Veteran Texas Engineer Urges Public Awareness and Local Action to Strengthen Aging Systems and Protect Future Generations

GALVESTON, TX / ACCESS Newswire / December 5, 2025 / Bryan Patison, a longtime engineer and respected leader in Texas's infrastructure sector, is calling for greater public awareness and community involvement to strengthen the safety and reliability of local infrastructure systems. Drawing from decades of hands-on experience designing, improving, and troubleshooting essential structures and public-use systems, Patison says the issue is urgent-and solvable.

"Most people never think about infrastructure unless something fails," Patison said. "But safe roads, bridges, and buildings aren't automatic. They require attention, investment, and a community that understands why these systems matter."

His message comes at a critical time. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers' most recent infrastructure report card, the U.S. earned a C- grade overall, with more than 45,000 bridges rated in poor condition and over $1 trillion in deferred maintenance across transportation, water, and public safety systems. Texas alone has more than 818 high-hazard dams, and its rapidly growing population puts additional pressure on roads, drainage systems, and energy grids.

"I've spent my whole career solving problems most people never see," Patison said. "But the truth is, many of our systems weren't built for the population and technology we have today. Communities need to understand the risks - and the opportunities - to make meaningful improvements."

A Call for Practical Community Participation

Rather than pushing a political or policy agenda, Patison's goal is to help residents recognize their own role in local safety.

"You don't have to be an engineer to make a difference," he said. "Small actions from regular people can have a big impact, whether that's reporting hazards, supporting local infrastructure audits, or staying informed about how public resources are used."

He encourages residents across Texas and beyond to take simple but powerful steps:

1. Report local safety hazards

Unstable sidewalks, damaged guardrails, standing water, exposed wiring, and shifting pavement are early indicators of structural issues.
"If you see something, speak up. Engineers can't fix what they don't know about," Patison emphasized.

2. Support transparency in local planning

Attend city council meetings, follow bond proposals, and review public infrastructure plans.
"When people participate in the process, projects get done smarter and faster," he said.

3. Prioritize safety in personal and business decisions

From construction choices to emergency preparedness, safety should come first.
"Cutting corners always costs more later," he noted.

4. Encourage environmentally responsible upgrades

Texas faces extreme weather patterns, rising sea levels, and coastal erosion.
"Resilient systems save lives," Patison said. "We need to build for the world we're living in now-not the world we lived in 50 years ago."

Why This Matters Now

Texas continues to experience rapid population growth, adding more than 9 million residents in the last 20 years, making it one of the fastest-growing regions in the country. With increased demand on roads, utilities, and water systems, failures are becoming more frequent.

Extreme heat, stronger hurricanes, and severe flooding-especially in coastal regions like Galveston-add additional strain.

"I've seen firsthand how weather, time, and use can break things down faster than people expect," Patison said. "A strong community is one that prepares, not one that reacts."

His advocacy is less about alarms and more about awareness-and action.

Looking Ahead: A Community-Driven Future

For Patison, strengthening community safety starts with education, engagement, and teamwork.

"Engineering has always been about people. That's the part that matters most to me," he said. "If we work together-residents, city leaders, engineers, teachers, families-we can build systems that protect everyone. But it has to start with understanding the problem."

Patison encourages individuals, families, and local organizations to take the following steps over the next 30 days:

• Walk your neighborhood or business area and note visible hazards.

• Attend one local planning or public works meeting.

• Learn your city's infrastructure budget priorities.

• Talk with neighbors about shared safety concerns.

• Support resilient upgrades in your local school, workplace, or community buildings.

"Everyone has a voice in this," he said. "Safer communities don't happen by accident. They happen because ordinary people choose to care and take action."

Contact: info@bryanpatison.com

SOURCE: Bryan Patison