The Town of Cutler Bay’s ambitious improvement project for Old Cutler Road, which was completed in the fall of 2013, has won two new awards. Presented at the Florida Public Works Expo of 2014 on July 10, the American Public Works Association honored both Public Works director Alfredo Quintero and the town’s contractor Acosta Tractors Inc.
The town’s Old Cutler Roadway Improvements Project was given the “Project of the Year” Award by the Cuban American Association of Civil Engineers (C-AACE) on Mar. 15.
Quintero received the “Professional Manager of the Year” award from the APWA, which recognizes “outstanding achievement in the area of administration within the Public Works Department and inspires the outstanding career service achievements of administrative professionals in the field with a focus on candidates who manage and make significant contributions in the Public Works profession.”
The selection process followed a thorough review by public works directors throughout the state of Florida who consider the categories of profession, leadership, innovation, agency service, customer service, community service, and sustainability.
Acosta Tractors Inc. received the “Stormwater Contractor of the Year” Award following an appraisal of the completed roadway project and its accomplishments. A major benefit of the improvements was the reduction of stormwater pollutants including total nitrogen, total phosphorous and total suspended solids. Native Florida landscaping and swale areas were used to naturally treat the roadway stormwater runoff. Town manager Rafael G. Casals attended the gathering and stood beside the members of the team during the presentation. He had praise for their work.
“The prestigious award received by Mr. Quintero is a testament to the dedication and personal commitment that our employees provide to our town residents on a daily basis,” Casals said. “Additionally, the award received by Acosta Tractors Inc. demonstrates the quality of contractors which the town selects.
“We can all be very proud that, out of more than 400 municipalities within the state of Florida, we have the Professional Manager of the Year and Stormwater Contractor of the Year on our team, Casals added. “This project was truly a team effort which involved the community vision during the charrette and roadway design phase.”
