The City of Marietta's Department of Public Works has recently been honored with two prestigious awards from the American Public Works Association (APWA) Georgia Chapter The department's commitment to improving the city's public works has earned them accolades in the form of a Leader of the Year award and a Project of the Year award for the state, as detailed in a press release from the city's website..
"I am extremely proud of our team and the dedication they bring to every project, every day," Mark Rice, the City’s Director of Public Works, said in a statement, highlighting the team's efforts. Their work has substantially impacted the daily lives of Marietta's residents, making the city a more livable and efficient community. According to the same press release, the APWA's awards program is designed to honor those who excel in the public works sector in Georgia.
The Project of the Year award was snagged by the Kennesaw Mountain Pedestrian Improvements Project, which has vastly enhanced pedestrian connectivity and public access around the Kennesaw Mountain National Park area. Completed over three phases, the project has successfully linked numerous trail networks, promoting outdoor recreation and mobility. With a budget close to $7.8 million, the initiative took a collaborative effort with the Cobb County DOT, National Park, and federal funding, transforming local infrastructure.
Alongside the recognition of citywide improvements, Jerod Bush, the Street Division Foreman III, received the Right-of-Way (Streets) Supervisor of the Year award. Over more than two decades, Bush has worked his way up from a laborer to a position of leadership, demonstrating his prowess in maintenance, operation, and management of the team. Known for leaping into leadership roles across divisions when needed, Jerod was recognized as the "go-to" expert in his field and was commended for his consistent excellence and commitment to mentorship, according to his peers and management.
