Despite the early hour, NHA members were rubbing elbows with business, community and political officials at the Association’s Annual Awards/Mobility Update Breakfast on July 20. “We thought a breakfast would be a nice change of pace, and with the amount of ground we have to cover today, we need all the time we can get,” said Catherine Wray, executive director. After introductions were made and dignitaries and sponsors recognized, NHA Chairman Dennis Petersen detailed the steps taken by committee members and staff to produce the Mobility Update.
The purpose of the document is to identify and prioritize mobility projects needed to accommodate existing and future transportation demand in north Houston. It includes an inventory of current and future roadway and highway projects, information on multimodal projects in Greenspoint and The Woodlands, details on expansions and improvements at Bush Intercontinental Airport, information on the Clean Air Act as it relates to transportation, a summary on the Grand Parkway and contacts for funding agencies.
A copy of the Mobility Update was given to each attendee at the breakfast, mailed to all NHA member contacts and will be provided to agencies and elected officials. NHA members may purchase additional copies at $5, and non-members will be charged $25. Tom Rolen, director of public works and engineering for the city of Houston, spoke about Greens Road, the one city of Houston project identified as priority in the Mobility Update. Jackie Freeman, assistant county engineer for Harris County, discussed the priority projects in Harris County. Following Freeman, Bob Johnson spoke on behalf of Montgomery County Judge Alan Sadler about identified Montgomery County projects.
The final speaker during the Mobility Update segment of the breakfast was Gary Trietsch, district engineer for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). He discussed a number of projects TxDOT is involved with that are identified in the Mobility Update. “TxDOT is an essential partner for our area’s continued growth,” said Wray. “The agency and its employees have been extremely helpful and available to the Association through the years. NHA members arc especially appreciative of Chris Olavson. former director of district transportation planning for TxDOT, and his commitment to the region’s success.” For this reason, Olavson received NHA’s highest honor, the North Star Award. When working for TxDOT. Olavson regularly attended NHA’s Transportation Committee meetings to keep membership informed on regional issues and the status of projects in north Houston.
The North Star Award is given to an individual who has made a long-term impact on the quality of life in north Houston. Two individuals were honored with the Association’s Compass Award: Glenn Graham and David Millikan. Graham, with PBS&J Corporation, has served as the chairman of NHA’s Transportation Committee for three years. Graham and Millikan worked together as co-chairmen of the Grand Parkway Committee. In addition to his work with the Grand Parkway Committee, Millikan was chairman of the Environment Committee for two years, NHA’s Compass Award is bestowed on an individual who has made significant contributions to the projects and programs of the Association.
The third NHA award is the Environmental Impact Award. This year, the Association honored Continental Airlines for its strides in preserving north Houston’s environment. Continental has an eight-member environmental affairs staff working to reduce operational impacts on the environment while maintaining a safe, on- time airline. It has agreed to voluntarily reduce air emissions, specifically nitrogen oxides, from ground service equipment at Bush Intercontinental Airport by 75 percent by 2005.
