Northeast Gas Association Staff Engineer Dave Grande recently participated in the Build Better Together workshop, a one-day infrastructure and utility coordination event held in Brooklyn, New York. Hosted by National Grid in partnership with 4M Analytics, WSB, Trimble, and other industry organizations, the workshop brought together utility owners, transportation agencies, engineering firms, contractors, damage prevention professionals, and technology providers to explore new approaches for improving infrastructure delivery.

NGA extends its sincere appreciation to the event organizers for the invitation and for convening an outstanding forum focused on one of the industry's most important priorities: collaboration.

Throughout the day, speakers and panelists explored how stronger coordination among utilities, contractors, municipalities, and transportation agencies can improve project delivery while enhancing safety and reducing costs. Discussions highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence, digital utility mapping, and geospatial technologies in identifying potential conflicts earlier in the design process and strengthening communication between engineering offices and field operations.

Damage prevention remained a central focus of the workshop, with several sessions examining the future of New York's 811 system and opportunities to further reduce excavation damages through better planning, stakeholder engagement, and cross-industry collaboration. A live field demonstration showcased how AI-generated underground utility mapping integrated with augmented reality tools can help identify constructability issues before construction begins.

One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of the Jim Anspach Award to National Grid's Robert Terjesen, recognizing his exceptional leadership and longstanding contributions to damage prevention and underground infrastructure safety. Named for one of the pioneers of modern Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE), the award honors individuals who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to advancing safe excavation practices, utility coordination, and the protection of critical infrastructure.

The workshop underscored several trends shaping the future of the utility industry, including increased adoption of digital technologies, earlier project coordination, stronger partnerships across organizations, and the recognition that successful infrastructure delivery depends as much on collaboration as it does on innovation.

NGA appreciates the opportunity for Dave Grande to participate in this important conversation and thanks National Grid, 4M Analytics, WSB, Trimble, and all of the event partners for bringing together industry leaders to share ideas and advance best practices that benefit utilities, contractors, and the communities they serve.

Questions about NGA's work on Damage Prevention or the Build Better Together Workshop? Contact Dave Grande at dgrande@northeastgas.org