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"He's basically filling a much needed position," replied Public Works Director/Town Engineer Shawn Knapp. "The position has been empty over four years, and with our steady stream of projects requiring his type of attention it was more cost effective to hire someone fulltime rather than contract out." Knapp also explained that with Arya's skill set he can provide input on overlapping projects.
Arya earned the United States equivalent of a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from a regionally accredited institute, which is now under Kabul University in Afghanistan. Over the past 18 years, he has been involved with construction of large infrastructure and development projects.
"I have about 10 years of experience working on Army Corps of Engineers projects in Afghanistan," said Arya. "Most of them were for large army and police compounds. These facilities were like small towns, containing barracks, dining facilities and administration buildings for thousands of soldiers."
Three years ago, Arya moved to America with his wife and three children "through the Special Immigration Visa program for Afghan nationals who worked for the U.S. government in Afghanistan. Immigration is not easy. You can never imagine how hard this is to decide to leave your country, your friends and families."
Upcoming town projects for Arya include encroachment permitting, construction inspection, and assisting in the creation of new Capital Improvement Program bid documents for routine maintenance projects such as street, sidewalk and storm drain repairs.
Arya is happy to be a part of the town staff. "I am appreciative to the Town of Moraga for hiring me and giving me the opportunity to work in municipal engineering," he stated. "I am hopeful my extensive work experience and dedication will be beneficial to the town."
Reach the reporter at:
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA