CLIENT SAVINGS EARN RS&H CONSULTANT OF THE YEAR AWARD FROM FLORIDA PUBLIC WORKS ASSOCIATION

TAMPA, Fla. – May 18, 2009 – RS&H, one of the nation’s leading facilities and infrastructure consulting firms whose client-centered program structure provides value-added solutions to clients around the world, has been named the Florida Chapter of the American Public Works Association’s Consultant of the Year in Roads and Highways. RS&H was honored with the award, presented at the association’s annual meeting on April 30, 2009, for saving the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) nearly $15 million in the widening of Ulmerton Road, while also providing a solution for an adjacent trail project that saved Pinellas County nearly $1.5 million in public funds as well.

According to Mike Dixon, RS&H’s project manager who accepted the award on behalf of the firm, the project is a prime example of the value of thinking outside-the-box to save public funds while delivering much needed projects.

“In this economy, state and local agencies, like FDOT, are being forced to tighten their budgets and delay projects,” said Dixon. “Finding solutions that save our clients money could mean improving congestion now or several years down the road.”

By changing the proposed alignment of Ulmerton Road between U.S. 19 and 49th Street North during design, RS&H cut FDOT’s right-of-way costs of the widening project by nearly $15 million. The team also coordinated with Pinellas County, which planned a
new pedestrian bridge within the limits of the project at the Progress Energy Trail extension’s crossing of Ulmerton Road and the Cross Bayou Canal. By incorporating safe pedestrian access into the design of the widening project, RS&H ultimately saved Pinellas County approximately $1.5 million in public funds it would have spent on a completely separate pedestrian bridge.

“Money saved in these projects can now be diverted to other high-priority initiatives – a huge success for FDOT, Pinellas County and the public,” said Dixon.

Established in 1960, the Florida Chapter of the American Public Works Association provides leadership, education, training, direction and support on public works issues to its members, elected officials and the public. The chapter awards consultants annually for innovative projects involving roads and highways, buildings and grounds, and solid waste, wastewater, water or storm water. For more information, visit http://florida.apwa.net/.

About RS&H:
With more than 800 employees, RS&H is one of the nation’s leading facilities and infrastructure consulting firms whose client-centered program structure provides value-added solutions to clients around the world. With a tradition that began in 1941, RS&H has 32 offices nationwide and six market sector programs, which include Aerospace and Defense, Aviation, Commercial, Institutional, Public Infrastructure and Transportation. Construction Engineering Inspection (CEI) services are provided through its wholly owned subsidiary, Reynolds, Smith and Hills, CS Incorporated. RS&H can be reached at 1.800.741.2014 or www.rsandh.com.