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PHOENIX – A national organization of designers and public operators of America’s infrastructure today spotlighted a key water and wastewater project instrumental to the planned construction of a major semiconductor plant in Phoenix.
Dubbed the Northwest Valley Infrastructure Project, the Engineering and Public Works Roadshow called it a true example of how early planning, attention to safety and quality, and focus on partnering can result in a highly successful venture.
The Roadshow is a collaboration between the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), the American Public Works Association (APWA), and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).
Construction of the $12 billion Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) plant (one of two) could not have moved forward without the Northwest Valley water & wastewater effort.
“Northwest Valley is a shining example of how public works departments throughout the country deliver every day, but you don’t see the work they do,” said APWA President Gary Losier, PEng. “While many have focused on the semiconductor plant, few have noticed that there was also extensive water and wastewater installation that was needed to get TSMC to the point of construction.”
“Economic development can only be successful with the robust infrastructure to support new projects,” said ACEC Board Chairman Jay Wolverton. “America’s engineering firms plan and deliver innovative infrastructure every day. Though you may not see it, engineers make our modern world possible by designing the processes and equipment that enable clean drinking water, waste removal, and high-tech manufacturing centers. That’s why we’re here today – to spotlight the engineers of today and the generations to come, who will design the future.”
“Behind every great economic opportunity is a team of engineers driven to build the infrastructure necessary to make that opportunity a reality,” said Tom Smith, ASCE executive director. “The team behind the Northwest Valley Infrastructure Project built out the water systems necessary to support businesses and people, and that’s why this profession is so important. We need many more skilled workers to join the ranks to continue producing these kinds of economy-driving projects.”
The $125 million construction project required the installation of the water and wastewater infrastructure under an exceedingly accelerated schedule that allowed less than six months for preconstruction and procurement and only nine months for construction.
Included in the Northwest Valley infrastructure project:
- 6.8 miles of 36-inch and 54-inch-diameter water transmission mains;
- Two 108-inch-diameter rib-and-lag boring tunnels, 2,300 feet long, across I-17;
- 3.5 miles of dual 24-inch-diameter high density polyethylene (HDPE) sewer force mains;
- 2.2 miles of 24-inch, 42-inch, and 48-inch diameter gravity sewer lines;
- 52-MGD pressure-reducing station (build-out phase);
- 44-MGD sewer lift station (build-out phase);
- Multiple drainage structures along the corridor; and,
- Numerous concrete structures with highly specialized coatings.
This is the Roadshow’s fifth stop since its creation in late 2022. Its mission is to spotlight successful infrastructure investments and their positive impact on the nation’s economy, jobs, the environment, and the future.
Representatives from Phoenix Water Services Department, Wilson Engineers, Carollo Engineers, Sundt Construction, Felix Construction, and Garney Construction were applauded today for their excellent work.
“I am excited to see the Northwest Valley Infrastructure Project recognized by ACEC, APWA, and ASCE. This accomplishment highlights the important role that meticulous planning, design, and construction efforts play in ensuring the success of critical ventures like our city’s new TSMC plant, said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “The Roadshow recognition is a testament to our commitment to excellence and innovation in infrastructure, and further cements Phoenix as a leader in development.”
As the federal government continues to implement the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Roadshow speakers said it will not be fully realized without an expanded and robust workforce. Students nationwide must be educated about the rewarding careers of civil engineering and public works, they said, so these professions have the necessary staffing to complete transformative projects.
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About the Engineering and Public Works Roadshow
The American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), American Public Works Association (APWA), and American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) formed a nationwide partnership Aug. 1, 2022, to raise awareness and highlight the meaningful, transformational work of engineers and public works professionals.
ACEC represents more than 5,500 of America’s engineering firms, ASCE represents more than 150,000 members of the civil engineering profession in 177 countries, and APWA represents more than 32,000 public works professionals and is the only organization to represent all facets of public works. Visit the Roadshow website at www.infrastructureroadshow.org.
Contact:
ACEC: Allison Schneider, aschneider@acec.org
APWA: Mark Shade, mshade@apwa.net
ASCE: Kevin Longley, klongley@asce.org