The latest information on the newest innovations in tech and economic development is coming to the Central Valley with the 7th annual Infrastructure Update.

Put on by the San Joaquin Valley Chapter of the American Council of Engineering Companies, the update will cover the latest trends and developments taking place in infrastructure, transportation, agriculture and water, among other topics affecting the Central Valley economy. It is scheduled today with a welcome reception at 2:30 at Pardini’s in Fresno, with the program at 3 p.m.

Attendance is free.

According to Lydia Zabrycki, president of the ACEC San Joaquin Valley Chapter, there will be a heavy focus on water — in particular — how California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) will impact farms in the region, and how growers and prepare for the changes it will bring.

“High-speed Rail has been on our agenda for the last couple of years,” Zabrycki said. “And this year, we wanted to do something a little different and bring in some other topics we haven’t really heard much about for our Valley, but will definitely be effecting not only the state, but our Valley and our country.”

Chris White, general manager for the Central California Irrigation District and Doug DeFlitch, COO for the Friant Water Authority, will be presenting. Also on the docket, Randal Iwasaki of the Contra Costa County Transportation Authority will be discussing the innovations and possibilities presented by drones, autonomous vehicles and connected cities.

“It’s all about safety — and when you look at the big picture of the common vehicle — what it’s going to do for our environment is really bring a safety component into vehicles on the road,” Zabrycki said.

The conference will conclude with the presentation of scholarships for engineering students in the Valley by the ACEC, the first time this has been done at the event itself.

Those interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP at bit.ly/InfrastructureUpdate.