NORTHWEST VALLEY INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT, PHOENIX, FEBRUARY 22
The Northwest Valley Infrastructure Project is a true example of how early planning, attention to safety and quality, and focus on partnering can result in a highly successful venture.
The $125 million construction project required the installation of the water and wastewater infrastructure under an exceedingly accelerated schedule that allowed less than six months for preconstruction and procurement and only nine months for construction.
Construction of the $12 billion Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) plant (one of two) could not have moved forward without the Northwest Valley Water & Wastewater effort.
Representatives from the Phoenix Water Services Department, Wilson Engineers, Carollo Engineers, Sundt Construction, Felix Construction, and Garney Construction attended the event.
“America’s engineering firms plan and deliver innovative infrastructure every day. That’s why we’re here today—to spotlight the engineers of today and the generations to come, who will design the future,” said ACEC Chair Emeritus Jay Wolverton.
“This accomplishment highlights the important role that meticulous planning, design, and construction efforts play in ensuring the success of critical ventures like our city’s new TSMC plant,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego.
COLMAN DOCK, SEATTLE, APRIL 3
Seattle’s Multimodal Terminal at Colman Dock exemplifies how comprehensive infrastructure investment can promote equity within a community and drive economic growth.
Supporting more than 10 million passengers on Washington State Ferries each year, Colman Dock plays a critical role as a transportation hub for residents. As the structures were aging and vulnerable to seismic impacts, the dock and terminal were reconstructed to better withstand environmental impacts. Facilities were also expanded to accommodate additional passengers and vendors, transforming the terminal into a local attraction.
Effective project management of the nearly $500 million construction project has allowed Washington State Ferries to continue serving 10 million annual passengers without delay from the construction project. The seating capacity in the expanded 20,000-square-foot terminal triples that of the past terminal.
The event drew representatives from the Washington State Department of Transportation, WSP USA, Hoffman Construction Company, and the city of Seattle.
“Investment in transportation is a means to multiple ends,” said Secretary of Transportation Roger Millar of the Washington State Department of Transportation and past president of the ASCE Transportation and Development Institute Board of Governors.
"Colman Dock and other such infrastructure projects will hopefully entice more of our youth, our future engineers, to dream about how they could be part of something so consequential,” said ACEC Washington President Van Collins.
LOW BATTERY SEAWALL RESTORATION PROJECT, CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA, APRIL 25
Charleston’s Low Battery Seawall Restoration Project underscores the importance of innovative engineering solutions in addressing the challenges of climate change and rising sea levels.
Constructed in two phases from 1909 to 1919, the Battery has withstood numerous severe storms and hurricanes and suffered from natural erosion from the elements. Following a 2004 Seawall Evaluation and Study, ACEC member firm Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson began the surveying work in May 2015 to collect data needed to accurately assess and design the new seawall. A new city initiative was introduced during the design phase that required new city projects with a design life of 50-plus years to account for an anticipated sea level rise of 2.5 feet.
Roadshow event participants included Congressman James Clyburn; Charleston Mayor William S. Cogswell Jr.; Michael Seekings, District Eight council member; and Patrick Ripton, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; along with executives from ACEC, ASCE, and APWA.
To meet the challenges of climate change, “programs like this one require leaders with vision—people who can see off into the future,” said Clyburn.
“It’s wonderful to see our dedicated city staff and external partners receive recognition for their innovative engineering and visionary contributions to our city,” said Cogswell.
“Our climate is changing, producing stronger storms, higher tides, and more destructive, unpredictable weather patterns,” said ACEC Chair Emeritus Jay Wolverton. “We need to design our infrastructure not only for today but into the future to mitigate risk and ensure the safety of our neighbors.”
DC INFRASTRUCTURE ACADEMY, WASHINGTON, D.C., MAY 16
In coordination with Infrastructure Week, the Roadshow stopped at the DC Infrastructure Academy (DCIA) to highlight Washington, D.C.’s efforts to grow the infrastructure workforce, led by Mayor Muriel Bowser.
DCIA was chosen for its unique emphasis on training D.C. residents for in-demand infrastructure jobs. Launched in 2018 by Bowser, DCIA is a partnership between the District government and utility, union, university, and private sector partners to create a pipeline to jobs in infrastructure and public works.
During the event, Bowser spoke about the focus of DCIA—to “train our residents for the jobs of the future and the infrastructure of the future”—and the expanded impact DCIA will have when it transitions to the newly renovated Spingarn High School in 2025.
ACEC Board Chair Dr. Gary W. Raba, PE, commended D.C.’s efforts to make infrastructure careers accessible to residents. “To folks who may not have considered a career in infrastructure before today, let me say this: We need you. Our industry has goodpaying jobs that make our neighborhoods better, and we want you to join us.”
In addition to Roadshow partner executives, event participants and speakers included Bowser; Raba; Jason Washington, chief of staff, D.C. Department of Employment Services; Hugh “Mac” Cannon, ACEC Metropolitan Washington President; and Rodney Chester, ACEC Workforce Committee Chair.
For more information on the Engineering and Public Works Roadshow and to learn about upcoming events, go to: www.infrastructureroadshow.org.