RoseWater Engineering is a civil engineering firm with services concentrated in three market areas: site and civil design for public buildings; transportation drainage; conveyance systems for water and wastewater; and permitting support and environmental design, especially as it relates to the storm drainage. RWE, founded in 1983, has grown by 20 percent in the last year, adding nine new positions for a total staff of 44 people. 1999 is the third year of steady growth for the firm. RWE is projecting $3.5 million in gross fees for 1999, up from $3 million in 1998.

"Business is still booming in the engineering market," said president Amy Haugerud. "Our greatest challenges include finding qualified staff that fit the RoseWater corporate culture and shaping the organization to support the growth of the firm."

As I-695 passes, transportation funding will be in limbo until the Legislature meets - perhaps until the next legislature is elected, she said. The adverse impacts of passage of I-695 on the Washington economy as a whole are likely to be huge, and hit the architecture and engineering industry industry hard, according to Haugerud.

"The Endangered Species Act listings of Chinook and bull Trout bring opportunities and threats to our businesses," she said. "The opportunities come from the promise of public dollars dedicated to species preservation. The threat comes in the restrictions on development and commerce that could halt projects or send business out of state. The uncertainty of the process can really irritate clients and can lead to disruption of good working relationships."