Altoona Blair County Development Corporation, Blair County
Keller Engineers’ team provided all necessary survey and civil engineering services to design and construct a new 114-acre industrial park. Specific amenities in the park include design and construction of 2,300’ of new Township roadway and infrastructure such as utility extensions, drainage, water, and sewer. Drainage improvements included constructed wetlands and bio-retention facilities to control stormwater runoff rate and volume, and to improve water quality.
Project Uniqueness/Challenges: The most challenging aspect of this project was obtaining the NPDES permit. FEMA revised the floodplain maps after design was under way, which resulted in the wetlands being reclassified as Exceptional Value (EV). This change made permitting wetland impacts far more difficult. Once permits were obtained, a major modification was made to the NPDES permit to better utilize the available grant money.
For over 20 years I have had the privilege of working with Keller Engineers and their staff of surveyors, and civil and structural engineers on over $150 million worth of work. During these project relationships and partnering opportunities, my architectural teams have received nothing but premium professional services and courtesy towards my own staff, clients and prospective clients with stellar attention given to building and site details, client responsiveness and peer respect. I look forward to many more teaming opportunities and urge any other architectural firms, municipalities or clients who have not worked with Keller Engineers to do so. You will be pleasantly surprised! Richard L. Karcher, AIA, NCARB