2007 Engineering Excellence Awards (EEA)

The American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of Montana is pleased to announce the results of its 2007 Engineering Excellence Awards (EEA).  This competition recognizes engineering firms for projects that demonstrate a high degree of achievement, value, and ingenuity.

The ACEC-Montana Grand Project Award was presented to Morrison-Maierle, Inc. for their work on the Lake Frances Raw Water Intake and Pump Station in Conrad.  This project involved horizontally drilling ½ mile from the lakeshore under the middle of a lake bed, floating 2,300 feet of pipe out to the drill location, and pulling the pipe back through the drilled hole.  It is the longest installation of this diameter using this construction method in Montana.

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In addition, the following projects will receive Honor Awards in each of their respective categories:

Honor Award - Structural Systems Category

Madison Street Bicycle-Pedestrian Bridge, Missoula

Beaudette Consulting Engineers and WGM Group

This unique bicycle-pedestrian bridge passes through the abutments of the existing Madison Street Bridge and allows pedestrians and bicyclists to safely and conveniently cross the river at trail level, below the roadway.

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Honor Award - Studies, Research, and Consulting Engineering Services Category

Montana Technical Assistance Program

Kadrmas, Lee and Jackson

The Montana general aviation airport community expressed that technical assistance had been deficient.  Kadrmas, Lee & Jackson (KL&J) investigated this theory by distributing surveys to Montana’s airports.  KL&J recommended cost-effective solutions based on the results to establish a self-reliant network and empower airport communities with technical resources they need.

Honor Award - Transportation Category

Missouri River Ferry Rehabilitation Project; Blaine, Chouteau, and Fergus Counties

Morrison-Maierle, Inc. (MMI)

The three remaining Missouri River ferries represent an important part of Montana’s heritage.  Maintaining the historic integrity of these important transportation links was a priority for the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and the MMI design team.  The Missouri River ferries at Carter, Virgelle, and Stafford/McClelland have been given a new lease on life and should be operating for many years to come.

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Honor Award - Water and Wastewater Category

Lake Frances Raw Water Intake and Pump Station, Conrad

Morrison-Maierle, Inc.

This project involved horizontally drilling ½ mile from the lakeshore under the middle of a lake bed, floating 2,300 feet of pipe out to the drill location, and pulling the pipe back through the drilled hole. It is the longest installation of this diameter using this construction method in Montana.

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Honor Award - Small Projects Category (under $1,000,000)

Rattlesnake Creek Pedestrian Bridge, Missoula

HDR, Inc.

This bridge utilizes new and old sustainable materials in innovative ways and provides many new ideas for applying these materials in similar situations for pedestrian bridges and light-duty road bridges.

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A diverse panel of judges from across Montana contributed substantial time and effort in the judging of this year's entries.  The EEA judges included:

Dr. Dan VanLuchene, Engineering Professor – MSU

Dr. Leroy Friel, Engineering Professor - Montana Tech

Jim Reardon, City of Great Falls Public Works Director

Jon Bengochea, City of Glasgow Public Works Director

Jim Hansz, City of Kalispell Public Works Director

Steve Klotz, City of Laurel Public Works Director

ACEC of Montana represents engineering companies employing engineers across the state.  ACEC of Montana is an association that works with member firms to enhance and promote the engineering profession in the state of Montana.