The Channel Tunnel And Other Major Projects

Peter Behr

Thursdays, 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
October 2 - November 20, 2003
D.O.C. House

This is a variation on "A View of Major Construction Projects" which has been given four times previously. As in the past, we will examine how and why mega-projects, generally costing multi-billions, are conceived, financed, designed and constructed, including work in the U.S., Canada, Europe and the Middle East. Then we will spend three sessions on an in-depth look at the history, politics and technical side of the Channel Tunnel project, including up-to-date information on its operation and financial outlook. We will discuss energy development projects, including wind energy, and will examine positive and negative impacts of them. In past courses, we have featured the project to extinguish the oil fires in Kuwait after Gulf War I. We plan to have information on the rebuilding program in Iraq this time. Marjorie, my wife, will join us for one session to give her views on moving our family around the world and raising children outside the U.S. We will have other guest speakers as well. At this writing it is not yet certain, but we hope to arrange a trip to visit the Boston Central Artery/Tunnel project ("The Big Dig"). The format will be an illustrated lecture, followed by group discussions. Generally, an hour or so of reading per week will be suggested, but is not mandatory.

Class is limited to 25 participants.

Peter Behr was in the international engineering and construction business for over 40 years as an engineer, project manager and executive for the Bechtel Group. He was involved in work carried out in the U.S., Canada, Europe, the Middle East and the Pacific Basin, with a total value of over $50 billion. Mr. Behr was a combat infantryman in World War II and is a graduate of Stanford University. He is married and has four grown children and eight grandchildren.