Michael D. Patorno
Civil/Water Resources Department Manager
Metairie, LA

As Hurricane Katrina approached, Mike Patorno, a lifelong Louisiana resident headed for higher ground. Once the extent of the devastation was apparent, he rushed back home. Although access to the area was “off limits” because of flooding, downed power lines and destroyed sewage systems, Mike’s profession allowed him re-entry by parish officials—he is the Civil and Structural Department Manager in URS’ Metairie, Louisiana, office. The Metairie office was uninhabitable, but the Baton Rouge office withstood the storm. Working with his colleagues, the first priority was to locate lost employees, finding them housing and work. And there was no shortage of challenging projects requiring immediate attention.

Mike had forged a tight bond with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers after many years of working together and called to offer assistance. The breach in the New Orleans Parish levee needed to be temporarily repaired in anticipation of other storms that season. Longer term, the levee needed further shoring up before the next hurricane season. Mike says, “Engineers want to protect people and ensure this never happens again. The levee project has been instrumental in building people’s confidence in the city and getting them to return.”

URS also worked with FEMA to fix the New Orleans sewer system, which was inundated with sand and mud that accompanied the fast moving flood waters, in addition to damage by falling and uprooted trees. Another undertaking was Operation Blue Roof, which placed temporary roofs on homes damaged by Katrina. These roofs helped to protect those things that were left and salvageable after the storm. First, URS inspectors examined thousands of homes to ensure their ability to receive the repair, and for safety. After measuring and estimating the square footage, the engineers coordinated with contractors who installed the temporary roofs. The last home was fitted with a blue tarp by mid-January 2006.

Even though Mike’s home was spared, the homes of his parents and siblings were not, and one of his brothers did not survive. Mike puts his loss in perspective by saying, “Although I lost a family member, many people suffered and 1,000 died.” Typically ignoring his own contributions, Mike points to the selflessness of his phenomenal team, who worked 16-hour days and weekends. He says, “We supported each other and the Company supported us.”

To get a true picture of Mike’s contribution, we turn to his Manager Vince Provenza who says, “Mike was and continues to be unbelievable. Despite personal loss, he housed employees at his residence, and worked 16-hour days to manage the levee, Blue Roof and New Orleans Water Works projects. In addition, he recruited new staff, marketed new and existing clients and did all this while never complaining. He managed to keep a positive attitude. Many people were great, but Mike was the best.”

Back to Employees Making A Difference >

_____

URS is an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, sex, age, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, citizenship status,disability or any other legally protected status. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, training, termination, promotions, or any other condition of employment or career development.