T&H NEWS
December 19, 2008
Roundabout Wins GPTQ Preconstruction Awards Competition
Thomas & Hutton can add "award-winning" before the name of its roundabout project on St. Simon's Island, GA. The Georgia Department of Transportation recognized the Frederica-Demere roundabout as part of the 2008 GPTQ Preconstruction Design Competition. The roundabout won in the category of Traffic Safety/Intersection design for its innovative design and construction process. The award recognizes projects that improve existing roads and intersections to enhance safety for the motoring public and/or pedestrians.
T&H was able to improve the intersection's Level of Service from an overall level of D to B which significantly reduces wait times for motorists. The intersection remained fully functional throughout construction thanks in part to a three-part staging process.
Mark Pickering and Scott Burns accept the award for T&H at the University of Georgia on December 18.
November 13, 2008
Thomas & Hutton to Sponsor and Exhibit at GIS Day
It is estimated that approximately 80% of all information has a "spatial" or geographic component. In other words, most information is tied to a place. So when making decisions about sighting new facilities, creating hiking trails, protecting wetlands, directing emergency response vehicles, designating historic neighborhoods or redrawing legislative districts, geography plays a significant role.
This is where GIS comes in. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology is a computer-based data collection, storage, and analysis tool that combines previously unrelated information into easily understood maps. But GIS is much more than maps. A GIS can perform complicated analytical functions and then present the results visually as maps, tables or graphs, allowing decision makers to virtually see the issues before them and then select the best course of action.
Add the Internet, and GIS offers a consistent and cost-effective means for the sharing and analysis of geographic data among government agencies, private industry, non-profit organizations, and the general public.
SAGIS is working to establish a GIS program within the Savannah Chatham County Public School System. All proceeds from GIS Day will go to help fund the program. GIS Day Savannah is an annual event to introduce GIS education to our local school children and promote the capabilities and use of GIS to the general business community. GIS Day is celebrated aspart of National Geographic's International Geography Week. SAGIS and the sponsors of this event are proud to invite Chatham County middle school students to the morning program, with area business owners, staff, GIS users, and local citizens invited to attend the afternoon session.
Students and citizens will have the chance to see GIS in action in our community. The following businesses, educational institutions, and government agencies will be on hand to demonstrate their work in this exciting field:
Georgia Power
Nicasio Design & Development
Savannah Economic Development Authority
Spatial Engineering, Inc.
Appraisal Institute, Savannah Chapter
Savannah Multi-List Corporation
Thomas & Hutton Engineering Co.
November 10, 2008
Thomas & Hutton Receives Historic Preservation Award from the Historic Savannah Foundation
On behalf of Thomas & Hutton, Danny Stanley was presented the Historic Preservation Award from the Historic Savannah Foundation on Oct. 30 for the Civic Master Plan for the East Riverfront in grateful recognition of outstanding accomplishment in preservation and protection of Savannah's distinctive heritage.
The mission of Historic Savannah Foundation is to preserve and protect Savannah's heritage through advocacy, education and community involvement.
October 20, 2008
Thomas & Hutton Receives Honorable Mention on CE News Best Civil Engineering Firms to Work For List
Striking a balance between corporate budget and employee satisfaction in today's economy can be difficult. Companies must be creative while listening to the needs and wants of their staff.
Each year, CE News, a leading information resource for any practicing civil engineer or surveyor, honors the top civil engineering firms in the nation that provide a positive work environment and challenging and interesting work opportunities for their employees.
For the fourth time in five years, Savannah-based Thomas & Hutton Engineering Co., has the distinction of being named to CE News' Best Civil Engineering Firms to Work For list.
A total of 152 firms, including 27 honorable mentions, of which T&H was one, were selected based on corporate and employee surveys which were graded and ranked by management consulting and research firm ZweigWhite.
Among this year's top-ranked firms are organizations that still manage to offer a variety of benefit programs that foster employee appreciation and promote team building. Many even provide a sense of community by financially supporting local organizations and encouraging volunteer work during business hours.
