The American Public Works Association Iowa Chapter announced recently its juried selection of 2026 Project of the Year Award winners. The City of Sumner and MSA were together chosen to receive a Project of the Year Award in the Environment category, $2.5M-$5M division, for the Walnut Street Stormwater Improvements project.

L to R: MSA Team Leader Sarah Fosbinder, City of Sumner Mayor Brian Bockhaus, MSA Team Leader Nichole Sungren

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 construction management and control techniques; use of alternative materials or funding practices; safety performance; environmental considerations; community relations; and unusual accomplishments under adverse conditions.

The Sumner Walnut Street Stormwater Improvements project represents the culmination of nearly a decade of planning, funding coordination, and phased implementation aimed at addressing chronic flooding in the City of Sumner. Following a devastating 2017 storm that overwhelmed the community’s stormwater system, the City partnered with MSA to develop a watershed-scale solution focused on reducing flood risk and improving long-term resilience. The effort began with construction of regional stormwater detention basins providing approximately 95 acre-feet of storage, significantly reducing peak stormwater flows entering the city during major rainfall events.

The Walnut Street project completed the critical infrastructure needed to safely convey stormwater through the community and to the Little Wapsipinicon River. The project included approximately 2,600 feet of stormwater conveyance improvements, including large-diameter reinforced concrete pipe, box culverts, drainage channel enhancements, and a new sanitary sewer lift station that improved system performance by removing an existing sanitary storm conflict. Despite challenges ranging from utility conflicts and wet construction conditions to river surcharges and constrained urban work areas, the project was completed safely and successfully through close collaboration among the City, project partners, utilities, funding agencies, and residents. Today, the project serves as a model for resilient infrastructure, protecting homes, businesses, and public assets while improving water quality and supporting Sumner’s long-term growth and sustainability.

“We are proud to receive this prestigious award in concert with our client partner, the City of Sumner,” remarked Rob Uphoff, PE, senior vice president and senior Public Works service line leader at MSA. “The City faced profound immediate and long-term challenges due to repeat storm events and inadequate stormwater infrastructure. They are to be commended for seeking sound, sustainable solutions that protect citizens, safeguard investments, and build confidence in the community’s future.”

Award winners were formally recognized at the APWA Iowa Chapter Fall Conference and Awards Banquet on October 8, 2026, in Ames, Iowa.