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| D'Emilia Shares Thoughts on APWA Award, Forester Creek Success |
 Dino D'Emilia, PBS&J senior group manager— accompanying City of Santee client Julie Procopio— accepted the American Public Works Association's 2009 national award for Environmental Project of the Year last week (9/14/09). The prize went to the Forester Creek Improvement Project in Santee, California.
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Q: Dino, how did it feel stepping up to that stage to accept the award?
A: Hey, it was truly a thrill for me to be there with our client to accept this awesome award. It's heavy—must weigh at least 10 pounds!
Q: What did the City of Santee think about the award?
A: They're really excited. They remember when the creek flooded with almost every big winter storm. There were homeless folks dumping trash and old shopping carts in the creek. The water was polluted. It wasn't pretty.
Q: What's the criteria for winning the Project of the Year award?
A: The award acknowledges project management excellence and the collaborative partnerships between the agency, consultant, contractor and engineers, who all work together to make the project happen.
Q: And criteria for an environment project?
A: Improving public safety while protecting the environment. Flooding is now controlled and redevelopment can continue. The creek and its natural habitat have been restored. Water quality is improving, too.
Q: Any closing thoughts?
A: This is a win-win project. It's good for the environment and the economy. The project has been so well received by regional water agencies and environmentalists, it's become a model for others in San Diego County area.
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