Awards

The Minnesota Chapter proudly accepted its 15th Presidential Award for Chapter Excellence (PACE) award. 

The Minnesota Chapter of the American Public Works Association is highly involved and active Chapter. In 2018, our Chapter continued to grow in member opportunities. Our total membership in December of 2018 was 1,042. A highlight for the MN Chapter of APWA in 2018, was the development and award of a Diversity Grant. The objective of the grant is to foster a diverse workforce within the field of public works through education, training and awareness initiatives oriented toward under-represented populations. The APWA-MN Chapter recognizes, appreciates and fosters the synergy which is created when the work environment values the differences in individuals and practices inclusiveness and open communication. For the committee’s deliberations, the word “diversity” includes race, gender, religion, creed, age, lifestyle, national origin, disability, personality, educational background and income level. 

The MN Chapter of APWA continues to provide valuable opportunities for members to be involved, gain continuing education, network with their peers through committee work, chapter outreach, semi-annual conferences, technical tours, etc. The Executive Committee strives to provide exceptional value for chapter members through their desired experience with the Chapter. 

Three Rivers Park District, along with Eureka Construction, Inc./Zenith Tech, Inc. (contractor) and SEH (consultant) received the Project of the Year Award - Transportation ($5 million, but less than $25 million) project.

The Edina 6.1-mile segment of the 9MCRT project offers users a unique experience to interact with nature that was not possible before the project. This part of the trail has over 1.7 miles of timber boardwalk, goes over two MnDOT freeways via pedestrian bridges, has paved portions that intersect with six City parks and runs along City streets adjacent to numerous homes and businesses. 

Three Rivers Park District, along with their consultant SEH had to manage two separate general contractors in consecutive years with over 35 subcontractors. To do so, the project team engaged in proactive planning, used detailed scheduling with two-week look ahead schedules and provided weekly construction meetings. The project overcame a number of unique challenges and contributed to facilities that are projected to inspire over 110,000 annual visits, through the Edina portion of the 9MCRT, to connect with natural resources.

The City of Afton, Geislinger and Sons, Inc. (contractor) and Todd Hubmer (WSB) received the Project of the Year Award - Small Cities/Rural Communities for the Downtown Afton Revitalization project.

In 2008, the US Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) notified the City of Afton the levee protecting the Old Village did not meet standards to remain in the voluntary assistance program. The city hired consultant, WSB & Associates, to develop a multidisciplinary approach to preserve the downtown area and reconstruct the levee to USACE standards. An Old Village task force was appointed to lead the development and project planning to reconstruct the 160-year-old Old Village of Afton. 

The $20 million project included new sanitary collection and treatment system, reconstruction of all county and local roads, new trails, levee reconstruction, stormwater enhancements, ADA improvements and provided 100-year flood protection to protect the Old Village of Afton over the next century.

Bolton & Menk, Inc. received the 2019 Exceptional Performance Award, Journalism at the 2019 PWX in Seattle, WA.

The original idea for a children’s book came about while brainstorming ways to partner with communities hosting the Smithsonian Waterways Traveling Exhibit, which was touring across the state of Minnesota. The reaction to the original book, written by the firm’s own technical staff, was so favorable, the firm approached additional staff to expand the book series. 

These books provide a great opportunity to introduce young students to the world of architecture, engineering, and construction at an early age. They promote, reading and education about Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) in a fun and creative way. The books are written for the age range of 6-12 years old, are easily understandable and bring awareness to these professions.  

Paul Pasko received the Professional Manager of the Year Award - Engineering & Technology category at the 2019 PWX in Seattle, WA.

April Crockett was awarded the Professional Manager of the Year Award - Transportation at the 2019 PWX in Seattle, WA.

April has been an active member in APWA and has served on various committees including Co-Chair of the PWX Hospitality Committee, Executive Committee Director of State / County (elected 2012-2013), Co-Chair of the Public Awareness Committee and on the Conference Planning Committee. Her work on these various committees has furthered the mission of the MN Chapter of APWA “to advance the theory and practice of the design, construction, maintenance, administration, and operation of public works facilities and services.” 

Her comprehensive project management skills have been utilized on a variety of high-profile projects within the Twin Cities Area. Through these projects, she has implemented robust engineering principles, while leaving space for local and community priorities by exploring design parameters and implementing practical, performance-based solutions that best meet the region’s transportation and livability needs.