AUA Seattle Conference a Success (March 2001) John Reilly, as President of the American Underground Construction Association, welcomed US and International delegates - including the International Tunneling Association President and Executive Committee - to the AUA Seattle Regional Conference. The conference was Chaired by Dr. Harvey Parker and organized by Susan Nelson with the help of a Local Seattle Committee. The Theme of the Conference foucsed on the needs of Owners, including successful project implementation, control of cost, schedule and risk and public communications strategies. Sound Transit was a Sponsor of the Conference and a key contributor The closing session discussed and examined ways in which AUA can best focus its resources to help Owners of complex underground projects.