American Public Works Association Fox Valley Branch recognizes Cary with two project of the year awards
On Jan. 18, the American Public Works Association Fox Valley Branch recognized the village of Cary with two Project of the Year awards.
The biological phosphorus removal and ultraviolet disinfection system at the village's wastewater treatment plant was honored as the Project of the Year in the Environment (less than $5 million) category.
This project meets the recent EPA requirements for all treatment plants discharging to the Fox River to reduce phosphorus discharges but accomplishes this goal in an environmentally friendly and cost-effective manner utilizing existing tanks to minimize construction costs.
Project accomplishments include:
• Reduced energy use.
• Increased automation.
• Meeting or exceeding EPA discharge limits for phosphorus.
• Improved environmental sustainability of wastewater treatment operations.
• Enhanced employee safety.
Cary's new Metra Station along the inbound platform was also the recipient of an award as the Project of the Year in the Structures (less than $5 million) category.
The previous depot building was constructed in 1952 and is situated adjacent to the outbound platform along with over 600 commuter parking spaces. T
he primary goal of this project was to enhance safety for commuters while also improving the overall transit experience to help encourage ridership and reduce traffic on our roadways. Project accomplishments include:
• Improved commuter safety with the depot building and ticket agent now located along the inbound platform.
• Enhanced protection for commuters from inclement weather with the replacement of three small open shelters with the new depot and an enclosed/heated shelter.
• Maximized outside funding with a $2 million federal grant from Metra. A separate Federal Railroad Administration grant was also received for additional future pedestrian crossing improvements.
• Unparalleled inter-agency cooperation and coordination between the Village of Cary, Metra, the Union Pacific Railroad, and the Illinois Department of Transportation to facilitate the project.
• Creation of a beautifully designed landmark for the community on this high-visibility site in the heart of downtown Cary.