Public infrastructure contractors continue to showcase project delivery practices and technical expertise as agencies increase investment in resilient water, wastewater and transportation systems. Achen-Gardner Construction used the 2026 Arizona Chapter American Public Works Association Statewide Conference to highlight award-winning infrastructure projects and share lessons from major utility rehabilitation programs.
The conference brought together more than 900 public works professionals from across Arizona, providing a forum for contractors, public agencies and industry partners to discuss project delivery, engineering practices and infrastructure improvements.
Achen-Gardner's City of Chandler Detroit Basin/Gazelle Meadows Park Storm System CMAR project earned a Project of the Year Award during the conference. The infrastructure improvements removed more than 250 homes from the floodplain while transforming Gazelle Meadows Park into an upgraded public space.
Company representatives also led technical presentations covering large-diameter pipeline rehabilitation and value-based construction management practices. One session reviewed more than 46 miles of large-diameter pipeline dewatering and rehabilitation completed across Arizona during the past decade, including rehabilitation methods, maintenance of pipeline operations, dewatering practices and confined space considerations.
A separate presentation focused on applying value methodology and risk-based decision-making to Construction Manager at Risk projects to improve cost management, evaluate value engineering opportunities and support infrastructure delivery for public agencies.
The conference also provided opportunities for Achen-Gardner to engage with public agencies and industry partners by sharing information about its experience delivering roadway, stormwater, water and wastewater infrastructure projects throughout Arizona.
Participation in technical education sessions and industry conferences allows contractors to exchange project delivery practices while supporting continued innovation in public works construction.
As public agencies continue investing in resilient infrastructure, technical collaboration and knowledge sharing remain important for construction owners and contractors delivering complex civil projects. Recognition of successful flood control and utility rehabilitation projects, along with discussions on risk management and CMAR delivery, provides practical insights that can improve project planning, execution and long-term infrastructure performance.
Source: Achen-Gardner.