"We value our staff and make every effort to ensure they are more than just content with their workplace," said T&H CEO& President Mitchell Bohannon. "Our excellent benefits program, low turnover rate, and the fact that employees have retired with more than 40 years of service prove that Thomas & Hutton is one of the best civil engineering firms in which to work."
For more than 60 years, T&H has recognized that prosperity is dependent on satisfied and loyal employees. T&H distinguishes itself in the civil engineering field as a firm that provides a home and family atmosphere for all employees, strives to be profitable for continued success, and remembers its founders and history.
In 2004, T&H achieved a ranking of No. 30 on the CE News list and in 2005 moved up to No. 7. In 2006, T&H was also listed in the Honorable Mention Category.
October 13, 2008
T&H Roundabout Featured in Georgia County Government Magazine
St. Simons Island has a reputation for hypnotizing visitors with what has been called a peaceful feel. This small island is one of the Golden Isles of Georgia, a precious gem not only for Georgians, but for travelers worldwide.
As the popularity and population of the island have grown, so have the traffic concerns and the need for an effective solution.
The intersection of Frederica Road and Demere Road was a key area that the Glynn County Board of Commissioners felt would benefit from a different approach. A main island artery, this intersection was often plagued by long waits during peak travel times...
Click here for full article
September 12, 2008
Planners Vigilant for Housing Market Rebound
By Jess Davis, The Brunswick News
As the economy and housing market have slowed, the Glynn County's planners are staying busy, laying the groundwork for future development.
"We're extremely busy," said Bill Brunson, vice-chairman of the mainland planning commission. "A lot of planning is done while the economy is bad, because the economy won't stay bad."
Brunson said developers here know that baby boomers all over the country who will retire soon have an eye on the coast as a destination, and when the market is ready for more homes, developers will be ready with solid plans.
"Quality planning starts a long time in advance," he said.
Building permit revenue for the county was down 5 percent compared to last year, county finance director Phyllis McNicoll said in June.
Chairman of the mainland planning commission, Gary Nevill said that since the housing market took a turn for the worse, he's seen fewer plans for subdivisions. Instead, developers are working to rezone large tracts of land for future construction, he said.
"The owners are posturing themselves for later on," Nevill said. "It's nice to have (plans) available and not have to rush."
Nevill said because builders aren't working under strict time constraints, they are able to spend more time on plans and are creating smarter development outlines that will help the county down the road.
Dover Hall Plantation, for example, is a planned development on 5,000 acres that's expected to be built over the next 40 years. It will include as many as 9,000 homes, schools, churches and other community centers.
Jeff Halliburton of Thomas & Hutton Engineering Co. is helping plan the development. He said the long wait time between planning and implementation means he's able to see things from a "big picture perspective," which will make the project better once the details are in place. The developers are working to get the necessary water and sewer infrastructure ready so that when the market does rebound, they will be ready to go with other elements.
"The way the market is now, developers are taking a deep breath," Halliburton said. "When it does return, they'll be in a better position to meet the market more productively."
What's frustrating to Halliburton and other developers is not knowing when the market will rebound. Halliburton said he doesn't know if it will be one, three or even five years, but is confident it will rebound.
"It's not a matter of if, it's a matter of when," he said. "The most prudent developers are preparing for the when."
September 2008
Thomas & Hutton Breaks Ground with Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) broke ground in Brunswick, Ga., August 28, officially commencing construction of a new Vehicle Preparation Center (VPC). The target date for completion of the new facility is the summer of 2009. It will replace the company's existing facility in Jacksonville, Fla.
Thomas & Hutton was on hand to celebrate and document the groundbreaking and will provide Owner's Rep and civil engineering services for the project. T&H was also responsible for work on the Highway 17 overpass and north/south connector road which was influential in MBUSA's decision to choose the Brunswick location for this project.
The new dockside 70,000 square-foot facility is planned to be built on 50 acres of land recently acquired by MBUSA. Due to its proximity to the port, vehicle processing time will be improved, thereby delivering vehicles to the market more efficiently. It is estimated that the facility will process approximately 50,000 Mercedes-Benz vehicles annually. The VPC will also be capable of accessory installation, full body shop operations, homologation operations, and vehicle detailing and distribution operations.
