Parsons Gives Back by Constructing a Footbridge in Panama

PASADENA, CA (September 13, 2017) – Parsons, in partnership with Bridges to Prosperity (B2P), recently sent an 11-member team to Rio Grande—a small community of 200 people about 350 km outside of Panama City, Panama—to build a 47-m suspension footbridge over the Rio Grande River.

Parsons’ multinational team worked for 2 weeks to construct the bridge, which now provides the community with year-round access to schools, government and medical services, and markets—all of which were unreachable when the river was swollen. Parsons’ team included project managers, engineers, and safety specialists.

“Representing Parsons and leading our team in Panama was life changing. Our team members applied their diverse sets of skills to overcome project challenges to help the Rio Grande community by providing them with a safe crossing,” said Aykut Urgen, PE, Senior Vice President and Project Manager for Parsons’ Panama build.

Parsons has been involved with B2P since 2015, providing design engineering services, construction support, support for training programs, and leadership on the B2P Board of Directors. Elie Homsi, PE, Senior Vice President, currently serves as Chairman Emeritus of B2P’s Board.

“Parsons’ involvement with Bridges to Prosperity perfectly aligns with our core values, as well as our belief that corporate success and social wellbeing are interdependent,” said Chuck Harrington, Parsons’ Chairman and CEO. “Through our Parsons Gives Back Program, Parsons employees are able to contribute their skills and expertise to make a real difference in communities worldwide.”

To learn more about the Parsons and B2P build in Panama, watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSU2r-vGbUY