I am a second-generation Professional Land Surveyor and ASPRS Certified Photogrammetrist with more than 30 years of experience including surveying, mapping, geodetic control, LiDAR-based mapping, remote sensing, and utility designation services. I currently serve as the Deputy Geomatics Service Line Leader at JMT, where I lead survey, mapping, reality capture, and SUE efforts. Surveying has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up around the profession an

I hope you had a wonderful summer. Everywhere I have spoken with fellow surveyors, the message has been the same. It has been an exceptionally busy season across the Commonwealth for our profession. I hope each of you has the opportunity to take some well-deserved time to relax and enjoy the fall season that is now upon us.

This research has been compiled by Michael F. Brinkash, a Professional Land Surveyor for educational purposes and is not intended for legal means or purposes. Any and all legal reference material included herein should be consulted with an attorney should there be a need for such advice.

On September 2, President Trump signed into law H.R. 6500, the “Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2027,” which includes a short-term continuing resolution that provides fiscal year 2027 appropriations to Federal agencies through December 11, 2026, and extends authorities for a broad range of programs including FEMA’S National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), surface transportation, and veteran programs. This bill keeps the federal government open through December 1

On July 12th, Governor Shapiro signed the bipartisan 2026-2027 budget of $50.85 billion. This budget will leave Pennsylvania with approximately $8 billion in reserve as of July 1, 2027. It also gave more resources for our schools and students, expanded workforce development initiatives, provided nearly 400 more State Troopers, gave support for start-ups, expanded mental health services and more support for children and families. After the budget was passed, the House and

My wife and I visited northwestern New Mexico and southwestern Colorado this summer. My Eagle Scout daughter spent her summer working at the Philmont Scout Range. My wife was unaware, even after we had an itinerary, that I had some ulterior motives.