Intro/Project Details/Teaming
EHRA was contracted by Harris County Municipal Utility District No. 127 (HCMUD 127), located in the Katy, Texas area and consisting of 519 acres and six subdivisions, to provide multiple services related to the District’s Trail Additions Project Phase One. Contract components include schematic design and construction documents for site preparation, hardscape elements such as sidewalks, wheelchair ramps, fitness areas, benches and light poles, landscaping, irrigation methods, stormwater pollution prevention plans and construction phase services. The trail system will be positioned within the Harris County Right-of-Way (ROW) Channel and is designed to improve the quality of life for area residents and businesses by offering increased connectivity and recreational amenities.
The EHRA District Services team planned, facilitated and supported the execution of these project components while managing critical communications with both governmental agencies and private companies related to the project. The team functioned as liaison to HCMUD 127 board members and representatives, prepared bond applications, reviewed plans, coordinated with internal team contributors, resolved any obstacles to project development, obtained necessary permits and approvals and much more. EHRA Engineering was one of the original creators of the Municipal Utility District concept in the 1970s so, naturally, our firm remains heavily involved in the engineering, forecasting and construction of these facilities.
As District Services Project Manager, I spearheaded the EHRA team. However, the successful production of all project deliverables was an integrated, cross-functional effort involving multiple EHRA practice areas. Adam McGovern, PLA, ASLA, of the EHRA Landscape Architecture group supplied layouts for the trail system, exercise areas and lighting features. Miguel Vega, CADD Technician from the EHRA Site Development group, partnered with District Services Senior Design CADD Technician Art Robles to lead the design and sheet set preparation. Daniel Hayden, PE of the District Services group, also contributed to both the engineering and permitting processes for the HCMUD 127 Trails Addition project.
Milestones/Challenges/Solutions
A significant milestone for this project was procuring the letter of no objection (LONO) from Enterprise Products, the pipeline company associated with the project site. The Harris County Permit Department informed our team that a LONO was required in order to gain the agency’s approval. Upon learning this crucial information, the EHRA team immediately worked to research the pipeline details in relation to the proposed trail system and generate various plans and profiles reflecting this relationship. We then submitted these data sets and exhibits to the appropriate representatives at Enterprise Products and the Harris County Permit Department. Ultimately, after consistent and exacting communications, EHRA acquired the LONO and, subsequently, the agency approval to move forward. As project manager, this process reinforced the reality that rigorous planning and meticulous due diligence are vital to the critical path, especially for trail projects of this nature. For future projects involving pipeline easement, my first priority will be to contact the pipeline company and install monthly reminders on my calendar to ensure I obtain updates from the pipeline provider on a regular basis.
Another permitting challenge became apparent when the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) objected to our plan to install lighting within the HCFCD ROW. As the HCMUD 127 proposed trails wind along the back of subdivision properties adjacent to the HCFCD channel, lighting was an essential part of the overall project. The EHRA team quickly regrouped and designed a new scheme that shifted the lighting structures outside of the HCFCD ROW. We also presented environmentally friendly solar lights as an alternative to the original lighting configuration.
Cost Savings
As mindful stewards of public funds and other community resources, EHRA team members proactively took measures to help reduce costs for our client. One way we achieved this was by performing intensive quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) activities in the early stages of project development. For example, all plans were internally reviewed before official plan submittal. EHRA confirmed that each plan reviewer comment was adequately addressed, and we further prepared a comprehensive narrative in response to reviewer comments for added clarity. This level of dedication to QA/QC minimized the quantity of Harris County reviews, which inherently reduced the time and money spent by HCMUD 127 during the contract and permitting phase of the project.
Conclusion
I have been with the firm for a little over a year now, and this was one of the first projects I experienced with the team of professionals here at EHRA. Given the integrative nature of this project, I appreciate the benefits of interfacing with so many skilled individuals under one roof. I enjoy the genuine, supportive people with career longevity and hands-on knowledge in 11 practice areas that expeditiously answer virtually every question I have in-house. With final approval from Harris County, it is full steam ahead for the HCMUD 127 Phase One Trail Additions project. Construction for Phase One is scheduled to begin by late October 2022. I am excited to deliver a final product to our client that establishes a safe place for area residents to be active outside, enjoy leisure activities and experience nature now and far into the future.
