2010 Engineering Excellence Awards (EEA)

ACEC-Montana is pleased to announce the results of its 2010 Engineering Excellence Awards Competition.

Grand Project Award:
The ACEC-Montana Grand Project Award will be presented to Morrison-Maierle Inc. for their work on the Bigfork Wastewater Treatment Plant Headworks Replacement.  This project involved construction of a fine screening headworks facility at the wastewater treatment plant. The facility is unique because it is specifically designed to provide pre-treatment for an advanced treatment system using membrane filtration to be installed in the next phase. The headworks is the first of its type in Montana.

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

Structural Systems Category:
Bonner Pedestrian Bridge Rehabilitation:  HDR Engineering, Inc......The Bonner Bridge is the first known major bridge truss span lengthening project. The main truss span was lengthened from 166.5 to 222 feet (55.5 feet, one third of the original bridge length). Additionally, long-lasting ironwood replaced the concrete deck, reducing the dead load and providing attractive new decking.

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Building/Technology Systems Category:
M-M Bozeman Office Building:  Morrison-Maierle Inc.......Morrison-Maierle’s new Bozeman office demonstrates a state-of-the-art office can meet total staff work space needs, facilitate efficient coordination and communication, all in an environmentally sustainable and cost-effective manner. It is a testament to the success of sustainable design and was awarded the first LEED Gold certification in Montana.

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Transportation Category:
Billings - Airport Road:  DOWL HKM.......The Airport Road project was a very complex project integrating numerous aspects of transportation, traffic, structural, hydraulic, and geotechnical engineering. While the corridor was a mere three miles long, the project included the design of a grade-separated urban interchange as well as the design of a modern multi-lane roundabout. Numerous culturally sensitive and historic sites, significant utility involvement, and geographical constraints added to the complexity the project.

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Water and Wastewater Category:
Bigfork Wastewater Treatment Plant Headworks Replacement: Morrison-Maierle Inc........This project involved construction of a fine screening headworks facility at the wastewater treatment plant. The facility is unique because it is specifically designed to provide pre-treatment for an advanced treatment system using membrane filtration to be installed in the next phase. The headworks is the first of its type in Montana.

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Small Projects Category (under $1,000,000):  
Kevin Mundy Memorial Bridge: Nishkian Monks, PLLC.......... The Kevin Mundy Memorial Bridge provides a nexus where walkers meet hikers, students meet to discuss ecology, and where loitering to enjoy the sounds of tumbling water is encouraged. The project is a true example of community teamwork; partnering to provide property access, land donations, design and engineering support, and funding.

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Studies, Research, and Consulting Engineering Services Category:
US 93 Corridor Study: DOWL HKM........The US 93 Corridor Study recommends innovative solutions to highway capacity issues. Instead of relying on conventional roadway expansion measures, the study developed a set of nontraditional strategies, including transit and multi-modal options, spot improvements, and policy tools, which proved to be both fundable and strongly supported at the local level.

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As recipients of an Honor Award in their respective categories, each of these projects may be entered in the 2010 ACEC-National Engineering Excellence Awards competition (http://www.acec.org/awards/eea.cfm). 

ACEC-Montana will honor these projects at the Montana Engineering Honors Banquet to be held in conjunction with the Joint Engineers Conference on November 4, 2009.

We would also like to thank our panel of judges who contributed substantial time and effort in the judging of this year's entries.

EEA Judges:
Dr. Dan VanLuchene, Engineering Professor - MSU 
Gary Fischer, Engineering Professor - Carroll College
Jim Reardon, City of Great Falls Public Works Director
Bruce Bender, Chief Administrative Officer, Missoula, Montana
Jim Hansz, City of Kalispell Public Works Director