Gibbs & Olson – Proud Supporter of the Lower Columbia College STEM Institute

shapeimage_1 (2)Almost everything about our world—all the things we do, touch and know— are in some way tied to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). As civil engineers and land surveyors, STEM is a big piece of our daily work at Gibbs & Olson. We enjoyed participating in the 2013 STEM Institute program hosted by Lower Columbia College. Dan Bergman, our survey crew chief, provided students with a hands-on introduction to Global Positioning System land surveying.

 

Dan presented the students with both historical and educational information about land surveying and they also had an opportunity to use our field equipment. The students learned how surveying is a critical component of every building and construction project and how surveying contributes to their everyday world. We are a proud supporter of the STEM program and encourage students to consider STEM related careers.

City of Longview Highlands Trail Project Receives Award

shapeimage_1 (3)Congratulations to the City of Longview, their Highlands Trail project recently received a 2013 FHWA/WSDOT Projects of Excellence Award for Best Special Project. The Highlands Trail Project provides a critical recreational link along the bordering residential community to their adjoining parks and open spaces, and provides a significant contribution to the completion of the Cowlitz Regional Trail Plan. The intention is to eventually connect the Highlands Trail to the countywide trail system that is being built in phases. We are proud to have been a part of this important community project.

Gibbs & Olson Awarded Astoria, Oregon 11th Street Combined Sewer Overflow Project

Gibbs & Olson was selected to complete surveying, design and construction phase services for the City’s combined sewer overflow (CSO) separation project. The project includes over 9,000 feet of new storm sewer pipe along 8th through 12th Streets. The $6 million project represents the next step in completing the City’s 20 year program of reducing or eliminating CSOs. This project includes the physical separation of stormwater from the sanitary sewer system. The new storm sewer conveyance system will bypass the City’s interceptor to the wastewater treatment plant and discharge the stormwater, which has not been co-mingled with sanitary sewer, directly to the Columbia River.

Industrial Park at TransAlta Selects Gibbs & Olson for Economic Development Project

In May 2013 Industrial Park at TransAlta selected Gibbs & Olson to provide engineering and permit assistance services for the first phase infrastructure of improvements to 143 acres of reclaimed mining lands. This project will prepare the site for industrial use and will help attract economic opportunities to Lewis County. Improvements to be completed include extending water, sewer, and roadway infrastructure. The project also includes site work consisting of excavation, filling, grading, ground cover, and storm drainage infrastructure to provide 50-75 acres suitable for specific site development by third parties. Funding sources for the project include a $1 million grant from the Washington Department of Commerce and a $2.8 million grant from the US Economic Development Administration.

Rich Gushman Presents At 2013 WOW Conference

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Rich Gushman, president of Gibbs & Olson, was on hand at the 2013 Washington Operator Workshop (WOW) Conference to present his expertise on “How to Effectively Reduce Collection System I & I Flows” and discuss lessons learned on past projects. Gibbs & Olson has over 30 years of effective I&I removal project experience. Rich has 24 years of experience and is a technical expert in microbiological, chemical and engineering aspects of wastewater treatment and wastewater residual solids treatment. Download presentation on “How to Effectively Reduce Collection System I & I Flows.”

City of Longview Awards Gibbs & Olson Lake Sacajawea Flushing Project

shapeimage_1 (5)Gibbs & Olson was hired by the City of Longview to evaluate alternatives to provide flushing water to Lake Sacajawea that will allow the city to maintain aesthetics and water quality in the Lake. The City constructed a new regional water treatment plant. Following construction of the new plant, an alternative means of providing “flushing water” to Lake Sacajawea needs to be implemented. Once decommissioned, the existing pumps, piping and pump control system will not operate properly for lake flushing and the existing fish screens must be replaced to meet Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) requirements.

Gibbs & Olson Sponsors The First PWB Regional Academy

Gibbs & Olson sponsored the first Public Works Board Regional Academy which was held at Clark College Corporate Learning Center in Vancouver.

This was an opportunity for attendees to learn more about:

  • The future of the region’s economy
  • The political landscape following the November elections
  • Flow of funding through a county to local governments

Gibbs & Olson has an in-house funding specialist with the experience needed to develop a creative funding strategy that will successfully meet funding agency objectives. We can be involved with every aspect of the funding application process or simply review the application packages before submittal. Once funding is obtained we offer funding administrative services to ensure all the required documentation is appropriately prepared and submitted for funding agency compliance. Contact us to find out how Gibbs & Olson can help make your project a success!

City of Longview Highlands Trail Ribbon Cutting

shapeimage_1 (6)The Highlands Trail officially opened Saturday. Longview Mayor Dennis Weber, Patsy Hite and local boy scouts helped cut the ribbon, officially opening the trail. The ribbon cutting was followed by a Fun Walk from Archie Anderson Park to the Highlands Community Center on Carolina Street. The trail celebration was co-sponsored by the City of Longview and the Highlands Neighborhood Association.

Gibbs & Olson provided the City of Longview with design and bid phase services. Project elements included 6,800 feet of 10 foot wide asphalt trail, concrete sidewalks, ADA compliant access ramps, utility access gates, chicane bike crossings, trail signage and striping, urban design amenities, water quality treatment area, landscaping, and LED trail lighting. The additives include 13,000 square feet of parking, stormwater collection, treatment and disposal, landscaping and irrigation, and illumination for Archie Anderson Park; and two separate street parking areas with curb and gutter, concrete sidewalk, stormwater collection and treatment, signing, striping, landscaping and illumination.

The Highlands Trail Project provides a critical recreational link along the bordering residential community to their adjoining parks and open spaces, and provides a significant contribution to the completion of the Cowlitz Regional Trail Plan. The intention is to eventually connect the Highlands Trail to the countywide trail system that is being built in phases.

Gibbs & Olson Attends Small Ports Seminar

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Carol Ruiz and Vicki Wiggins of Gibbs & Olson attended the Washington Public Ports Association (WPPA) Small Ports Conference in Leavenworth. Carol was a guest speaker and provided tips to small ports on working with consultants. Other presentations included helpful topics on how to find new tenants, applying for grants, the SEPA process, and managing leases. Download presentation on “Helping consultants…so we can better serve you.”

Richard Gushman Elected To Cowlitz EDC Board

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EDC Newsletter

Richard Gushman president of Gibbs & Olson was elected to the Cowlitz Economic Development Council Board of Directors. The CEDC supports business expansion and retention through strategic alliances and strong community support.

Serving Cowlitz County since 1979, CEDC is a proactive, results-oriented public/private partnership working with over 200 associates to assist businesses to relocate or expand in Cowlitz County.

CEDC promotes job creation and investment while maintaining the county’s exceptional environment and high quality of place.