Ports To Plains Feasibility Study Constraints Analysis and Interactive CD

Hicks & Company evaluated 14 potential interstate corridors traversing four states from Denver, Colorado to the Texas/Mexico border. The firm conducted environmental constraints screenings for alternatives analysis and created an award-winning CD-ROMfor environmental resources containing multiple layers of interactive GIS graphics and companion text and photos.

Edwards Aquifer Authority Proposed Rulemaking Regulatory Impact Assessment

Hicks & Company conducted regulatory impact assessments on proposed rules affecting strategies for addressing water quality, quantity, and aquifer management. This included Regulated Substance Tank Rules; Well Construction, Operation, Maintenance and Closure Rules; Demand Management and Critical Period Management Rules; Groundwater Withdrawal Permits, Aquifer Recharge, Storage, and Recovery Projects Rules. Each of the rules assessments analyzed potential impacts to the Authority, the regulated community, the aquifer and aquifer-related resources, and longer term or indirect social and economic effects. The assessments are generally based on the application of available data and previous research and studies performed by the Authority. A significant amount of additional information was collected through interviews with stakeholders including the regulated community, groundwater users, and other professionals who might be impacted by the proposed regulations.

George West High Priority Corridor Project Community Impact Assessment

Hicks & Company conducted a Community Impact Assessment for proposed transportation improvements in this small, south Texas town. The project, led by the Corpus Christi District of TxDOT, involved nearly two dozen stakeholder interviews and extensive GIS analysis in support of the land use, economic effects and environmental justice assessments. Hicks & Company prepared an EIS-level assessment of the potential social and economic effects of a proposed relief route and "through-town" alignment alternatives, and helped lead a public open house meeting to present the findings. In addition to the final report, Hicks & Company prepared a summary brochure of the findings and recommendations, providing both English and Spanish language versions for wide circulation within the local community.

Tyler Loop 49 Environmental Justice Analysis

As part of the EIS for the Loop 49 project in Tyler, Texas, Hicks & Company analyzed demographic characteristics to determine the effect that the proposed toll road would have on the area's low-income communities. The study required adapting U.S. Census data to the project's travel demand model and traffic analysis zone geography and investigating dependence of low-income motorists on the proposed Loop 49 toll road.