Previously, designers were deployed into the field with notebooks and had to log all topographic features by hand, including everything from roads, manholes, and utility lines to trees, homes, and fences.

A&A’s approach, however, is to research and compile all available data in digital form on a Tablet PC. The designer has a good picture of the existing conditions and an idea of where the new fiber line would be located before arriving in the field. Once in the field, the designer confirms or modifies the proposed location and makes any changes to the data using the Tablet PC. This approach is more efficient, results in better designs, and reduces the overall cost.

Ken Hall, who has more than 20 years of experience designing outside plant (outside fiber optic lines and facilities) for Verizon, will manage A&A’s response to the increasing demand for high speed access to the internet. Many local governments are realizing the importance of high speed access and are receiving local grants to install fiber lines. With our experience in linear projects, such as road, water, sewer, and gas lines, this is a natural addition to our services.

Since 1999, Franklin County, Virginia has held a lease on a 37-acre tract of land on Smith Mountain Lake. The lease stipulates that the land is to be utilized as a public park, and after many years of planning, the Smith Mountain Lake Community Park is about to break ground. The park will be a day use facility and will be the only public access on the western side of the lake.

A&A Project Manager Chris Fewster has been working closely with the County and its staff for more than a year and a half to develop the master plan for the park.

The first phase, which includes widening and stabilizing the existing causeway, was recently advertised for construction. During this phase, the County will be working with the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) and local fishing groups to establish offshore fish habitats. Phase II is anticipated to include the construction of an access road and a handicap accessible fishing trail and pier, along with a picnic shelter and comfort station.

Future improvements will provide a swimming area and a maintenance building. The County will continue to stabilize the shoreline using various methods of hard armor such as rip rap and cellular concrete mats. VDGIF is also planning to build a public-use boat ramp and parking area as funds become available.