Dennis Corporation Environmental Manager and Charleston Branch Manager, Kally McCormick, recently presented at the 2010 National Association of Environmental Professionals Conference (NAEP) held in Atlanta, Georgia from April 27th to April 30th. Ms. McCormick discussed navigating the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) through the historic sweetgrass basket making corridor in Mount Pleasant, SC.
At the conference, Ms. McCormick presented on the US 17 widening project in Mount Pleasant from a four-lane divided highway to a six lane highway. The highway has over 60 small, wooden stands that men and women have set up for weaving and selling baskets made of native sweetgrass plants. These stands have been located along this high traffic highway since the 1930s and are a cultural standard for this historic area of South Carolina. The widening project will reduce traffic congestion and improve traffic flow along US 17 between the Isle of Palms Connector and Darrell Creek Trail and also will improve non-motorized transportation access, and traffic-related safety conditions.
Ms. McCormick was honored to be selected as a presenter for this conference. She stated, “The NAEP provides great support to so many of us in the environmental field and I enjoyed sharing our team’s experience on a project that is helping to preserve this unique part of South Carolina’s history.”
She credited the success of the project to flexibility, listening, learning, anticipating solutions and dedication of the project team. Michael Allen of the National Park Service congratulated the project team saying, “I would like to commend you all for your hard work and dedication on this worthwhile project. The level of sensitivity and community involvement is outstanding. As the Coordinator of the Gullah Geechee Corridor, I am keenly aware of all of the efforts to preserve and protect Gullah Culture. I am proud to say that this endeavor is by far is one of the most outstanding in the entire corridor!”
Dennis Corporation is a South Carolina licensed civil engineering, surveying and construction management firm. Dennis Corporation’s specific fields of expertise include aviation engineering, civil infrastructure, construction management, construction services, environmental services, expert witness, geotechnical engineering, intelligent transportation systems, program management, special projects, surveying, traffic engineering, transportation engineering and water resources.