Innovative Green Stormwater Infrastructure Named Project of the Year at 2026 APWA WA
April, 2026
Implementing an innovative approach to urban stormwater management, the Monroe Avenue Infiltration Facility was recognized with two Project of the Year awards at the 2026 American Public Works Association (APWA) Awards for Washington state.
- Project of the Year: Environment ($5–$25 Million)
- Project of the Year: Sustainability – Envision Award
With a mission of creating an engaged community of AEC professionals, the APWA is a national organization dedicated to advancing public works at the local level. These honors follow a presentation the 2025 event, together highlighting a design aimed at solving long-standing flooding and environmental challenges for communities around the Renton Highlands Watershed. Projects of the Year showcase excellence and innovation in the management and administration of public works, while the Envision Award specifically focuses on an industry-leading example in sustainable, resilient, and equitable civil infrastructure.
About the Monroe Avenue Stormwater Facility
For decades, persistent flooding caused issues for communities around Renton, Washington. The Monroe Avenue Stormwater Facility took a comprehensive approach to reduce flooding while also enhancing water quality for this growing area. The complex design connects a variety of green stormwater features with existing stormwater infrastructure.
Using a treatment train approach that directs flows through a nature-based treatment system, polluted stormwater runoff is filtered and cooled before making its way back into the local river system. A combination of surveying along with hydrologic and hydraulic modeling of the subbasin optimized the facility to protect these communities from 100-year storm events.
