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BRIEF: The group proposing an alternative expansion plan for the Katy Freeway, the Katy Corridor Coalition, has been awarded a citation of honor from the Houston chapter of the American Institute of Architects, or AIA. In citing the plan as an "outstanding contribution to the community," the AIA endorsed it for "addressing Houston's long-term transportation needs and not being driven by political motives or conveniently expedient funding schemes." The Katy Corridor Coalition's plans counter those of the state, which proposed a toll road in the middle of the expansion and excluded the future possibility of devoting any space to light rail. The alternative plan, on the other hand, provides right-of-way for future rail while addressing the need for noise reduction and flood control and including a greenbelt for both environmental and aesthetic reasons. More support for the alternative plan comes from the organization Mothers for Clean Air. They sent the Texas Department of Transportation a letter asking them to adopt critical features of the Coalition's plan in an effort to improve air quality in Houston neighborhoods. Thus far, neither state nor local officials have responded to the award or the letter. Sylvain Ramshaw, KPFT News, Houston. E-mail Sylvain Ramshawa at sylvain_ramshaw@hotmail.com . This story was broadcast on March 12, 2003.