September 2, 2003

Interstate 45 project wins state-wide award

THE WOODLANDS, Texas (September 2, 2003) - The Interstate 45 Beautification project in South Montgomery County has won a prestigious Texas Community Forestry Award sponsored by the Texas Urban Forestry Council and the Texas Forest Service.

Named the Best Arboricultural Project in Texas, Town Center Improvement District (TCID) will be presented the award by the Texas Urban Forestry Council on September 18, 2003 in San Antonio in conjunction with the National Urban Forestry Council's annual meeting. Texas Urban Forestry Council and the Texas Forestry Service have been presenting these forestry awards since 1985.

The program of planting native vegetation was designed to restore and augment the area's natural forest look as trees and shrubs mature after expansion of Interstate 45, the major corridor linking Houston and Dallas. The installation of approximately 11,800 plants and an extensive irrigation system can be found along Interstate 45 between Rayford/Sawdust Road and Highway 242.

"We are quite honored this initiative has been named the best in Texas," said Frank W. Robinson, President of TCID. "Our area is known for its naturally-forested beauty. As the freeway expansion neared completion, we wanted to take steps to restore natural vegetation in the Interstate 45 right-of-way as well as other public and private property adjacent to the freeway. Most of all, we wanted visitors and local residents to experience the difference such an effort can make. This program is a reflection of the 'look' and 'feel' of Montgomery County."

Mr. Robinson commended the vision of the Town Center Improvement District Board of Directors to get the project started and the dedication and energy of Mr. Paul Mendes, City Administrator of Oak Ridge North who managed the project. Participating organizations included Texas Department of Transportation, The Woodlands Operating Company, L.P., City of Oak Ridge North, City of Shenandoah, Community Associations of The Woodlands, the South Montgomery County Woodlands Chamber of Commerce, United States Congressman Kevin Brady, Montgomery County Precinct 2 and 3, and the South Montgomery County Municipal Utility District.

"Those of us involved from the beginning can already see a substantial difference," said Oak Ridge Mayor Joe Michels.

Based on a successful beautification effort on Interstate 45, TCID has produced a new guide to help other cities and towns.

"Highway Beautification: A Step by Step Guide," was produced by TCID after many requests concerning the District's Interstate 45 Beautification project in The Woodlands and South Montgomery County. TCID, along with several different companies, cities and local community groups, engaged in a massive beautification project after the expansion of Interstate 45 in South Montgomery County.

"This guide sets forth the framework for cities and towns to initiate their own highway beautification projects," Mr. Robinson said. "I highly recommend this guide for public entities as they launch beautification efforts."

The guide, which is spiral bound, is available at a cost of $10. Interested individuals can contact TCID at 281-363-2447 or via the Internet at www.town-center.com