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Thomas & Hutton Expands Savannah Office with New Hires

The newly expanded team at Thomas & Hutton focusing on water resources management in Savannah.

News Summary

Thomas & Hutton (T&H) has strengthened its Savannah office by hiring Brad Lariscy as a Survey & Drone Project Manager and Lexi Scheele as a Water Resources Designer. Lariscy will utilize drone technology to enhance surveying operations, while Scheele will conduct analyses for stormwater projects. Additionally, Savannah city officials are set to host community meetings regarding stormwater management, coinciding with the introduction of a new stormwater utility fee. These initiatives reflect proactive environmental strategies in the region.

Savannah, Georgia – Thomas & Hutton (T&H), a prominent engineering firm, has bolstered its Savannah office with the addition of two new skilled professionals, enhancing its capabilities in surveying and water resources management. Brad Lariscy has rejoined the firm as a Survey & Drone Project Manager, while Lexi Scheele has taken on the role of Water Resources Designer.

Lariscy will be responsible for overseeing and coordinating various land surface surveys and investigations. His work includes preparing essential documents like topographic maps, boundary adjustments, subdivision maps, records of survey, and legal descriptions. His role will cover data collection for a wide range of projects, including industrial, commercial, and residential developments. A key component of Lariscy’s responsibilities will focus on integrating drone technology into T&H’s surveying operations, aiming to enhance both accuracy and efficiency in data collection.

Scheele’s contributions will focus on conducting hydrologic, hydraulic, and water quality analyses specifically for stormwater systems. In her capacity, she will provide support for both large and small-scale development projects, along with watershed evaluations. T&H’s overarching goal through the hiring of Scheele is to create sustainable water management solutions using innovative and multidisciplinary approaches.

Starting in April 2025, community meetings will be initiated to engage the public on stormwater projects in Savannah. These discussions arise from considerations for a new stormwater utility fee to address recent rainfall and flooding challenges the city has faced. Savannah City Manager Jay Melder has indicated that these community conversations will explore existing funding methods and the potential introduction of this new fee.

The engagement strategy will replicate formats from the city’s strategic plan and will include breakout groups aimed at addressing specific issues. Savannah’s Chief of Water Resources, Ron Feldner, has pointed out the importance of community participation in these breakout sessions, emphasizing an open dialogue about stormwater management.

A final recommendation for a new stormwater service delivery plan is anticipated by late 2025. Currently, Savannah funds its stormwater operations through a combination of general funds, Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) revenues, and grants.

In addition to T&H’s advancements, Bryan and Bulloch Counties have implemented the Groundwater Sustainability Program (GSP) in response to rising demand for groundwater. This program aims to safeguard private and agricultural well owners from the adverse effects of reduced water levels stemming from new groundwater withdrawal permits issued by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

The GSP will introduce emergency water supplies and sustainable long-term solutions for affected well owners. An initial Mitigation Fund of $1 million has been established, with contributions coming from local development authorities and partnering organizations. Registration of wells will be encouraged to expedite claims processing, although it will not be mandatory, ensuring an inclusive process for well owners.

Public education and transparency are key priorities for the GSP throughout its operation. An Advisory Committee has been formed to oversee the program, with quarterly meetings scheduled to offer recommendations and to ensure effective management and administration of the GSP.

These initiatives by Thomas & Hutton and local governments underscore a proactive approach to environmental challenges facing Savannah and surrounding areas. The integration of advanced technology in surveying by T&H, alongside sustainable water resource management strategies in Bryan and Bulloch Counties, exemplifies a commitment to addressing both current and future infrastructure and environmental needs.