Each year, the American Public Works Association (APWA) New York Chapter awards members for their service and honorable projects. This year, two of our PERMA members were recipients of prestigious accolades for their outstanding contributions to public works.

The Onondaga County Water Authority received the Central Branch Environmental Projects of the Year Award, which recognizes projects with budgets ranging from $25 million to $75 million. This honor was bestowed upon them for the Lake Ontario Water Treatment Plant Improvements, a significant project that not only enhances the quality of water but also reinforces the infrastructure necessary to support the community’s needs. The goal of that project will be to eliminate the need to paint the existing tanks now and, in the future, and to improve the disinfection process at the plant by providing more contact time between the filtered water and the chlorine used to disinfect it. OCWA expects to perform that project in 2025-2027.

Additionally, the Town of Greece received the Project of the Year Award for Structures, which is specifically designated for projects with budgets between $5 million and $25 million. This award celebrated the renovation and expansion project conducted at “The Center” on the Greece Town Hall Campus. The project aimed to provide improved and expanded facilities for town residents, offering enhanced services and amenities within the community hub. The expansion features 30,000 square feet of new space allowing the Town to offer 60,000 square feet of space dedicated to the health and wellness of their community. Additionally, a wellness center was added which features cardio and circuit training equipment, a dedicated cycling studio, a barre room, and several new programs spaces, both large and small. The Town also expanded a walk track to1/5 of a mile long. Based on the Town’s social media, The Center have more than doubled in one year, from 112,672 to 228,902.

Both projects exemplify the dedication and commitment to public service that the APWA values, showcasing innovative approaches to solving community issues and improving the quality of life for residents. The recognition of these projects serves as an inspiration and a benchmark for future initiatives in public works.