We are thrilled to announce that the New York State Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA) has honored two of CPL’s projects with the 2023 Public Works Project of the Year Award for Small Cities/Rural Communities.
The APWA Public Works Project of the Year Award was established to promote excellence in the management, administration and execution of public works projects. It acknowledges the collaborative efforts of the managing agency, the consultant/architect/engineer and the contractor, highlighting their collective achievement in successfully delivering public works projects.
1. TRANSPORATION CATEGORY – Town of Randolph Safe Routes to School Pedestrian Safety & Mobility Improvements
CPL partnered with the Town of Randolph, NY, to enhance pedestrian safety and mobility and, ultimately, encourage children to walk to school. This locally administered federal-aided (LAFA) project was overseen by the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Region 5.
High-visibility crosswalks and signage, along with rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFB), were implemented at strategic locations to increase driver awareness. Additionally, new crosswalks received enhanced striping with high-reflective signpost strips, reinforcing pedestrian safety.
Another focus of this project was the introduction of accessible, inclusive pathways for all residents. For example, deteriorated sidewalks were replaced and made compliant with ADAAG standards; areas with disjointed walkways in multiple locations were seamlessly connected with newly constructed sidewalks; and areas without sidewalks were identified as opportunities to establish new walking paths.
2. STRUCTURES CATEGORY – Town of Evans Sturgeon Point Marina Repairs and Rehabilitation
Situated on Lake Erie in the Town of Evans, NY, the Sturgeon Point Marina serves as a haven for 217 slips, including spaces for entities such as the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) and the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). A valuable community asset, this public marina is the sole facility of its kind within a 40-mile stretch between Buffalo and Dunkirk Harbor. Established in the 1980s, the marina has weathered numerous storms over the years, leading to a gradual deterioration of its infrastructure. Following an assessment by the USACE, the Town secured project funding from the NYS Department of State (DOS) and partnered with CPL to repair the marina. Then, after an intense storm caused further damage, the Town received extra funding from the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA), expanding the project scope from a repair to an urgent comprehensive rehabilitation.
The project centered around improving the breakwall’s resiliency against intense wave action and future storms. This encompassed the reconstruction of damaged portions, the widening and lowering of its slope, and the use and creative redesign of heavy stone armoring. We also repaired the damaged concrete access walkway on top of the breakwall and implemented new handrails for improved fishing access.
To prioritize sustainability, our team installed new filter stones within the wall’s core to combat sand infiltration, thereby reducing dredging costs and ensuring long-term operational and financial viability.
Public engagement was also integral, which involved multiple meetings to address community needs and minimize inconvenience. Construction concluded ahead of schedule in mid-summer, allowing the facility to be operational for the remainder of the season and for many more to come.
These award-winning projects highlight our dedication to working with clients to enhance people’s access to the world and deliver spaces that deeply enrich the communities they serve.
