January 7, 1999

To Interested Parties:

In July of 1993, 1 requested Knesal Engineering Services to assist me with planning a residential subdivision on about 80 acres along the Tchoutacabouffa River north of Ulberville, MS. The site is a very sensitive and difficult location from both a design and environmental standpoint because of the river bonds, natural levees, inland wetlands and pools and flood plains.

Since I had not previously met Bill Knesal, I inquired in the community concerning the likelihood of his performing acceptably, since there were many other established firms available  several of whom I have had previous experience with. I was satisfied with what I learned of Mr. Knesal's reputation and track record and chose his firm to plan my subdivision, even though his company had only been in business for four months at the time.

Preliminary indications by previous wetlands consultants were that the site may contain too much wetlands area to be developed. However, Knesal Engineering and the wetland consultant they retained, Dr. Dana Sanders, performed a very detailed wetland delineation of the site which was accepted by the Corps of Engineers. Knesal assisted me with the location of the economical wetland mitigation land, and I was able to proceed with the project.

The roadways appear to take maximum advantage of the available upland areas, while minimizing the impact on the woodlands and wetlands. This produced a number of valuable waterfront lots while maintaining the rural, secluded character. The lot buyers have been pleased with the way the home sites are situated.

The roadway was designed in close coordination with the flood elevations along the river. Since I was concerned that many similar developments, including previous developments of my own, lose access during high river stages, Knesal Engineering was able to design the main road as a loop road, and set its elevation so that it does not violate flood plain regulations. In fact, access by homeowners is affected only at the I 100year flood elevation, and then only a few inches of water in most cases. This was accomplished by the design of one section of the road as a long spillway which releases the river water through the development in a way which minimizes the occurrence and duration in which access is restricted. The loop road provides access to the full subdivision from two directions without the residents having to cross the spillway section.

Knesal also was able to design and obtain permits for a boat launching ramp directly into the river. This amenity is at an area reserved for common use by all homeowners in the subdivision.

This development is named RIVERWALK, and is located about one mile north of D'Iberville on the west side of Lamey Bridge Road. I would appreciate your visiting the project if you are interested in the location or would like to see the results of Mr. Knesal's engineering.

Another development which Knesal designed for me is the commercial property along 110 immediately south of RIVERWALK. I have since sold this property, and a motel and WalMart Supercenter are being constructed there. Access to this 70 acre site was cut off by a major drainage area and some low value wetlands. Knesal was able to produce a master roadway and lot plan which the Corps of Engineers, EPA, and the U. S. Fish & Wildlife service accepted for permitting of filling the portion of the wetlands which was necessary to provide a viable commercial site.

In addition to Bill Knesal and Dr. Sanders, I have worked very closely with Project Manager Donald Welch through all development and construction phases on both sites. I have found Knesal's staff to be very responsive, and I have always felt comfortable counting on their technical, management and regulatory agency expertise to get the job done.

I would be happy to speak with you concerning Knesal Engineering's abilities and performance.

Sincerely,

Carl Padgett