The American Public Works Association Wisconsin Chapter announced recently its juried selection of 2026 Project of the Year Award winners. The Village of Fox Point, MSA Professional Services, Inc. (MSA), and Michels Corporation were together chosen to receive a Project of the Year Award in the Small Cities/Rural Communities – Environment category for the Fox Point Beach Drive Coastal Resiliency project.

Project of the Year Awards recognize outstanding project deliverables as well as strong alliances between the managing agency, consultant engineer, and contractor. Nominations are reviewed by a qualified panel of judges selected by the chapter Awards Committee and appraised on a variety of achievements including meeting community needs, unique accomplishments under adverse conditions, creative use of municipal resources, construction processes, and awareness of environmental preservation.

The Beach Drive Coastal Resiliency project addressed significant storm-induced damages along a scenic 2-mile stretch of residential roadway on the western shore of Lake Michigan. In 2019, a series of powerful storms, near-record-high water levels, and sustained easterly winds resulted in severe shoreline loss and erosion. This damage compromised the stability of Beach Drive and the sanitary sewer and stormwater infrastructure that runs parallel to the shoreline.

A National Coastal Resilience Fund grant from FEMA enabled the Village to partner with MSA in the design and construction of a robust coastal protection system. The final design featured a resilient stone revetment system engineered to withstand future storm events while reclaiming lost green space, improving green infrastructure for stormwater, and enhancing ecological integrity along the shoreline. The project also included public access improvements and native landscaping, ensuring that the shoreline remained both functional, accessible, and beautiful for generations to come.

“We are proud to receive high honors for this important Lake Michigan shoreline project,” remarked John Langhans, PE, vice president and Land service line leader at MSA. “The Village faced profound immediate and long-term challenges due to rising lake levels and an increased frequency of severe storm events. They are to be commended for seeking a sound, sustainable solution and fortifying the stability of the Beach Drive shoreline while also upgrading local utilities and enhancing the environmental aesthetic.”

Award winners will be formally recognized at the APWA Wisconsin Chapter 2026 Spring Conference and Awards Banquet on April 23 in Brookfield, Wisconsin.