TEMPE, Ariz. (Sept. 4, 2025) – Terracon, in collaboration with the Flood Control District of Maricopa County and contractor Rummel Construction, won the American Public Works Association (APWA) Arizona Project of the Year in the Environment category (under $5 million) for their work on the Durango Campus Landscape and Water Conservation Retrofit in Phoenix.
The project showcases innovative design and sustainable practices that enhance water efficiency and environmental resilience. The project at the Maricopa County Flood Control District headquarters transformed the campus into a showcase for sustainable, water-wise landscaping and stormwater harvesting, featuring more than 150 new trees and robust habitat restoration. This involved overcoming challenging soils and complex utility work.
The project also serves as a demonstration of green stormwater infrastructure and low-impact development techniques and continues to function as a living lab to monitor the benefits of stormwater reuse to mitigate the impact of drought on urban landscapes.
Accepting the APWA award are (left to right) Ron Kries, Rummel Construction; Pablo Bautista-Marquez, Rummel Construction; John Griffin, Terracon; and Carlos Gonzalez, Rummel Construction.
“This project’s significance extends far beyond its innovative use of materials and green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) design techniques. The purposeful incorporation of post-construction performance evaluation, research opportunities, and maintenance considerations during the design process made all the difference in aligning intended outcomes. It exemplifies how using a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach leads to a successfully completed project,” said Harry Cooper, PLA, Director, Water Conservation Innovation with the Arizona Water Innovation Initiative (ASU) and former Manager of the Landscape & Water Conservation Branch at the Flood Control District of Maricopa County.
The APWA Public Works Project of the Year was established to promote 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, working together, complete public works projects.
Public works projects are nominated in four cost divisions and five categories plus in five different categories for Small Cities/Rural Communities. Individuals are also recognized by the chapter each year.
The award was presented at the American Public Works Association Arizona Chapter state conference in Tucson.
About Terracon
Terracon is an employee-owned multidisciplinary consulting firm comprised of more than 7,000 curious minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 180 locations nationwide. Our talented employee-owners provide on-time and real-time data-driven insights to create an unmatched client experience that spans the lifecycle of any project, any size, anywhere. Start to explore with us by visiting terracon.com. For more information visit Terracon.com.
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