Marietta’s Public Works Department Receives Five Awards from the APWA Georgia Chapter

July 22, 2024

CONTACT: Daniel Cummings

Assistant City Manager for Economic and Project Development

[email protected]

770.794.5668

MARIETTA - On July 11^th, the City of Marietta's Department of Public Works received five of the 20 awards given at the Georgia Chapter of American Public Works Association (APWA) Annual Awards Banquet. These recognitions include two Leader of the Year awards and three Project of the Year awards for the State of Georgia. The Georgia Chapter APWA's Awards Program honors outstanding public works employees, individuals, groups, and projects, representing the best achievements in the public works profession in Georgia. "I am extremely proud of everyone in this department and all of the hard work they put in for all of these projects and for everything they do every day to protect and make the City of Marietta the best place to work and call home. These awards are further validation that we have the best staff in the state!" stated Mark Rice, the City's Director of Public Works. The five awards received are as follows:

• The 2024 Transportation Manager of the Year was awarded to Richard Stokes, Transportation Project Manager. His dedication to prioritizing the City of Marietta and his commitment to completing projects and emergencies as quickly as possible set him apart. Richard oversees the daily operations of the SPLOST Capital Program's construction, as well as managing numerous contractors and consultants every day for various projects that enhance our city.
• The 2024 Right-of-Way (Streets) Supervisor of the Year was awarded to James "Kenny" Thomason, Street Department Supervisor. Kenny has earned the respect of both supervisory staff and peers across multiple city departments, fostering collaboration and teamwork. His commitment to addressing residents' needs, solving problems thoroughly, and maintaining high standards, has made him a respected and admired figure in the department and our community.
• The 2024 Transportation ($5-$25 Million) Project of the Year was awarded to the City for the Powder Springs Streetscape Project. This project was a significant accomplishment, prioritizing pedestrian safety with ADA accessibility and ample lighting for nighttime walkers, ensuring safe travel to the downtown district. As the area continues to grow and develop, this corridor will be much easier to navigate for both vehicles and pedestrians, benefiting citizens and visitors alike. The project's size, scope, and complexities required the support of the Mayor and City Council, the City Manager, and the collaboration of all City departments.
• The 2024 Quality of Life Project of the Year was awarded for the recent Mill Street Plaza Project. This makeover transformed the area around the Glover Machine Works Train Exhibit next to the Mill Street public parking lot. As an entry to the Marietta Square, this project enhanced the downtown welcome with new brick plazas on either side, drainage improvements in the parking lot, and a monument featuring wayfinding signage and storyboards discussing the historic 1974 train derailment at the location.
• The 2024 Environmental Project of the Year for the State of Georgia was awarded to the City for its Roll Cart Conversion Program. Facing an outdated, labor-intensive, and inefficient method of sanitation collection, and with the support of the Mayor and City Council, the Sanitation Division of Public Works converted residential sanitation services to weekly curbside collection, providing each resident with an optional size roll cart. This change aligned service levels with current industry standards, practices, and those of surrounding local governments.