VHB has been recognized with an American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) Georgia Engineering Excellence State Award for our work on Georgia Transmission Corporation (GTC)’s Dresden-Talbot 500kV Transmission Line. VHB leveraged ArcGIS Dashboards, Experience Builder, and a StoryMap to create an integrated, GIS-based data asset and narrative platform that allowed GTC to make rapid, informed siting decisions, accelerate Phase II and NEPA/Section 106 reviews, and establish a reusable framework for managing environmental data on future projects.
GTC has continued to apply this innovative, GIS-based approach on other high-priority transmission projects across the state.
VHB led an expedited Phase I historic resources survey across a 1,200-square-mile study area—roughly the size of Yellowstone National Park—evaluating all pre-1976 resources for eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places. Leveraging a data-informed approach, the team used custom Esri Field Maps and surveyed nearly 30,000 parcels and drove close to 4,000 miles. They documented more than 5,100 known historic resources, discovered 800 previously unidentified sites, and ultimately classified 812 as eligible or potentially eligible while mapping cultural resource “hotspots” to guide planning for the transmission line.
This project also provided hands-on training opportunities for University of Georgia students and has been showcased at major industry events, including the Esri International User Conference 2025 and the 2024 American Cultural Resources Association Conference.
“Being honored with the Engineering Excellence Award for VHB’s work on the Dresden-Talbot 500kV Transmission Line is a testament to what’s possible when dedicated team members, thoughtful environmental practices, and innovative technology aligns,” said Erin Murphy, Environmental Services Director at VHB. “This recognition reinforces our commitment to continually set new benchmarks for engineering excellence and keep delivering outcomes that exceed our clients’ needs and expectations.”
The Dresden-Talbot 500kV Transmission Line is one of 19 anticipated major projects that Georgia Transmission will be advancing over the next five years to strengthen grid resiliency. The $402M project is expected to complete construction in 2029 to power Georgia's continued economic growth.
Learn more about VHB’s full suite of environmental services.
