The Pinal County in Arizona is currently basking in the limelight of public works acknowledgment, having recently been honored with the Project of the Year Award by the Arizona Chapter of the American Public Works Association. This accolade was conferred upon the county at the association's Annual Conference, which unfolded in Oro Valley on August 15.
In a vivid demonstration of successful interagency cooperation, the Inland Port Arizona (IPAZ) Improvements Project was made possible through a mix of federal and local partnerships. Funded by a USDOT Federal Discretionary BUILD Grant, the project is not only a win for Pinal County but also an exemplar of collaborative efforts that included FHWA, ADOT, the City of Coolidge, the City of Eloy, Union Pacific Railroad, and Saint Holdings, LLC, all banding together to positively impact the region.
According to an announcement published on Pinal County's official website, the project stands out within the $5-$25 Million Award Category. The successful realization of the IPAZ Improvements Project reflects the community's commitment to enhance transportation infrastructure and economic opportunities in the region.
Pinal County's statement names the individuals central to this recognition. Front row figures include Vince Smith, Jason Beck, Yanira Espana, and Pinal County Public Works Deputy Director Celeste Garza. The back row features Brian Lizzet, Chris Eischen, Matt Rencher, Sergio Rodriguez, Shelly Vidmar, Carlos Sanchez-Soria, and Ben Navarro, all of whom have now come to represent the collective face of a diligently executed public works project within the local and wider community.
