Project Honored in the Outstanding Plan – Large Jurisdiction Category

Louisville, Ky. – July 20, 2010 – Gresham, Smith and Partners (GS&P), a leading multi-disciplinary design and consulting firm for the built environment, is pleased to announce the River Road Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan (CMP), for which the firm provided consulting services, was awarded Outstanding Plan – Large Jurisdiction by the Kentucky Chapter of the American Planning Association (KAPA). KAPA recognized Louisville Metro Government and their consultant team, led by GS&P, at their 2010 Spring Conference.

The River Road CMP lays out a broad range of strategies and actions to protect and enhance the state designated Scenic Byway corridor.  The suggested enhancements aim to improve public access to the corridor's resources and special places without compromising the privacy and quiet enjoyment of corridor residents. Plan recommendations are intended to enable safe and convenient travel and mobility for corridor users whether they are motorists, bicyclists or pedestrians.

"We are pleased this plan has been recognized as Outstanding by the Kentucky APA chapter," commented Dirk Gowin, Executive Administrator, Louisville Metro Public Works.  "By strengthening connections to and understanding of the River Road Byway Corridor's cultural and natural resources, our intention is to encourage people to increasingly value and care for these resources and qualities.  Developed through consultant leadership efforts led by Gresham, Smith and Partners and significant participation and commitment from our community, we intend to implement the strategies suggested in this plan."

Funded through a FHWA Scenic Byways Grant, the CMP was initiated by Louisville Metro Government and managed by its Public Works Department.  The study area fell within the jurisdictions of Louisville Metro as well as the cities of Indian Hills, Glenview and Prospect.  The plan was developed over an 18 month period with significant public involvement. 

"We are honored to be recognized by our peers for our work on the River Road CMP," noted Jon Henney, AICP, ASLA, principal, Gresham, Smith and Partners. "The strategies and actions that were developed are conducive to the overall goals and objectives of protecting, promoting and enhancing the corridor's qualities and contribute to the sustainability of these unique resources.  The plan fostered coordination between residents, communities and agencies in making decisions about important corridor issues, including responsibilities and funding."

The American Planning Association - Kentucky Chapter brings together practitioners, planning officials, students and interested citizens into a single community development forum. APA-KY is dedicated to promoting planning statewide in order to enhance the quality of life in Kentucky. The organization provides current information on planning issues, practices and techniques.

About Gresham, Smith and Partners:
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 Aviation, Corporate and Urban Design, Environmental Compliance, Healthcare, Industrial, Land Planning, Transportation 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.