 |
|
Greetings from Olsson Associates
 Airplanes, soccer balls, and porch swings. While varied in nature, Olsson Associates helps keep each item up in the air, so to speak.
First of all this month we'd like to share an update about new FAA regulations that affect the way surveying is performed on airport projects. While these are new regulations, Diane Hofer and the Airports team are well versed in these changes and can help you avoid project delays at your airport, keeping planes in the air.
We'll then kick on down to Kansas City to read about the new Overland Park Soccer Complex. Numerous Olsson teams were involved in this venture, and we were excited to be part of the complex's grand opening just a few weeks ago.
After a family day at the soccer field, who wouldn't be in the mood for relaxing at home on the porch swing? I'm sure I'm not the only one who reminisced with Jered Morris's article in last month's newsletter about a simpler way of living - complete with a porch swing overlooking a picturesque neighborhood. If you were intrigued by our last newsletter about smart growth, or urbanism, and the new LEED for Neighborhood Development rating system, don't forget that we're offering a free Webinar on October 15.
From airports to soccer fields to your own back porch, Olsson has a hand in smart growth in your community. I hope you enjoy this issue of Perspectives, and, as always, stay in touch.
John S. Olsson, PE
| |
New Survey Standards for Airports
By Diane Hofer, PE, Airports Team
In May 2009, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) published new survey standards that have had a significant impact on master planning, as well as runway construction projects that are funded with FAA grants. The standards are contained in the new 492-page Advisory Circular (AC) 150/5300-18B (aka "18B").
The detailed standards require not only specific survey procedures, but also the input of GIS attributes. Raw data files are submitted to the FAA, along with the electronic drawing files and GIS files. While the standards are currently limited to runway and planning projects, ultimately all FAA-funded planning, design, and as-built surveys must meet the standards. These standards will be implemented over the next year or so.
In addition, when imagery/aerial photography is needed, the new AC 150/5300-17B requires that this be completed with the leaves still on the trees. The imagery data files must then be approved by the FAA before the survey can begin. This can delay projects by 6-12 months as we wait for FAA approval and then the growing season. READ MORE |
|
2008 Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Funds are Available
Funding for Your Community
 Funds are available through the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) for activities related to disaster relief, long-term recovery, and restoration of infrastructure in areas covered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) declaration of major disaster 1770-DR declared on June 20, 2008. Only damages occurring during the incident period from May 22, 2008 to June 24, 2008 are considered. All projects must be able to demonstrate project activities achieve recovery and relief from last year's events. There are two priority project types: 1) Public Infrastructure and 2) Disaster Recovery Planning. The maximum size of grants for public infrastructure projects is $1 million dollars, and the maximum for disaster recovery planning is $200,000. These grants are 100 percent funded, so there is no financial commitment by the communities. However, it is expected that communities with accepted applications will be an active participant in the project activities. Approximately $5.5 million dollars are available, some of which has already been awarded. Applications are accepted at any time until the funds have been obligated. As is the case of any CDBG-funded project, the project must meet one of the three national objectives, which are: 1) Benefit to low- to moderate-income persons; 2) Aid in the Prevention or elimination of slums or blight; or 3) Urgency. To determine whether your jurisdiction is eligible, click here for a map of the federally-declared disaster area. For more information about potential projects in your community, the application, funding requirements, and administration, contact Amber Lewis at 402.463.0240 or e-mail alewis@oaconsulting.com. |
Alphabet Soup: Catch Olsson at the Fall APWA / AWWA / NWEA Conference
Several Olsson staff members will present at sessions during the 2009 joint fall conference November 4-6 in Kearney, Nebraska. There's still time to register if you'd like to attend the conference. (This link will take you to the Nebraska AWWA site.)
Olsson presentations include the following:
November 4, 9:30 - 10 a.m.
Lincoln Water System: Natural Disaster Preparedness
John Miriovsky, PE, Lincoln Water System
Ken Fairchild, PE, Olsson Associates
November 4, 10:30 - 11 a.m.
Greenwood Transmission Main for Lincoln Water System
Nick McElvain, PE, Lincoln Water System
Andrew Hansen, PE, Black & Veatch
Ben Day, PE, Olsson Associates
November 5, 10:30 - 11 a.m.
Ultrafiltration Membranes for Surface Water Treatment
Rod Kirkland, PE, Olsson Associates
November 6, 9 - 9:30 a.m.
Upgrading a Trickling Filter Plant to Meet New Biosolids, Ammonia, and Disinfection Standards
James Burroughs, PE, and Jim Condon, PE, Olsson Associates |
Webinar: LEED for Neighborhood Development
In the August Perspectives, we shared information about Sustainable Neighborhood Developments. If you're interested in learning more, please sign up (link below) to take part in this upcoming Webinar.
Olsson Associates will present "LEED for Neighborhood Development," an AIA approved, one-hour course. This Webinar presentation will cover the draft, post-pilot version of the LEED-ND rating system, which is expected to "go live" in the fall.
We will discuss existing sustainable neighborhoods and will touch on how LEED-ND principles are becoming more appealing to homeowners. Overall, this rating system has a number of positive impacts for those in the development and design industry, which we'll discuss.
October 15, 2009
Noon - 1 p.m., CDT
Click here to register and learn more. (Note: If you have already signed up, you don't need to re-register.) |
|
Featured Project: Overland Park Soccer Complex | Overland Park, Kansas
Game On!
 Olsson Associates is proud to be part of the DLR Group, Workshop, and CHA Sports team that worked with the City of Overland Park to bring more of the world's most popular sport to Overland Park, Kansas. The new Overland Park Soccer Complex consists of 12 lighted, regulation-size, synthetic-turf fields, three cafes, and a 16,000-square-foot field house. The fields are broken into three pods with a stream corridor that splits the pods. The overall layout of the complex was designed to work in harmony with the environment by preserving existing stream vegetation, enhancing the natural corridor for wildlife habitat, and protecting water quality. The fields are not the only green feature in this complex; "green" best management practices were used through bioswales and a rain garden with native plantings. Both were installed to remove pollutants found in stormwater runoff, reduce erosion, and minimize frequent flooding. READ MORE | |
|
|
|
Arizona Park Wins Parents' Picks Award
Peoria, Arizona's Rio Vista Park and Recreation Center has won Nickelodeon's Parents' Picks Award for best Phoenix-area playground or park. Between 2001 and 2003, Olsson master planned and designed the park for the city and master planned the recreation center site as a facility within the park. |
Stay in Touch with Olsson!
|
|
