Baker Awarded $3.5 Million Highway Contract for Houston's Grand Parkway.

Business Editors

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 16, 2001

The Grand Parkway Association of Houston, Texas, has awarded a contract to Michael Baker Jr., Inc., for the preparation of environmental documents for Segments E, F-1, F-2 and G of the Grand Parkway northwest of Houston.

Michael Baker Jr., Inc., is a unit of Michael Baker Corporation (AMEX:BKR).

Under this $3.5 million contract, Baker will prepare separate documents for each section as required under the National Environmental Policy Act, drainage analysis for all segments, schematic design for Segment F-2, and review of schematic design documents prepared by other consultants for Segments E, F-1 and G.

The Grand Parkway is a proposed 170-mile scenic outer loop, limited-access highway around suburban Houston. The segments covered in this contract include approximately 53 miles of the proposed Parkway on the west and north sides of the city. Baker recently completed a corridor study and preliminary alignment study on these same segments. Final design of these segments is expect to commence upon receipt of a Record of Decision. Construction could begin on portions of the roadway as early as 2004.

"This is a fast-growing area of metropolitan Houston," said David Gornet, P.E., executive director of the Grand Parkway Association. "Baker's demonstrated experience in performing these services for complex and controversial projects should help us develop and gain approval for alignment before development closes up available locations for this new highway."

Michael Baker Corporation (www.mbakercorp.com) provides engineering and energy expertise for public and private sector clients worldwide. The firm's primary services include engineering design for the transportation and civil infrastructure markets, operation and maintenance of oil and gas production facilities, architecture, environmental services, and construction management for building and transportation projects. Baker has more than 3,800 employees in over 30 offices across the United States and internationally.