LETTER

April 22, 1997

Alan G. Lance

Attorney General

State of Idaho

210 Statehouse

Boise, ID 83720-1000

Dear Attorney General Lance:

The National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) is an individual professional membership

organization serving the interests of the more than 420,000 U.S. licensed engineers practicing in industry, government, education, construction and private practice. The mission of NSPE is to promote the ethical, competent and licensed practice of engineering, and to enhance the professional, social and economic well-being of its members.

NSPE was recently advised that there have been allegations that the City of Idaho Falls has permitted unlicensed individuals to assume "responsible charge" of engineering work in violation of the Idaho’s engineering licensure statute (Idaho Code Ann. 54-1201 et.seq. (1995)). Enclosed is background material which describes the facts and circumstances involved in this matter.

As with all state engineering licensure laws, Idaho’s engineering licensure act was enacted by the Idaho legislature to protect the public health and safety. Unlicensed engineering practice endangers the public because unqualified individuals performing engineering services can do grave harm through the incompetent design and construction of roads, bridges, systems, machines, equipment, buildings, structures and other public or private projects.

NSPE requests that the Idaho Attorney General immediately investigate these activities and take appropriate action to enforce the provisions of the Idaho engineering licensure laws.

Sincerely,

Arthur Schwartz

General Cousel