 12:30 p.m., is an additional fee. Ala-carte tickets can also be purchased. Receive Early-Bird pricing by registering no later than July 1st.

Cancellations:

There will be a $100.00 administrative fee for all registration cancellations. Cancellations must be made by July 3rd to receive a refund, after that date all fees are forfeited.

Sponsorship and/or Exhibitor Opportunities & Benefits:

Sponsorships and/or exhibit booths allow you the opportunity to get your company’s name in front of industry leaders and decision makers. To view benefits, click here: Deep South Sponsorship & Exhibitor Opportunities.pdf

BECOME A SPONSOR/EXHIBITOR

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS ONLINE REGISTRATION!

Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort

IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO BOOK A ROOM!!!

9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy West, Miramar Beach, FL 32550

BOOK A ROOM BY EMAILING GroupRes@Sandestin.com & REFER TO GROUP #24S5TG

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Janet Landry at jlandry@acecl.org

AFFILIATE SPOTLIGHT

Established in 1928 in Baton Rouge, Breazeale, Sachse & Wilson, L.L.P. (“BSW”) is one of the oldest law firms in the state of Louisiana. We take great pride in our long history of client service. With more than 70 attorneys, the firm is among the largest firms in the state and one of the larger law firms in the South. BSW’s clients range from individuals and start-up companies, to Fortune 500 corporations, governmental entities and not-for-profit institutions.

Further, one of the hallmarks of the firm is its devotion to providing the highest quality of legal services to our clients in a manner consistent with their objectives and cost concerns and in a personalized environment that facilitates the mutual trust and respect necessary for a successful attorney-client relationship. The firm continually achieves this objective by implementing an integrated team approach. This team approach enables clients to call upon the guidance of any and all of our attorneys whose experience in various legal and business matters spans many disciplines. In this manner, we are able to provide our clients with specific and in-depth advice that they require in order to achieve their goals.

Steven B. Loeb

Breazeale Sachse & Wilson, L.L.P.

P.O. Box 3197

Baton Rouge, LA 70821-3197

Tel: 225-381-8050; Cell: 225-933-7842

Steven.Loeb@bswllp.com

ETEC is a manufacturer's representative organization covering both the municipal and industrial water and wastewater markets in Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas and Western Tennessee.

We partner with a range of manufacturers to offer our clients the highest quality products for their environmental projects. In addition, we continue to seek manufacturers that not only produce stellar equipment but are also technological leaders in their field.

ETEC has in-depth knowledge and years of experience in municipal projects, and our professional staff has specific industrial expertise in such areas as pulp and paper, petrochemical, and poultry processing. Our depth of knowledge is matched by our deep team, which features eight outside salespersons, eight support staff and six service technicians. With these resources our clients can feel confident they will be consistently provided with exceptional service and guidance they can trust.

Contact: Ronnie Hebert

Email: gumbo@gatorhook.com

Phone: 225-295-1200