Engineering publication recognizes Miami airport chief

Engineering publication recognizes Miami airport chief Miami-Dade County Aviation Department Director Jose Abreu has been selected as one of the top 25 newsmakers for 2007 by the trade publication Engineering News-Record.
   The engineering publication recognized the former Florida Department of Transportation engineer for his work in shepherding the $6.2 billion capital improvement program at Miami International Airport, which has been beset over the years by delays costs that have soared above original estimates.
   The press release announcing Abreu's selection said engineering professionals were especially impressed by his use of engineering experience and leadership skills to get the $2.6 billion North Terminal Program back on track. Abreu joined the aviation department in 2005, and by September 2007 the county had settled the last of 335 contractor claims related to the project — at one-third of the $163 million sought by contractors.
   The statement quoted Bill Stunkel, associate vice president for the Miami office of the engineering consulting firm HNTB as saying, 'he's brought credibility to the airport,' adding he believes Abreu saved the airport an estimated 'nine-figures' in costs a year.