Projects

The focus of this project was a joint effort among the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the City of Schertz, Texas, located in Guadalupe County, and Ford Engineering, Inc. to decrease the amount of damage that results from the area’s historically high occurrences of 100-year flooding. On October 17, 1998, the West Dietz Creek overtopped it's banks, inundating and blocking access to 80 percent of the city. Water levels in the channel crested four to six feet over roadways and drainage structures. All emergency services were completely shut down for six to eight hours. According to the Guadalupe- Blanco River Authority, approximately 3,450 structures were heavily damaged or destroyed and 5 lives were lost in Guadalupe County during this tragic event. This occurrence triggered a massive response by the City to curb the recurring tragedies caused by the flooding of West Dietz Creek. Ford Engineering, Inc., serving as City Engineer, and acting under the direction of the City, prepared a study to determine the improvements needed to contain the 100-year flood within the banks of West Dietz Creek. This study and cost estimate was used as the basis of a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program submitted to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The grant was approved on October 11, 2002 in the amount of $3 million, which represented 75% of the estimated project cost. Design began immediately and Right of Way Acquisition of over 50 acres was secured. Work began in June of 2003 and was completed in September of 2005.

This project rectified 1.5 miles of West Dietz Creek and involved over 700,000 cubic yards of excavation, 1,500 cubic yards of concrete, 200,000 pounds of steel, relocation of potable water mains, sanitary sewer lines, electrical lines, and road reconstruction. This project succeeded in removing 308 acres of land from the 100-year flood plain.

In June of 2004, the West Dietz Creek watershed received 8.5 inches of rain in a six hour period. This was in excess of a 100-year event and the run-off was totally contained within the banks of the new channel.

The determination of the City Council, led by a strong Mayor and dedicated staff, working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and their City Engineer secured the grant that funded this project. The City of Schertz was able to reclaim a vital part of their City thus insuring the health, welfare and safety of the citizens during future events. Application of sound engineering principles, engineering economics and project management procedures helped assure a successful conclusion to this vitally needed project.

Ford Engineering, Inc. completed the design and bid phase of the City of Schertz Year 2010 Water System Bond fund Improvement Program. The impetus of the Program was to remove dependence on the Edwards Aquifer by securing a drought resistant water supply that will satisfy the needs of the City. Included in this program was the following:

Ford Engineering, Inc. completed the reconstruction and widening of Schertz Parkway for the City of Schertz.

This project entailed approximately 12,000 linear feet of street construction and underground storm sewer system, 4 lanes, and a 14' landscaped island with decorative light fixtures (IH35 to Live Oak) and improvements to Dietz Creek.

Also included in the scope of the project was the modification of the sanitary sewer and water distribution facilities, preparation of plans, specifications, and cost estimates.

Wild Wind Subdivision is located in the beautiful City of Garden Ridge, Texas, located northeast of the City of San Antonio, Texas.

Wild Wind consists of 120 single family residential lots ranging in size from 3/4 acres to 2.5 acres. This project included a zoning change, platting, street and water design, and construction management. Each individual lot was surveyed and staked out and metes and bounds were produced.

The subdivision required a drainage analysis and the design of a 1 acre detention pond.

WINWOOD PUMP STATION

The Winwood Storage Tank is a two-million gallon concrete ground storage tank that consists of distribution pumping facilities and is made up of a one - two million gallon per day (2-MGD) horizontal split case distribution pump and two - four million gallon per day (4-MGD) horizontal split case distribution pumps. A Fluoridation System and a Stand-by Chlorination system is also included in the facility. There is an on-site building that houses the electrical and chemical systems. The electrical system is comprised of controls, instrumentation and SCADA systems, security and monitoring systems and a stand-by generator. The project also included sitework, paving, perimeter fencing and driveway access.

Ford Engineering, Inc. was awarded the contract for the Survey Stakeout of the Costco Project located on IH 35 in Selma, Texas. The project included boundary analysis, establishment of a survey control network around the site and the stakeout of all site improvements throughout the entire 12 acre site. Despite problems with the construction plans, Ford Engineering, Inc. assisted the contractor on a daily basis by in-field engineering with site changes and elevation determinations of various aspects of the project to include building corner stakeout, pier location determinations and retaining walls stakeout. The project was completed on time even with an extremely wet summer that slowed and stopped the progress on numerous occasions.