Leon County Recognized for Outstanding Public Works Projects

Leon County Recognized for Five Outstanding Public Works Projects

On Thursday night, Leon County Government received five Project of the Year awards from the Big Bend Branch of American Public Works Association (APWA) recognizing outstanding public works projects. Each year, APWA spotlights special projects in the community that have achieved project goals within budget all while exceeding public expectations.

"This year's award-winning projects highlighted Leon County's incredible work to improve transportation, the environment, and all-around livability for our whole community," said Leon County Commission Chairman Bill Proctor. "Safe infrastructure represents the literal building blocks to connect people, businesses and neighborhoods. We are proud of our Public Works teams and the work they do every day!"

This year, the following Leon County Government projects received awards:

• Raymond Tucker Road Drainage Improvement Project in the category of Multifunction. During extreme rain events, roadways in this area became inundated with as much as 1.5 feet of water, becoming impassable. This project built a series of bridges and cross drain improvement to enhance accessibility and safety during extreme storm events and throughout the year.
• Apalachee Regional Park – Phase II in the category of Transportation. A new roundabout was constructed at the entrance to Apalachee Regional Park to increase safety and create a signature entry road for Apalachee Regional Park. This project resurfaced approximately 3,100 feet of existing asphalt entry roadway and included construction of a Kayak Launch and Boardwalk on the western side of the park.
• Apalachee Regional Park Cross Country Venue in the category of Structures. Building an operations and restroom building, outdoors awards stage, and finish line structure, this project designed and constructed a new facility specifically dedicated for cross country running.  As one of the first cross country venues of its kind, the building was designed to transition the built environment to the surrounding natural landscape.
• Leon County Courthouse Switchboard Replacement in the category of In-House Maintenance/Enhancement. This project challenged design crew to find a time to replace important electrical service equipment while not disrupting essential workers and the court schedule. Coordinating with the offices of judges, state attorneys and local elected officials, replacement occurred the 5-day weekend of Thanksgiving.
• Belair/Annawood Septic to Sewer Conversion in the category of Environmental/Stormwater. With a goal of reducing the nitrogen loading in the Wakulla Springs Basin, these projects installed over 5,800 feet of sewer mains, completed 49 sewer connections and septic tank abandonments in communities located on the southside of Leon County. 

"With five Project of the Year awards, Leon County showed yet again how staff exceeds expectations with every critical infrastructure project," said Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long. "I am extremely proud of our County team and their ongoing commitment to shaping our community for generations to come."

The APWA Awards Program promotes excellence in the management and administration of public works projects by recognizing the alliance between the managing agency, the consultant/architect/engineer, and the contractor who accomplished the projects together.

The American Public Works Association is a non-profit international, educational and professional association of public agencies, private companies, and individuals dedicated to improving the quality of life for communities through public works projects and services.

For more information, contact Mathieu Cavell, Community and Media Relations, at (850) 606-5300 / cmr@LeonCountyFL.gov .

 

The Raymond Tucker Road Drainage Improvement Project enhanced accessibility during extreme storm events for two neighborhoods by building a series of bridges and a cross drain improvement.

The Apalachee Park Cross Country Venue project included building an operations and restroom facility, outdoor awards stage, and finish line structure specifically dedicated to cross country running.

 

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