Two Carefree public works projects have been recognized by the Arizona Associated General Contractors (AZAGC) for excellence in public works. Both projects will be presented their awards at the annual AZAGC “Build Arizona Awards” banquet to be held on January 26, 2024.
The first project, the Town’s 2023 Pavement Preservation Program, won an award in the under $2 million category. The project was recognized for implementing best maintenance practices in maintaining public street surfaces. The award noted that the project resulted in a superior quality product being delivered in a fiscally responsible manner. According to Gary Neiss, Carefree Town Administrator, “Roadways are our community’s single biggest asset. Over time, our streets have shown the typical signs of aging in our hot, dry desert environment. This project, along with our entire Pavement Preservation Program, represents a significant reinvestment in our community that will extend the life of one of our most important pieces of public infrastructure.” VSS International was the contractor on the project which included a three-step process of crack sealing, chip sealing, and a final slurry seal coating.
The second project to win a prestigious AZAGC “Build Arizona Award” was the Carefree Water Consolidation Project. This project was recognized for new public works construction in the $10 to $50 million category. The project was implemented with the goal of bringing all Carefree residents under one water provider and included the construction of nearly 5 miles of new pipeline and a new 300,000 gallon treated water storage reservoir. “The vision of unifying all of Carefree under one water provider has been fulfilled and the Carefree Water Company is honored to be providing these services to all Carefree residents,” stated Greg Crossman, General Manager of the Water Company. Mr. Crossman added, “This project was incredibly challenging. Transitioning 550 existing water customers spread over the west boundaries of Carefree from one water provider to another was not an easy proposition.” The award will be presented to the project team which includes Achen-Gardner (construction), Coe & Van Loo Consulting (design and inspection), and the Carefree Water Company (operations and project owner).
