Guernsey Begins Phase 2 of Arkansas River Corridor Project

11.24.2004

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Tulsa District Army Corps of Engineers awarded C. H. Guernsey & Company the Phase 2 Arkansas River Corridor master plan project, which is part of Tulsa’s Vision 2025 development plan.

Phase 1 dealt with broad ranging issues and possibilities. Phase 2, however, will achieve the following with assistance from public, private and partnered stakeholders and interest groups:

According to Ken Senour, Guernsey vice president and project manager, the master plan helps coordinate and integrate the diverse activities of the various stakeholders, including municipalities and governmental agencies.

“The plan also provides a common reference point for local and regional development, environmental restoration, and recreational opportunities,” said Senour.

A major objective of the project identifies opportunities to leverage local funds with federal funds. Guernsey’s work will contribute to National Economic Development and National Ecosystem Restoration outputs; allowing the project to meet applicable components identified in Proposition 4 of Vision 2025’s overall plan.

Vision 2025’s purpose is to develop a cohesive greater Tulsa area. The communities involved supported the four different Vision 2025 propositions when voters approved a one-penny, 13-year increase in the Tulsa County tax on Sept. 9, 2003.

One Vision 2025 proposition is community enrichment. A significant portion of Vision 2025 Proposition 4 devotes sales tax revenues to improvements associated with the Arkansas River Corridor. The Tulsa area communities recognize the Arkansas River Corridor’s natural resource importance, and its potential to stimulate private investment and improve the quality of life for current and future generations.

Senour stated the two master plan’s key aspects include quality development opportunities and environmental restoration.

“It is important that the Tulsa metropolitan area have coordinated and strategic development while preserving and restoring the river to enhance the wildlife residing within the river and along its banks,” said Senour.

The Phase 1 study, which was previously conducted, consisted of a series of public meetings and outreach measures to record interest and vision for each community and the corridor as a whole. It addressed privately- and publicly-owned property within the river corridor and identified potential conservation, development and redevelopment sites.

C. H. Guernsey & Company Background Information:
C. H. Guernsey & Company, celebrating more than 75 years of business, offers quality engineering, architectural and consulting solutions to clients in the United States and abroad. Guernsey has its headquarters in Oklahoma City with offices in the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois and Texas. Visit http://www.chguernsey.com for additional information.

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