Project Receives 2009 Excellence in Regional Transportation Award from National Association of Development Organizations

Birmingham, Ala. – October 13, 2009 -- Gresham, Smith and Partners, a leading national planning, engineering, architecture and  interior design  firm, is pleased to announce the Shoals Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) has endorsed its corridor study of US Highway 72 within Colbert County in Northwest Alabama.  In response to emerging growth and development trends within the corridor, the Shoals Area MPO, hosted by the Northwest Alabama Council of Local Governments (NACOLG), commissioned GS&P to perform a corridor study along 38 miles of US 72.  The project will be recognized for its receipt of a 2009 Excellence in Regional Transportation Award from the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) at the organization's 2009 Award and Exhibitor Showcase on October 28 in Savannah, Georgia.

To complete the US 72 Corridor, GS&P evaluated existing trends on US 72 from a mobility and development standpoint.  The team engaged stakeholders and the public in discussions about the future of the corridor and the trade-offs associated with alternative options for growth and development.  The team developed a preferred vision for the corridor that balances the mission and purpose of the MPO with the desires of the stakeholders and recommends steps the MPO and local agencies can take to make the vision a reality.

"The US 72 corridor is one of the most valuable assets within Colbert County and the Northwest Alabama region," commented Jesse Turner, director of Transportation Planning, NACOLG.  "High levels of mobility coupled with access to natural resources make the corridor a natural choice for industry, as evidenced by the burgeoning development along the corridor.  The study and report developed by GS&P provides a suggested approach to development and growth which balances access and mobility."

The resulting vision and plan for improvements along US 72 channels a majority of growth into seven distinct focus areas in order to provide a necessary balance between access and mobility.  These focus areas strike a balance between place and mobility by providing coordinated access to land uses and activities.  Outside of these focus areas, the land remains mostly rural and access is limited so motor vehicles can move at higher rates of speed.

"We are pleased that this study has been recognized for excellence by the NADO and are encouraged by the MPO passing a resolution endorsing the findings and suggested implementation plan which is detailed in the study," stated Kevin Tilbury, AICP, project manager, Gresham, Smith and Partners.  "Our team worked with the MPO and engaged the community to create a shared vision for transportation and land use in this corridor that preserves its status as an economic backbone for the region and supports the creation of sustainable, livable places."

In addition to work with the Shoals Area MPO, GS&P recently completed a feasibility study for a Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) in Douglas County, GA which provides the county with a prioritized implementation plan for improvements along a corridor of Highway 92.  The firm also recently prepared a Complete Streets Study and Design Guidelines for the Knoxville Regional Transportation Planning Organization (TPO).  The Guidelines provide a set of tools and strategies to support complete streets transformations throughout the Knoxville region. 

About GS&P:
Gresham, Smith and Partners provides design and consulting solutions for the built environment that contribute to the success of national and international clients.  For more than 40 years, GS&P has focused on enhancing quality of life and sustainability within communities.  GS&P consists of industry-leading professionals practicing architecture and engineering design as well as scientists and highly specialized planning and strategic consultants in Transportation, Land Planning, Aviation, Corporate and Urban Design, Environmental Compliance, Healthcare, Industrial and Water Services.  GS&P consistently ranks among the top architecture and engineering firms in the United States.  For more information regarding GS&P, visit www.gspnet.com.