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Sumner proclaims National Public Works Week and wins APWA 'Project of the Year' for Maine and Wood intersection
Summary
Sumner City proclaimed May 18–24 National Public Works Week, recognized two public‑works employees and accepted an American Public Works Association award for the Maine and Wood intersection project, citing accessibility, stakeholder coordination and design work from 2018–2025.
The Sumner City Council on May 19 proclaimed May 18–24, 2025, as National Public Works Week and recognized city public‑works staff for their contributions. The council also accepted an American Public Works Association (APWA) Project of the Year award for the Maine and Wood intersection modernization.
Public Works Director Michael Khosza introduced operators Lyle (Operator II) and Kevin Jorgensen (field supervisor) and summarized the department’s responsibilities, saying the department “manages the city's transportation network, including our streets … [and] our drinking water sources and distribution network,” and also oversees parks, cemetery services, stormwater and fleet maintenance. The proclamation described public‑works professionals as essential to public health, safety and quality of life and noted the APWA‑sponsored National Public Works Week.
Tina Nelson, chair of the APWA Washington chapter awards committee, presented the award and praised the Maine and Wood project’s coordination and outreach. “The proactive coordination outreach to stakeholders during all stages of the project, innovative solutions … and the ongoing communication with the public” were central to the panel’s decision, she said.
City staff credited a multi‑departmental effort on the Maine and Wood transportation project, which the city characterized as a small‑agency transportation project (under $5 million) completed with federal grant reimbursements, property acquisitions and close coordination with adjacent businesses. Staff singled out Courtney Littrell (public works project manager) and city engineer Alisa Ojaver Ayala for leadership on design and construction that updated an aging signal, improved ADA access and integrated the junction into the town center.
The presentation noted the project’s outreach practices — 1‑on‑1 meetings with property owners, scheduled pedestrian detours, access accommodations for deliveries, and special consideration for residents with specific needs — and credited cooperation among public works, finance, community development, legal, police, communications and IT staff for on‑time delivery.
The proclamation and award recognition required no council vote beyond routine acceptance of the proclamation; the council applauded the employees and project team and moved on to other business.
